Kiss My Grits, It’s Murder

Southern Culinary Mysteries #1

by Lucy Lemon

Welcome to Magnolia Bluff, Georgia—where the tea is sweet, the biscuits are buttery, and murder is on the menu.

When beloved diner owner Gracie Jenkins is found dead beside a pot of buttered grits, the sheriff calls it an accident. But four feisty women from the Books & Biscuits Club aren’t buyin’ it. Between gossip, book club nights, and a few too many casseroles, June Mae and her friends uncover secrets stickier than peach preserves—and soon realize someone in town would kill to keep them quiet.

Kiss My Grits, It’s Murder is a laugh-out-loud Southern cozy mystery filled with charm, friendship, and a dash of danger. Perfect for fans of Joanne Fluke, Ellery Adams, and all things sweet tea and small town.

Justice has never been this delicious!

155 pages, Paperback

Published January 17, 2026

Reviews

[Brandy Hager · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one just didn’t work for me. The writing felt very repetitive, with the same wording and phrases popping up over and over, which made the story drag more than it should have.

The mystery itself was fine, but I never really got pulled into it or connected with the characters. Thought it would be super cute because it was southern characters but nothing was funny or charming in it. Thankfully it was a short read, because I’m not sure I would have stuck with it if it were any longer.

Overall, not terrible — just not for me.

[Courtney · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the idea, but it wasn't done well. There were so many butter/biscuit/Southern cliches that it was distracting. The computer-generated audio version was absolutely terrible. I have a hard time supporting authors who use AI for their work. It was bad enough that I will not continue the series.

[Amee Termini · Rating 2 out of 5]

unimaginative

I love clean cozy mysteries, so I read a lot of them. This one was extremely basic. Seems like the author described the same scenes using different words over and over. We get it, it was a quaint town. I was relieved when it was over .

[Mark · Rating 2 out of 5]

At first, I was thrilled with the wonderful southernisms in this book. “That woman’s secret ingredient has always been gossip. She couldn’t serve a plate without seasoning it with a rumor.” "My cousin’s neighbor’s uncle was there." Delicious.

But it didn't take too long for them to slow down the story, making it difficult to read. They started popping up in every other sentence, and many of them didn't even make sense. "The smell of cornbread filled June Mae Hatcher's kitchen like forgiveness." "And in this town, honey's spelled g-r-i-t-s." Huh?

And then there were lines like "Something about those three words—ask Don—gnawed." Halfway through the book, the protagonist's husband shows up. He's never mentioned before then, even though most of the plot happens in their house at all hours. In fact, we really don't know anything about June Mae Hatcher or any of the rest of the characters at all. Other than the fact that they can't complete a sentence without adding justice, crime, butter, or biscuits to the end.

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Entertaining Southern Mystery!

Sweet tea, classic southern sayings that convey everything from sympathy to joy, biscuits and comfort food. This enjoyable novel had it all. A new author for me that had me hooked with the title. Four friends who gather weekly for their book club with a side of gossip, tea and delicious snacks. The death of an employee of the local diner sends everyone into shock and the four friends into full sluthing mode. Trying to piece together clues as to who would this long term town resident dead involves speculation with a side of sweet tea and comforting southern dishes from main dishes to desserts. Four feisty ladies who refuse to stop until they have solved the case. Enjoyable with phrases one only hears in the deep south, from Bless her Heart which conveys any number of things based on the tone of voice, shopping at the Piggly Wiggly which I haven't heard of in 50 years brought back pleasant memories and laugh out loud moments. We'll done!

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pleasant read with strong Southern issues. The four friends find themselves horrified at the death of a local business woman. They always believe it's murder, but the sheriff calls it accidental and threatens them as they find connections with several local people. The denouement is a little dissatisfying.

[Lynn Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, quick, and cozy read with strong Southern flavor. The perfect book if you want something light and entertaining rather than intense or suspenseful. I loved the friendship between the Biscuit and Books ladies. Since I live in Savannah, I enjoyed all of the southern sayings and references to the area since the fictional Magnolia Bluff is supposed to be near Savannah.

[Jackson · Rating 2 out of 5]

It felt like I was reading the same thing over and over in certain parts. Also, it would have been nice if there had been more dialogue. It was a tell you story, not show you type of story. I found that boring. I liked the first few chapters, then it felt repetitive and shallow. The mystery was uneventful and not that exciting.

[Ant · Rating 2 out of 5]

Shallow. We knew nothing about the characters besides they were comfortable with silence when it came to each other. A lot of the same description over and over. We learned nothing about the characters or their lives. Sure short and to the point, but I found it boring. I wanted to like it, I just did not.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

cackling good time, and a mystery too

If I knew how to cackle, I would have been doing it through this entire story. The cast as stellar and each lady was a needed part of the whole dynamic. It was as if the Golden Girls and the cast of the Alice’s Diner tv show had a child and it became this. Plus it added a dose of exceptional cozy mystery drama. Loved it.

[sherie McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

A " who done it" story

I really enjoyed this mystery. Nothing like a small town group of female friends to figure out who did their dear friend in and why.
The author draws you in will small town charm. Vivid descriptions of the surroundings , sights and smells put you right there with these tenacious ladies. Very well written. I highly recommend Kiss My Grits, It's Murder.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a quick read. I liked the southern feel to it. It felt cozy. I did feel like in parts it was repetitive and I never understood why they didn't talk to each other more. It felt kind of odd and after a while it got on my nerves because I wanted them to talk about emotions or their thoughts.

[Nana Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!!!

[Douvonté · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25

[Timbra Delgado · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clean, cozy, and delightfully cheesy. Think church gossip ladies meet Golden Girls with a touch of Murder, She Wrote. Cute, fun, and an easy read.

[Jane Y · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a very good book.

I didn’t realize who the killers was until the last two chapters of this book.

Keep the good stories coming

[Karen Manuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and funny cozy mystery! Very very enjoyable !!

[Cathy Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable

Loved the storyline. Very descriptive and imaginative. Looking forward to the next book. Would like to recipes included if possible

[Kimberly Woolet · Rating 5 out of 5]

A southern Fun book to read

I couldn't stop.laughing really enjoyed this book on to the next one hoping its just as good as the first

[Rebecca Boettjet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder Review

I loved the way the ladies went on their own and helped solve the murder. I couldn't put it down until I finished it. An awesome relaxing book

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute, cozy southern mystery with plenty of southern charm and phrases. A classic cozy mystery

[Stacee Spratlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

I loved this book, such a nice, wholesome southern who done it read. I would highly suggest reading this book