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Grilled Cheese Mysteries #7
Between a Roquefort and a Hard Place
Restaurant owner Carly Hale Mitchell has to get her husband off the hook when he’s implicated in the suspicious death of a crooked coworker . . .
When the elderly owner of a historic mansion asks Carly to come visit and make one of her famous grilled cheese sandwiches, Carly can hardly say no. She loves spending time inside the fabled home, and she knows her husband will be at the grand old manse too, rewiring the electrical as part of larger renovations. But sparks fly when he gets into a shoving match with the contractor overseeing the project, and that puts him at the top of the suspect list when the contractor later falls to his death from the roof amid signs of foul play.
Desperate to clear her husband’s good name, Carly puts her restaurant work on the back burner while she tries to track down the real culprit. Thinking it must be someone on the renovation crew or an employee at the mansion, she begins grilling the suspects, only to learn that the victim had enemies throughout the community. Then another dead body is discovered at the mansion, and Carly has to approach the case from a whole new angle—just as the killer is angling to make her the next victim on their list . . .
When the elderly owner of a historic mansion asks Carly to come visit and make one of her famous grilled cheese sandwiches, Carly can hardly say no. She loves spending time inside the fabled home, and she knows her husband will be at the grand old manse too, rewiring the electrical as part of larger renovations. But sparks fly when he gets into a shoving match with the contractor overseeing the project, and that puts him at the top of the suspect list when the contractor later falls to his death from the roof amid signs of foul play.
Desperate to clear her husband’s good name, Carly puts her restaurant work on the back burner while she tries to track down the real culprit. Thinking it must be someone on the renovation crew or an employee at the mansion, she begins grilling the suspects, only to learn that the victim had enemies throughout the community. Then another dead body is discovered at the mansion, and Carly has to approach the case from a whole new angle—just as the killer is angling to make her the next victim on their list . . .
Audible Audio
Published July 28, 2026
About the author
Linda Reilly
16 books814 followersLinda Reilly is a mystery writer living with her two feline assistants in southern New Hampshire. She is a member of Sisters in Crime.
Her Grilled Cheese Mystery series featuring grilled cheese lover Carly Hale debuted in January 2022, published by Poisoned Pen Press.
Her first cozy mystery, Some Enchanted Murder, was a finalist for the 2014 Silver Falchion Award in the category "Best First Novel: Cozy, Traditional and Historical."
Linda is also the author of the Cat Lady Mysteries published by Kensington Lyrical and of the Deep Fried mysteries published by Berkley Prime Crime.
ESCAPE CLAWS, her first Cat Lady Mystery, was selected by Modern Cat Magazine, Connie's Book Club, as a "must read" in the Spring/Summer 2018 issue.
CLAWS OF ACTION, her fourth Cat Lady Mystery, was awarded a Certificate of Excellence by the Cat Writers' Association in its 2019 Communications Contest.
Her Grilled Cheese Mystery series featuring grilled cheese lover Carly Hale debuted in January 2022, published by Poisoned Pen Press.
Her first cozy mystery, Some Enchanted Murder, was a finalist for the 2014 Silver Falchion Award in the category "Best First Novel: Cozy, Traditional and Historical."
Linda is also the author of the Cat Lady Mysteries published by Kensington Lyrical and of the Deep Fried mysteries published by Berkley Prime Crime.
ESCAPE CLAWS, her first Cat Lady Mystery, was selected by Modern Cat Magazine, Connie's Book Club, as a "must read" in the Spring/Summer 2018 issue.
CLAWS OF ACTION, her fourth Cat Lady Mystery, was awarded a Certificate of Excellence by the Cat Writers' Association in its 2019 Communications Contest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
July 31, 2026
🧀 𝗜 𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗻𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝘀.
This was such a fun, cozy palate cleanser. The grilled cheese descriptions had me salivating, the mystery kept me guessing, and the ending genuinely surprised me—I never saw it coming.
Mia Gaskin's narration was phenomenal and elevated the entire experience. This also worked brilliantly as a standalone despite being book seven in the series.
A solid 4-star cozy mystery that delivers exactly what it promises.
Thank you to Linda Reilly, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All opinions are my own.
This was such a fun, cozy palate cleanser. The grilled cheese descriptions had me salivating, the mystery kept me guessing, and the ending genuinely surprised me—I never saw it coming.
Mia Gaskin's narration was phenomenal and elevated the entire experience. This also worked brilliantly as a standalone despite being book seven in the series.
A solid 4-star cozy mystery that delivers exactly what it promises.
Thank you to Linda Reilly, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All opinions are my own.
June 28, 2026
Another great addition to the series! The peppermint house sounds like such a cool place, and I was immediately sucked in to the story! Love the mysteries, characters, and recipes....this series always hits! Would recommend to any cozy mystery lover!
I would like to thank netgalley, the author Linda Reilly, and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book!
I would like to thank netgalley, the author Linda Reilly, and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book!
May 22, 2026
The mystery was interesting and had me going in a few different directions, which I always enjoy. That said, it felt like the investigation stayed a bit too focused in one area, which limited the setting and didn’t give as many characters a chance to really get involved. I still enjoyed the story and the overall vibe of the series, but I was hoping for a little more depth to the investigation this time.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
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April 23, 2026Carly receives a request from an elderly woman at "The Peppermint" house to come meet with her. She would like Carly to fix her one of her famous grilled cheese sandwiches. Carly is charmed by the lady and the house and agrees to not only fix Lavinia a sandwich but also feed the crew renovating her house, including Carly's husband Ari. The day arrives and starts out well, but the general contractor falls off the roof and dies. Is it a tragic accident or something else. The authorities find a power cord tampered with and Ari becomes the main suspect. Can Carly find what is going on and save her husband's business but also keep him out of jail?
This one drew me in right away and didn't let go. There were all kinds of suspects, including the gardener, the ex-wife, Lavinia's granddaughter, and the companion. Everyone seems to have a motive as he was not a well-liked fellow. Then there are ghost sounds and the suspicious actions of the Mansion's residents, old secrets as well as tension inside that house.
The mystery was well done, plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing. I loved that we got to see all our old friends at the Cafe. It was nice to have Grant make a cameo in the story. This was a stellar Cozy!
Thank you to Netgalley and Beyond The Page for the chance to read this book and give my opinion.
This one drew me in right away and didn't let go. There were all kinds of suspects, including the gardener, the ex-wife, Lavinia's granddaughter, and the companion. Everyone seems to have a motive as he was not a well-liked fellow. Then there are ghost sounds and the suspicious actions of the Mansion's residents, old secrets as well as tension inside that house.
The mystery was well done, plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing. I loved that we got to see all our old friends at the Cafe. It was nice to have Grant make a cameo in the story. This was a stellar Cozy!
Thank you to Netgalley and Beyond The Page for the chance to read this book and give my opinion.
August 6, 2026
I love the idea of being able to grab gourmet grilled cheeses as I stroll the quaint downtown area of Balsam Dell; the descriptions of the sandwiches always have my mouth watering. There is, however, something a little too cutesy and sweet about the town and its residents; it’s unrealistic how wholesome everyone is. Even the suspects seem too nice and well intentioned to be bad. It makes it somewhat difficult to get lost in a mystery. This one tended to drag in the middle, as if it was purposely being drawn out for page count, and there was a lot of repetition. Still, visiting with the regulars was enjoyable and I’ll read the next in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley, Beyond the Page Publishing, and Dreamscape Media for the review copies.
Thank you to NetGalley, Beyond the Page Publishing, and Dreamscape Media for the review copies.
July 21, 2026
"Between a Roquefort and a Hard Place (Book 7 of Grilled Cheese Mysteries)" by Linda Reilly is set mostly at the estate home of an elderly lady. The way the story was going at the start, I was a bit worried for the elderly lady. Carly gets involved in the mystery that happens because her husband is doing electrical work for the contractor working on the mansion. The lady who owns it wants a real grilled cheese and Carly is the lady for the job. Then her husband gets implicated in a mysterious death.
The grilled cheese aspect is starting to feel a bit played out. Even the characters seem to realize it. Carly's restaurant having a grilled cheese recipe contest that is hinted at happening during Carly's frequent missing shifts to hang out at the mansion.
The grilled cheese aspect is starting to feel a bit played out. Even the characters seem to realize it. Carly's restaurant having a grilled cheese recipe contest that is hinted at happening during Carly's frequent missing shifts to hang out at the mansion.
June 18, 2026
Loved it!
April 22, 2026
Between a Roquefort and a Hard Place by Linda Reilly is a Grilled Cheese Mystery featuring Carly, whose grilled cheese sandwich restaurant had been a genius move. Carly was invited to visit a local “grand dame,” and since she lived in a very intriguing mansion, Carly jumped at the chance. While there, Carly met and enjoyed ninety-two year old Lavinia and agreed to return and make her a grilled cheese sandwich. Her companion just couldn’t pull it off, probably in part because she used non-fat cheese. Carly went all-out on hers. Carly’s husband, Ari, was going to be the electrician on the renovation that was starting soon. At that, the general contractor fell off the roof and landed on the spikes of a fence, killing him. Sadly, Ari was one of the main suspects. Carly really tried not to get involved since anything she found would be tainted by her relationship to Ari. It all started getting complicated, with Lavinia’s companion, Agnes, and her great-niece, Paige.
Carly her her cadre of friends who worked at her restaurant are all entertaining. They have separate lives beyond the restaurant and that makes the whole story much more entertaining. There was a ghost at the mansion and everyone thought Agnes was hearing things until Lavinia heard it, too. Then the worst thing happened when the new contractor and Ari discovered a body in the old coal furnace in the basement. That set off a flurry of computer research by Carly’s friend, Don, who also published a weekly newspaper. What he had found out blew the whole thing up. It was a good investigation. Excellent characters. Great setting and recipes. Good read.
I was invited to read Between a Roquefort and a Hard Place by Beyond the Page Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BeyondThePagePublishing #LindaReilly #BetweenARoquefortAndAHardPlace
Carly her her cadre of friends who worked at her restaurant are all entertaining. They have separate lives beyond the restaurant and that makes the whole story much more entertaining. There was a ghost at the mansion and everyone thought Agnes was hearing things until Lavinia heard it, too. Then the worst thing happened when the new contractor and Ari discovered a body in the old coal furnace in the basement. That set off a flurry of computer research by Carly’s friend, Don, who also published a weekly newspaper. What he had found out blew the whole thing up. It was a good investigation. Excellent characters. Great setting and recipes. Good read.
I was invited to read Between a Roquefort and a Hard Place by Beyond the Page Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BeyondThePagePublishing #LindaReilly #BetweenARoquefortAndAHardPlace
August 16, 2026
Rounded to 4.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for providing me with an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I started this series from the beginning (thank you, NetGalley) and have eagerly been awaiting this next installment. I’ve read all the previous books, although they’re familiar enough that I don’t have to do a quick reread of the entire series—however, there are some major points that are built upon over the course of the series, so they are best read in order.
It was so easy to immerse myself in Balsam Dell that it felt like I was almost a townsperson—each new book has been like revisiting my friends once a year. So it felt completely natural to see what is new in Balsam Dell. The slow-burn romance that has been building throughout the series between Carly and Ari has led to them getting married, and it was wonderful to see the dynamics between these two adapt as their relationship deepens. I really enjoyed seeing how their relationship grows and changes over the course of the series, but also how it went from a side storyline thread to a fully evolved and well-rounded relationship. Mia Gaskin is wonderful as a narrator, and now has come to symbolize Carly’s voice.
This story centers around a historic mansion called Peppermint House. While Ari is hired to do some repairs at the mansion, Carly is brought there to make the owner of the house one of her specialty grilled cheeses. Ari bumps heads with the construction manager shortly before the construction manager falls to his death, and Ari zoomed up to the top of the list of suspects. Naturally, Carly feels the push to help clear Ari’s name, except this time she is working with the town’s police and being open with them rather than running her own separate, secret investigation. It really showed how far Carly has come in this series and how her position in town has changed since the first book.
Pacing is quick and snappy, keeping the story fresh and engaging. I was more than thrilled to see that despite this being book #7, the story wasn’t boring or repetitive. Reilly manages to keep each new addition to the series unique and avoid being formulaic like some series can get. The plot centers around who was responsible for the death of Tate, the construction manager who wasn’t well liked, but there is a second body discovered at the mansion, and that leads to a whole new investigation.
Along the way, there is a lot of misdirection that is well done—there are quite a few characters to comb through, and I had a difficult time figuring out who was behind the fatal fall. It was entertaining to try and guess, even though I was off by a mile. Carly is so sweet and caring, and it was obvious how badly she felt about leaving her restaurant employees to run the grilled cheese shop without her, even as there is a contest for the most creative grilled cheese recipe. I developed a pretty strong hankering for a grilled cheese while reading, but it was so fun to see Carly and her employees test out and rate the recipe submissions, even if some are a little too out there for my personal taste (like a grilled cheese featuring hot dogs), but there are others that make me want to try my own creative grilled cheeses.
Overall, this was a solid story in the series and I loved how different it is from previous books. The side characters are a little flat and not as well developed as others in the series, but I still found myself sucked into the book and eagerly devouring chapter after chapter. There is some complexity built into the storyline, and I loved unraveling all these threads to find out who was behind the murders while still adjusting to the deeper relationship between Carly and Ari. I especially loved seeing Havarti, the peppy little dog that Carly found in the first book, and how well he fits into their dynamic as well. The fast pace and complex character dynamics within the town are depicted beautifully, and the story becomes addictive.
Bottom line: An engaging story with complex characters and dynamics, and a fast pace even if some of the side characters are a bit flat, but still a solid addition to the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for providing me with an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I started this series from the beginning (thank you, NetGalley) and have eagerly been awaiting this next installment. I’ve read all the previous books, although they’re familiar enough that I don’t have to do a quick reread of the entire series—however, there are some major points that are built upon over the course of the series, so they are best read in order.
It was so easy to immerse myself in Balsam Dell that it felt like I was almost a townsperson—each new book has been like revisiting my friends once a year. So it felt completely natural to see what is new in Balsam Dell. The slow-burn romance that has been building throughout the series between Carly and Ari has led to them getting married, and it was wonderful to see the dynamics between these two adapt as their relationship deepens. I really enjoyed seeing how their relationship grows and changes over the course of the series, but also how it went from a side storyline thread to a fully evolved and well-rounded relationship. Mia Gaskin is wonderful as a narrator, and now has come to symbolize Carly’s voice.
This story centers around a historic mansion called Peppermint House. While Ari is hired to do some repairs at the mansion, Carly is brought there to make the owner of the house one of her specialty grilled cheeses. Ari bumps heads with the construction manager shortly before the construction manager falls to his death, and Ari zoomed up to the top of the list of suspects. Naturally, Carly feels the push to help clear Ari’s name, except this time she is working with the town’s police and being open with them rather than running her own separate, secret investigation. It really showed how far Carly has come in this series and how her position in town has changed since the first book.
Pacing is quick and snappy, keeping the story fresh and engaging. I was more than thrilled to see that despite this being book #7, the story wasn’t boring or repetitive. Reilly manages to keep each new addition to the series unique and avoid being formulaic like some series can get. The plot centers around who was responsible for the death of Tate, the construction manager who wasn’t well liked, but there is a second body discovered at the mansion, and that leads to a whole new investigation.
Along the way, there is a lot of misdirection that is well done—there are quite a few characters to comb through, and I had a difficult time figuring out who was behind the fatal fall. It was entertaining to try and guess, even though I was off by a mile. Carly is so sweet and caring, and it was obvious how badly she felt about leaving her restaurant employees to run the grilled cheese shop without her, even as there is a contest for the most creative grilled cheese recipe. I developed a pretty strong hankering for a grilled cheese while reading, but it was so fun to see Carly and her employees test out and rate the recipe submissions, even if some are a little too out there for my personal taste (like a grilled cheese featuring hot dogs), but there are others that make me want to try my own creative grilled cheeses.
Overall, this was a solid story in the series and I loved how different it is from previous books. The side characters are a little flat and not as well developed as others in the series, but I still found myself sucked into the book and eagerly devouring chapter after chapter. There is some complexity built into the storyline, and I loved unraveling all these threads to find out who was behind the murders while still adjusting to the deeper relationship between Carly and Ari. I especially loved seeing Havarti, the peppy little dog that Carly found in the first book, and how well he fits into their dynamic as well. The fast pace and complex character dynamics within the town are depicted beautifully, and the story becomes addictive.
Bottom line: An engaging story with complex characters and dynamics, and a fast pace even if some of the side characters are a bit flat, but still a solid addition to the series.
May 26, 2026
I had a great time revisiting the cozy town of Balsam Dell, Vermont and everyone in Carly's close knit circle. Carly is one of the most kind-hearted main characters I've ever read in a cozy, although sometimes I think she needs to say no to other people's requests more often. It always feels like I'm hanging out with old friends when I'm there. I did feel the detective was a little too harsh with Carly, but this was addressed beautifully later in the book. While some characters from earlier in the series have moved on with their lives outside of the eatery and out of state, they still make brief appearances, or they are at least mentioned. This feels like real life to me. Throughout our lives, we meet people who eventually move away. However, we may still keep in touch with them and occasionally see them.
I also had fun getting to know the suspects. They had depth, history, and secrets to uncover. The victim wasn't someone who easily made friends, so there are multiple people who could have wanted to see him gone. There were several viable suspects with possible motives and opportunity. I had a hunch early in the book who the culprit was, which turned out to be correct. However, there were enough twists and turns that made me question who I thought it was a few times. I really enjoyed the big reveal, which in itself had a bit of a twist.
The historic mansion combined with major renovations made for a great setting in this mystery. I could visualize the layout of the rooms, as well as the decor. There were times when I was confused about the overall floorplan of the mansion, but I just went along for the ride. Another aspect of the mystery I enjoyed was the jigsaw puzzle. Those who know me, know how much I love jigsaw puzzles. Adding this to a cozy and making it part of the story was absolute perfection!
There is a light-hearted subplot in this installment, which balanced out the seriousness of the mystery. It involved a grilled cheese competition. I loved reading about the mouth-watering creations. It made me wish I was there to taste-test all of them with Carly and her co-workers.
Since Carly and Ari were recently married, there is a new dynamic with there relationship. They clearly love and respect each other, and it was obvious they have great communication. It was fun to read about their day-to-day lives, even something as simple as what they were having for dinner. I also enjoyed reading about another possible budding romance with two of the characters. I'm equally invested in their relationship as I have been with Carly and Ari.
There was only one thing in this installment that felt jarring and out of place for me, and that was one instance of mild swearing. With this being the seventh book in the swearing and not a single swear word before now that I can remember, I've come to expect this series to be completely clean in that respect. So while it doesn't take anything away from the story and it fit in the context, it still felt off for me. I'm hoping this isn't an indication of where the series is going because I prefer cozies to be completely free of swear words.
As with every installment, there are a few mouth-watering recipes at the end of the book. I love how the story behind each one was part of the subplot in the book. And I learned something new. Before reading this book, I had never heard of Roquefort cheese before. Now I'll have to try it!
As I say with most cozies, Between a Roquefort and a Hard Place is a self-contained mystery. You can easily start with this book and not feel lost in the series. However, I'm confident you'll want to go back and read all previous installments to find out how the characters and their relationships have evolved.
Thank you to NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for providing me with an eARC of this book.
For my full review, click here: https://caboodleofcozies.blogspot.com...
I also had fun getting to know the suspects. They had depth, history, and secrets to uncover. The victim wasn't someone who easily made friends, so there are multiple people who could have wanted to see him gone. There were several viable suspects with possible motives and opportunity. I had a hunch early in the book who the culprit was, which turned out to be correct. However, there were enough twists and turns that made me question who I thought it was a few times. I really enjoyed the big reveal, which in itself had a bit of a twist.
The historic mansion combined with major renovations made for a great setting in this mystery. I could visualize the layout of the rooms, as well as the decor. There were times when I was confused about the overall floorplan of the mansion, but I just went along for the ride. Another aspect of the mystery I enjoyed was the jigsaw puzzle. Those who know me, know how much I love jigsaw puzzles. Adding this to a cozy and making it part of the story was absolute perfection!
There is a light-hearted subplot in this installment, which balanced out the seriousness of the mystery. It involved a grilled cheese competition. I loved reading about the mouth-watering creations. It made me wish I was there to taste-test all of them with Carly and her co-workers.
Since Carly and Ari were recently married, there is a new dynamic with there relationship. They clearly love and respect each other, and it was obvious they have great communication. It was fun to read about their day-to-day lives, even something as simple as what they were having for dinner. I also enjoyed reading about another possible budding romance with two of the characters. I'm equally invested in their relationship as I have been with Carly and Ari.
There was only one thing in this installment that felt jarring and out of place for me, and that was one instance of mild swearing. With this being the seventh book in the swearing and not a single swear word before now that I can remember, I've come to expect this series to be completely clean in that respect. So while it doesn't take anything away from the story and it fit in the context, it still felt off for me. I'm hoping this isn't an indication of where the series is going because I prefer cozies to be completely free of swear words.
As with every installment, there are a few mouth-watering recipes at the end of the book. I love how the story behind each one was part of the subplot in the book. And I learned something new. Before reading this book, I had never heard of Roquefort cheese before. Now I'll have to try it!
As I say with most cozies, Between a Roquefort and a Hard Place is a self-contained mystery. You can easily start with this book and not feel lost in the series. However, I'm confident you'll want to go back and read all previous installments to find out how the characters and their relationships have evolved.
Thank you to NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for providing me with an eARC of this book.
For my full review, click here: https://caboodleofcozies.blogspot.com...
August 27, 2026
Seven books in, I am officially attached to Balsam Dell and its residents, so naturally I was invested in this mystery from the start. This time the stakes were about as high as they could get for Carly with Ari himself becoming a suspect. I always enjoy when the personal connections raise the stakes in a cozy, and having Carly work to clear her husband’s name gave the investigation plenty of emotional weight.
I did miss the Grilled Cheese Eatery, though. Carly spends quite a bit of time away from the restaurant in this installment, and while I understand that the mysteries need to take her outside of the eatery to keep things fresh, the restaurant and the community surrounding it are such a big part of what makes this series work for me. I wanted more time there and more of those familiar cozy moments between investigations.
The mystery itself was probably my least favorite of the series from a whodunnit perspective because I found the culprit fairly easy to figure out. There were some interesting layers to uncover, but I didn’t get the same sense of surprise I experienced with some of the earlier books. For me, the characters and setting were once again the bigger draw.
And that’s really where I landed with this one. I still love Carly, Ari, the Balsam Dell community, and the overall world Linda Reilly has created. After reading all seven books back to back, these characters genuinely feel familiar, and that’s what kept me turning the pages even when the mystery didn’t completely surprise me.
Also…this did not feel like the end of the series to me. 😂 There are definitely story threads and relationships that feel like they could continue, and I’m very much hoping this isn’t our last visit to Balsam Dell. Overall, Between a Roquefort and a Hard Place was a solid but not standout installment for me. It wasn’t my favorite mystery of the series, but after seven books, I’m far too attached to this little Vermont town to say goodbye just yet.
Perfect for Readers Who Love
* Culinary cozy mysteries
* Small town Vermont settings
* Established romances
* High personal stakes
* Amateur sleuths protecting the people they love
* Long running cozy series with familiar characters
I did miss the Grilled Cheese Eatery, though. Carly spends quite a bit of time away from the restaurant in this installment, and while I understand that the mysteries need to take her outside of the eatery to keep things fresh, the restaurant and the community surrounding it are such a big part of what makes this series work for me. I wanted more time there and more of those familiar cozy moments between investigations.
The mystery itself was probably my least favorite of the series from a whodunnit perspective because I found the culprit fairly easy to figure out. There were some interesting layers to uncover, but I didn’t get the same sense of surprise I experienced with some of the earlier books. For me, the characters and setting were once again the bigger draw.
And that’s really where I landed with this one. I still love Carly, Ari, the Balsam Dell community, and the overall world Linda Reilly has created. After reading all seven books back to back, these characters genuinely feel familiar, and that’s what kept me turning the pages even when the mystery didn’t completely surprise me.
Also…this did not feel like the end of the series to me. 😂 There are definitely story threads and relationships that feel like they could continue, and I’m very much hoping this isn’t our last visit to Balsam Dell. Overall, Between a Roquefort and a Hard Place was a solid but not standout installment for me. It wasn’t my favorite mystery of the series, but after seven books, I’m far too attached to this little Vermont town to say goodbye just yet.
Perfect for Readers Who Love
* Culinary cozy mysteries
* Small town Vermont settings
* Established romances
* High personal stakes
* Amateur sleuths protecting the people they love
* Long running cozy series with familiar characters
August 1, 2026
This was a cute, a solid cozy mystery. I actually read this as an ARC while I'm only about 60% through the first book in the series, and thankfully it works well enough as a standalone.
The mystery kept me interested, and I enjoyed the historic mansion setting. The audiobook was pleasant, although the narrator sounded much younger than I pictured a mid 30’s Carly.
My biggest issue is the pacing. For a cozy, these books absolutely drag. The chapters are short, but they're packed with repetition and a lot of telling rather than showing, so it feels like it takes forever for the story to move forward.
I also haven't really connected with the town the way I hoped I would. Cozy mysteries usually shine because of their recurring cast, but outside of the core characters, everyone else feels more like a pawn to serve the current mystery. There aren't many familiar faces returning from book to book, so the community never quite develops the charm I was expecting.
The town itself is also almost too wholesome. No one seems to swear, no one drinks, and everything feels a little too Pleasantville for my taste. It isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it made the world feel less believable.
Overall, I enjoyed my time with it, but I don't think I'll continue the series anytime soon. If I ever find myself caught up on my TBR and looking for something light and cozy, I'd happily come back to it.
The mystery kept me interested, and I enjoyed the historic mansion setting. The audiobook was pleasant, although the narrator sounded much younger than I pictured a mid 30’s Carly.
My biggest issue is the pacing. For a cozy, these books absolutely drag. The chapters are short, but they're packed with repetition and a lot of telling rather than showing, so it feels like it takes forever for the story to move forward.
I also haven't really connected with the town the way I hoped I would. Cozy mysteries usually shine because of their recurring cast, but outside of the core characters, everyone else feels more like a pawn to serve the current mystery. There aren't many familiar faces returning from book to book, so the community never quite develops the charm I was expecting.
The town itself is also almost too wholesome. No one seems to swear, no one drinks, and everything feels a little too Pleasantville for my taste. It isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it made the world feel less believable.
Overall, I enjoyed my time with it, but I don't think I'll continue the series anytime soon. If I ever find myself caught up on my TBR and looking for something light and cozy, I'd happily come back to it.
August 6, 2026
A New England-based cozy about a woman who owns a grilled-cheese restaurant, has a dog named Havarti, and solves area mysteries. What's not to like? This is the first I read (listened to) in the series, and I had no trouble following it, aided by excellent narration. The murder mystery was on the complex side, with relevant information coming fairly late in the telling. It also featured several great ideas for tasty grilled cheese sandwiches!
My thanks to the author, publisher, @DreamscapeMedia, and #NetGalley for a review copy of the recently released audiobook, #BetweenaRoquefortandaHardPlace.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @DreamscapeMedia, and #NetGalley for a review copy of the recently released audiobook, #BetweenaRoquefortandaHardPlace.
August 19, 2026
Such a Fun Book!
I enjoyed this book so much! The characters are interesting. The plot was well designed. I was hungry for grilled cheese throughout!
I enjoyed this book so much! The characters are interesting. The plot was well designed. I was hungry for grilled cheese throughout!
May 3, 2026
I love visiting Balsam Dell. Carly and Ari, newly married, have settled into their new home. When the elderly heir of a peppermint candy company asks Carly to come to her historic mansion and make her one of her famous grilled cheese sandwiches, it's an offer Carly can't refuse. Especially since Ari is currently working there, renovating the home. Unfortunately, an accident occurs while she's there and all signs point to Ari as the main suspect. Carly must sift through an interesting bunch of suspects and uncover hidden secrets in order to clear her husband's name. With twists that kept me guessing, intriguing suspects, delicious recipes, and a charming setting, Between a Roquefort and a Hard Place is a fantastic addition to the Grilled Cheese Mystery series!
August 2, 2026
I enjoyed this book. I am not a fan of cheese but this series could convert me, just kidding but the fun quirky characters does have me wanting more.
I like the characters. Even though this is book 7 and the characters are already well established, the story is written so well that even if you haven't joined them before they are easy to follow and you quickly feel like you have known them for years. Carly is a great main character who really cares about people and isn't investigating to just be nosy, she actually wants to help people. Okay yes her husband is the main suspects but even after he is cleared she still returns to help the elderly client. Leaving the reader with a warm cozy feeling and a smile.
As for the mystery I enjoyed it, especially with all the twists it took. I never did come up with the right suspect or even who the second victim was. Yes, there was a lot going on and I loved every moment. I can't wait for the next book.
The owner of a historic mansion ask Carly to come and make her and her renovation team her special grilled cheese sandwiches. With Carly's own husband Ari, on the team as an electrician how can she refuse. However things don't go to plan and one of the contractors work isn't up to standard and Ari calls him out on it. When the contractor dies and it turns out not to be an accident, Ari becomes the number one suspect. Despite being warned to stay out of it Carly can't help but investigate. Some at the mansion is a killer and not only is Ari's freedom at steak but also her new friends life. Carly will have to grill more than cheese to get to the bottom of this murder, especially when another body is discovered.
I liked the narrator. She was perfect for both the male and female characters and even the young and old. I would listen to her again.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I like the characters. Even though this is book 7 and the characters are already well established, the story is written so well that even if you haven't joined them before they are easy to follow and you quickly feel like you have known them for years. Carly is a great main character who really cares about people and isn't investigating to just be nosy, she actually wants to help people. Okay yes her husband is the main suspects but even after he is cleared she still returns to help the elderly client. Leaving the reader with a warm cozy feeling and a smile.
As for the mystery I enjoyed it, especially with all the twists it took. I never did come up with the right suspect or even who the second victim was. Yes, there was a lot going on and I loved every moment. I can't wait for the next book.
The owner of a historic mansion ask Carly to come and make her and her renovation team her special grilled cheese sandwiches. With Carly's own husband Ari, on the team as an electrician how can she refuse. However things don't go to plan and one of the contractors work isn't up to standard and Ari calls him out on it. When the contractor dies and it turns out not to be an accident, Ari becomes the number one suspect. Despite being warned to stay out of it Carly can't help but investigate. Some at the mansion is a killer and not only is Ari's freedom at steak but also her new friends life. Carly will have to grill more than cheese to get to the bottom of this murder, especially when another body is discovered.
I liked the narrator. She was perfect for both the male and female characters and even the young and old. I would listen to her again.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
August 14, 2026
When Carly is invited to make her famous signature grilled cheese at a local historic mansion, she's thrilled for the opportunity. But when a renovation contractor ends up dead after arguing with her husband, he instantly becomes a suspect. Determined to clear him of suspicion and help her new elderly client, Carly begins peeling back the layers of this mystery in order to solve the murder. Side note, this series ALWAYS makes me hungry so be prepared for that haha and the cheese puns in each title never fail to make me chuckle.
Good: The narrator! Mia Gaskin does a fantastic job with bringing Carly to life in the audio. I also enjoy that even though it’s the 7th book, the call backs are there but don’t hinder the plot or make you feel like you’re missing anything. I’ve read most of the series but missed a few (I think maybe 4 and 5?) and wasn’t lost or clueless about the "inside jokes".
Not So Good: This is barely a critique but some of the characters used for a red herring were obviously not because they were unrealistically sweet. Though now that I wrote that I'm thinking of all the news interviews with neighbors that go "I would have never suspected, they were so nice/kind/lovely/etc."
I'd recommend this whole series and while this book wasn't my favorite in the series, I did enjoy listening to it. It's another chapter in a cozy, comforting series and this one had a genuinely surprising twist at the end. Perfect for a rainy afternoon with tomato soup and grilled cheese of course (they even include a recipe!)
Good: The narrator! Mia Gaskin does a fantastic job with bringing Carly to life in the audio. I also enjoy that even though it’s the 7th book, the call backs are there but don’t hinder the plot or make you feel like you’re missing anything. I’ve read most of the series but missed a few (I think maybe 4 and 5?) and wasn’t lost or clueless about the "inside jokes".
Not So Good: This is barely a critique but some of the characters used for a red herring were obviously not because they were unrealistically sweet. Though now that I wrote that I'm thinking of all the news interviews with neighbors that go "I would have never suspected, they were so nice/kind/lovely/etc."
I'd recommend this whole series and while this book wasn't my favorite in the series, I did enjoy listening to it. It's another chapter in a cozy, comforting series and this one had a genuinely surprising twist at the end. Perfect for a rainy afternoon with tomato soup and grilled cheese of course (they even include a recipe!)
April 26, 2026
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title. The 7th entry in the Grilled Cheese Mystery finds Carly drawn into the dark mysteries of Peppermint House after a contractor falls to his death while renovating the house with Carly's husband, Ari, as a prime suspect. Meanwhile, Carly is also trying to manage the day to day operations of her grilled cheese shop.
I've read several of this and have mixed feelings. The actual mystery and associated history and Peppermint House and its inhabitants is well-crafted and makes me want to keep reading, and I just don't find Carly engaging at all. Her friends, family, customers, and those she crosses paths with while investigating are interesting, likeable, and more complex. There is no substance to Carly other than having no boundaries and stumbling into murder. Her constant internal monologue is off putting. Most cozies have a MC I could be friends with if they existed in real life. I don't think I would like Carly, and that makes me sad.
I want the MC to be as engrossing as the mystery she is solving. I don't feel Carly has developed at all across the 4 books I've read. The 3 stars is only because the mystery was well done.
I've read several of this and have mixed feelings. The actual mystery and associated history and Peppermint House and its inhabitants is well-crafted and makes me want to keep reading, and I just don't find Carly engaging at all. Her friends, family, customers, and those she crosses paths with while investigating are interesting, likeable, and more complex. There is no substance to Carly other than having no boundaries and stumbling into murder. Her constant internal monologue is off putting. Most cozies have a MC I could be friends with if they existed in real life. I don't think I would like Carly, and that makes me sad.
I want the MC to be as engrossing as the mystery she is solving. I don't feel Carly has developed at all across the 4 books I've read. The 3 stars is only because the mystery was well done.
May 3, 2026
Between a Roquefort and a Hard Place is the seventh cozy mystery in the Grille Cheese Mysteries series. Carly is asked to make a grilled cheese lunch at an old mansion her husband is helping remodel. It sounds like a great idea until someone is murdered while Carly is there. When her husband is one of the suspects she must unravel the mystery before the wrong person is blamed. Will she figure out the truth before it’s too late?
I have enjoyed this series since I discovered it and this latest mystery was definitely not a disappointment. I was quickly pulled into the mystery and had a good time trying to put the puzzle together. I liked the twists and turns in this mystery and it kept me on my toes. This is a good character driven mystery series and I love the setting of the grilled cheese restaurant. This book is definitely full of mystery, coziness and fun characters. I look forward to seeing what comes next in this series.
I have enjoyed this series since I discovered it and this latest mystery was definitely not a disappointment. I was quickly pulled into the mystery and had a good time trying to put the puzzle together. I liked the twists and turns in this mystery and it kept me on my toes. This is a good character driven mystery series and I love the setting of the grilled cheese restaurant. This book is definitely full of mystery, coziness and fun characters. I look forward to seeing what comes next in this series.
April 22, 2026
Another fun visit to Balsam Dell and Carly’s Grilled Cheese Eatery along with all her friends and family. Carly’s hubby Ari found out what it was like to be the prime suspect in a murder this time when the contractor he was working with was killed on the job. Carly made a good friend in the older lady who owned the house getting renovated and soon found herself facing off with a killer in that house. I’d sorta suspected that person but wasn’t sure why, so I was on the fence the entire time about it. The showdown could’ve gone seriously sideways but thanks to another new friend, Carly lived to sleuth another day. I can’t wait for the next book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Beyond the Page via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Beyond the Page via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
June 18, 2026
I liked that the author included some brief but very welcome reminders of the characters and their relationships. I read a lot of books, so a reminder is always helpful for me. This one really kept me guessing and changing my mind about who might have "done it." I wish there had been a few more details about the recipe contest. I definiely want to try the bacon and tomato grilled cheese, if I can find tomato jam. I was searching for it a few weeks ago for a different recipe I'd found online, and so far no luck. I may have to end up making some!
August 25, 2026
I really enjoy this cozy mystery series! It has small town charm, yummy grilled cheese and a murder to solve. It was great spending time with Carly and the familiar cast of characters again.
I liked the historic mansion setting and all the secrets surrounding it. When a contractor is found dead, Carly’s husband becomes the prime suspect. Naturally she can’t sit back and let him take the blame. The mystery kept me guessing with plenty of suspects and twists along the way.
The grilled cheese theme makes this series extra fun and definitely made me hungry! Overall, this was a cute, entertaining cozy mystery and another enjoyable visit to Balsam Dell.
Thank you Linda Reilly, Beyond The Page Publishing and Netgalley for the gifted ebook!
I liked the historic mansion setting and all the secrets surrounding it. When a contractor is found dead, Carly’s husband becomes the prime suspect. Naturally she can’t sit back and let him take the blame. The mystery kept me guessing with plenty of suspects and twists along the way.
The grilled cheese theme makes this series extra fun and definitely made me hungry! Overall, this was a cute, entertaining cozy mystery and another enjoyable visit to Balsam Dell.
Thank you Linda Reilly, Beyond The Page Publishing and Netgalley for the gifted ebook!
April 4, 2026
I love reading the Grilled Cheese cozy mystery series so I was looking forward to reading the latest novel. It was another solid read, with the usual suspects. The author does a great job sprinkling the novel with red herrings and she keeps you guessing until the end. While the storyline kept my interest, the ending was anti-climatic and a tad disappointing. Despite this, the book was entertaining and I look forward to reading what murder mystery Carly finds herself in next!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
April 22, 2026
Carly is invited by the 92 year old owner of the Peppermint House, an old family mansion for a visit. She’s excited to see the mansion and her husband is about to help on the renovation. Carly agrees to return and make Lavinia Carly’s famous grilled cheese sandwich. Unfortunately, on the day of the second visit the contractor dies as he falls off the roof. Carly’s husband is one of the suspects. This is an interesting mystery as Carly tries to find the real murderer.
August 6, 2026
Such a fun series - who doesn’t love a grilled cheese!
I really enjoy this series, and Carly and her group of friends and family are such a joy to follow. Ever empathetic, Carly gets involved in a mystery when she offers to make a grilled cheese for a local elderly woman.
What unravels is a mystery in both the past and present. The characters are as enjoyable as ever, and I really loved unraveling the various mysteries.
Thank you to #DreamscapeMedia for an ALC
I really enjoy this series, and Carly and her group of friends and family are such a joy to follow. Ever empathetic, Carly gets involved in a mystery when she offers to make a grilled cheese for a local elderly woman.
What unravels is a mystery in both the past and present. The characters are as enjoyable as ever, and I really loved unraveling the various mysteries.
Thank you to #DreamscapeMedia for an ALC
April 25, 2026
My Favorite Series of my favorite comfort food
I love this series , I have always loved grill cheese when I am sick or have emotional stress I always turn to my comfort food .
My husband of 54 yrs doesn’t understand my need for one but always makes me one when I need it .
My mom was not a good cook , but she always made me my grill cheese just right growing up .
I love this series , I have always loved grill cheese when I am sick or have emotional stress I always turn to my comfort food .
My husband of 54 yrs doesn’t understand my need for one but always makes me one when I need it .
My mom was not a good cook , but she always made me my grill cheese just right growing up .
Read
April 30, 2026So I love this series, reading this volume is like visiting old friends at this point. We are at book 7 and we have a cast of characters around Carly. I figured out the mystery but it was really enjoyable seeing how it was investigated. I liked the grilled cheese competition as well. I do still think that the MC acts older than she is but it didn't bug me in this volume.
5/6 stars
5/6 stars
April 22, 2026
This series is one of my all time favourites. A deeply deliciously written mystery with interesting and entertaining characters.
I look forward to devouring further books in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
I look forward to devouring further books in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
August 6, 2026
A solid 4-star cozy mystery! I absolutely love this series and look forward to each new book! Love the main characters and the grilled cheese with a side of murder! Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for a chance to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 27, 2026
I loved it!!!
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