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Pop-Up Dinner Murder: A Wickedly Clever Culinary Cozy Mystery
A celebrity chef is dead.
The kitchen was full.
And no one saw a thing.
When visiting chef Brock Ashford collapses mid-bite at an exclusive pop-up dinner, Chef Fiona Firth knows it wasn’t an accident. Someone used the chaos. And they chose their moment carefully.
Fiona never wanted to attend the high-profile event hosted by her longtime rival, Cassandra Volk. But in Seacliff Springs, absence is noticed. When Ashford dies during service, Fiona’s instincts, honed in demanding kitchens and guided by her family’s quiet herbal craft, tell her this was no mistake. It was an interruption. Precise. Patient. Planned.
The police take control, but Fiona can’t ignore the patterns. A station moved. A camera shifted. A narrow window when attention fractured. Someone understood the kitchen well enough to disappear inside it.
Then a message arrives meant for Fiona alone.
The killer isn’t reckless.
They’re careful.
And Fiona is next.
The kitchen was full.
And no one saw a thing.
When visiting chef Brock Ashford collapses mid-bite at an exclusive pop-up dinner, Chef Fiona Firth knows it wasn’t an accident. Someone used the chaos. And they chose their moment carefully.
Fiona never wanted to attend the high-profile event hosted by her longtime rival, Cassandra Volk. But in Seacliff Springs, absence is noticed. When Ashford dies during service, Fiona’s instincts, honed in demanding kitchens and guided by her family’s quiet herbal craft, tell her this was no mistake. It was an interruption. Precise. Patient. Planned.
The police take control, but Fiona can’t ignore the patterns. A station moved. A camera shifted. A narrow window when attention fractured. Someone understood the kitchen well enough to disappear inside it.
Then a message arrives meant for Fiona alone.
The killer isn’t reckless.
They’re careful.
And Fiona is next.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 23, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Review of advance copy
Thank you to BookSprout for the ARC
This book's pretty cute. A chef gets murdered at a restaurant, everyone’s freaking out, there’s intrigue, plenty of secrets, and the kitchen staff are all over it like it’s their personal business (which it is, obviously).
I love the staff. Absolute found-family energy. I stan. But I wish the setting had been more important. We’re in a fancy restaurant and… there are no food descriptions?? At all?? Criminal!
The mystery is fairly interesting, but also a bit too easy to guess. And the writing is a little simplistic at times. Still, it’s a cosy, chaotic little ride that I enjoyed way more than I expected.
This book's pretty cute. A chef gets murdered at a restaurant, everyone’s freaking out, there’s intrigue, plenty of secrets, and the kitchen staff are all over it like it’s their personal business (which it is, obviously).
I love the staff. Absolute found-family energy. I stan. But I wish the setting had been more important. We’re in a fancy restaurant and… there are no food descriptions?? At all?? Criminal!
The mystery is fairly interesting, but also a bit too easy to guess. And the writing is a little simplistic at times. Still, it’s a cosy, chaotic little ride that I enjoyed way more than I expected.
February 23, 2026
Pop-Up Dinner Murder is a Superb story about Fiona Firth a Restaurant Owner and her very clever special cat Miso. Fiona attends a Pop-Up Dinner. But unfortunately while there a Guest Chef collapses in the kitchen. Detective Sergeant Linda Walsh starts to investigate with the assistance of Fiona, Miso and the support of Tom and her restaurant staff. But what will they discover? Can they uncover the truth?
Excellent story and series that I enjoyed reading very much and I highly recommend that you read. is a Superb story about Fiona Firth a Restaurant Owner and her very clever special cat Miso. Fiona attends a Pop-Up Dinner. But unfortunately while there a Guest Chef collapses in the kitchen. Detective Sergeant Linda Walsh starts to investigate with the assistance of Fiona, Miso and the support of Tom and her restaurant staff. But what will they discover? Can they uncover the truth?
Excellent story and series that I enjoyed reading very much and I highly recommend that you read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Excellent story and series that I enjoyed reading very much and I highly recommend that you read. is a Superb story about Fiona Firth a Restaurant Owner and her very clever special cat Miso. Fiona attends a Pop-Up Dinner. But unfortunately while there a Guest Chef collapses in the kitchen. Detective Sergeant Linda Walsh starts to investigate with the assistance of Fiona, Miso and the support of Tom and her restaurant staff. But what will they discover? Can they uncover the truth?
Excellent story and series that I enjoyed reading very much and I highly recommend that you read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
I received this book courtesy of Booksprout for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
Overview: Fiona Firth only went to Tidal Tables to settle a small business requirement. Brock Ashford is a guest chef with a big secret. And someone didn't like him very much. The man dropped dead after tasting one of his dishes for quality control. Who could have wanted Brock Ashford dead? Could Cassandra Volk have been that petty? And who is trying to frighten Fiona? Let's find out.
Dislikes: Brock was pretty wicked. Why would anyone want to destroy lives like that?
Likes: The way that the Perennial's staff treated each other was great to see.
And like her or hate her, Cassandra does have integrity.
Walsh was a good cop, one that was willing to accept a different viewpoint.
Conclusion: This was a great story. If you like cozy mysteries, then this book is for you. Enjoy the read.
Overview: Fiona Firth only went to Tidal Tables to settle a small business requirement. Brock Ashford is a guest chef with a big secret. And someone didn't like him very much. The man dropped dead after tasting one of his dishes for quality control. Who could have wanted Brock Ashford dead? Could Cassandra Volk have been that petty? And who is trying to frighten Fiona? Let's find out.
Dislikes: Brock was pretty wicked. Why would anyone want to destroy lives like that?
Likes: The way that the Perennial's staff treated each other was great to see.
And like her or hate her, Cassandra does have integrity.
Walsh was a good cop, one that was willing to accept a different viewpoint.
Conclusion: This was a great story. If you like cozy mysteries, then this book is for you. Enjoy the read.
February 23, 2026
The latest instalment in the Fiona Firth mystery series offers an intriguing and enjoyable story centred around a tragic event: the poisoning of visiting chef Brock Ashford, a man widely disliked in the culinary world, during a pop-up dinner at the restaurant of Fiona's old rival, Cassandra Volk.
Once again, the investigation falls to Fiona, supported by Detective Walsh and her dedicated, close-knit staff, including Miso.
A highlight of the book is the strong, family-like bond of Fiona's team, which provides a pleasing contrast to the dynamic of the antagonist's crew. Overall, it's a thoroughly enjoyable read.
I received a free Advance Reader Copy of this book through Booksprout and have chosen to leave a review.
Once again, the investigation falls to Fiona, supported by Detective Walsh and her dedicated, close-knit staff, including Miso.
A highlight of the book is the strong, family-like bond of Fiona's team, which provides a pleasing contrast to the dynamic of the antagonist's crew. Overall, it's a thoroughly enjoyable read.
I received a free Advance Reader Copy of this book through Booksprout and have chosen to leave a review.
February 23, 2026
Food preparation and presentation as performance theater engage the senses with a tempting prologue even before tasting the meal.
Thoughtful preparation also may facilitate revenge for harmful actions long unaddressed.
Fiona, Miso and their crew/found family once again experience the after effects of hidden motives and twisted emotions.
The story evokes the coiled stillness beneath a placid surface in which a minor change of facial expression or tentative gesture may foretell where the tension will erupt.
Highly recommended.
Although it was my pleasure to receive this ARC from the author, it was completely my choice to share my honest review.
Thoughtful preparation also may facilitate revenge for harmful actions long unaddressed.
Fiona, Miso and their crew/found family once again experience the after effects of hidden motives and twisted emotions.
The story evokes the coiled stillness beneath a placid surface in which a minor change of facial expression or tentative gesture may foretell where the tension will erupt.
Highly recommended.
Although it was my pleasure to receive this ARC from the author, it was completely my choice to share my honest review.
February 24, 2026
Book 5 of the A Perennial Sleuth Mystery series. While it can be read as a standalone for maximum enjoyment read the books in series order.
'A celebrity chef is dead.
The kitchen was full.
And no one saw a thing.'
The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and quirky and mysterious. Plot was intriguing and intense and exciting and well paced. World building continues to excel and impress. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
Kick back and enjoy the read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'A celebrity chef is dead.
The kitchen was full.
And no one saw a thing.'
The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and quirky and mysterious. Plot was intriguing and intense and exciting and well paced. World building continues to excel and impress. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
Kick back and enjoy the read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another murder. Another case for Fiona, Walsh, and Miso to find the truth and solve. I think Miso solves the case within minutes and has to wait for the humans to catch up. I enjoy that Fiona has a family in her staff. They are a tight knit group. I don’t think Cassandra had the same closeness with her crew. I think she would have been a nightmare to work for. This was quite the intriguing mystery! I loved reading it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is another Fiona Firth story. This time it involves her old nemesis Cassandra Volk. She is having a visiting chef at a pop-up dinner at her restaurant. His name is Brock Ashford and he doesn't have a lot of fans in the field of culinary people. Then he falls dead of poison in the middle of the service. Detective Walsh has her hands full with the help of Fiona to solve the murder. Good Story!
I received an arc and this is my review.
I received an arc and this is my review.
February 23, 2026
I really enjoyed Pop up Dinner Murder. The pop-up dinner setting was fun and different, and it gave the story a fresh, cozy feel right from the start. The characters were easy to like, the clues were simple to follow, and I liked how the mystery unfolded without feeling rushed.
This was a quick, light, and entertaining read—perfect if you enjoy cozy mysteries with a unique foodie twist and plenty of small-town charm.
This was a quick, light, and entertaining read—perfect if you enjoy cozy mysteries with a unique foodie twist and plenty of small-town charm.
February 23, 2026
Another great book in this series (all can be read standalone). I enjoy the characters and Fiona's approach to investigating, how she works with her team and instincts. The storyline keeps you captivated throughout. Great to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews