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Menu for Murder
Awarded the Readers' Favorite with Five Stars! If you love cozy mysteries, this is a must read. Reader reviews say, "This was a great book to lose yourself in..." and "It took me only a few pages to fall in love with Jayne...". if you enjoy a dash of humor, a pinch of romance and a sprinkle of crazy characters this is a it. A tete-a-tete with the wait staff wasn’t listed on the menu, but that never stopped Mayor Franklin McArthur from ordering ala carte. Jayne Stanford is just one of the many desserts he’s tried to sample. When he turns up dead, after a private party Jayne worked, all the evidence points to Jayne as the murderer. Her life begins to unravel faster than you can say “Order up”. As clumsy as a cowboy on a three day drunk, Jayne has never been the perfect waitress. But her knack for remembering quirky details about the guests she serves has kept her a few tips away from the unemployment line. Now she has to put those skills to use or wind up spending her days waiting tables in prison. As Jayne embarks on a hunt for the person who set her up she must rely on her best friend, Bailey, to painstakingly piece together the clues. Who was in the black Hummer? Why would someone want to kill a lecherous old fool like the Mayor? What does the key open? Should Jayne take a chance with her heart and trust, Jonas? The closer she gets to the truth, the more determined the killer is to make Jayne the “Catch of the Day.”
- GenresMystery
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 13, 2015
29 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Keller
4 books17 followersLeslie Rager draws upon her experience in the restaurant business, and love of the Arizona desert, to create the characters for her cozy mysteries. As a technical writer, she has written software manuals for online and print. She
Menu for Murder and Cocktails at Sunset, both received five-star reviews on Readers’ Favorites, Amazon, and Goodreads. No Reservations is the third book in the series.
Next up Leslie is writing her first sweet romance, a full version of her short story, Reunion in the Desert. Watch for the release of this new project in late 2024.
She spends her limited free time hiking in the desert, savoring wine, and spending time with her husband, family, and friends. As a breast cancer survivor, she volunteers for EBeauty, a non-profit organization created to support women undergoing treatment for cancer.
Reach out to Leslie for book club discussion topics on any of her books. Visit her website to find out where you can see her in person.
Website: www.leslieragerathor.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lesliekellerbooks
Email: LeslieRagerAuthor@gmail.com
Menu for Murder and Cocktails at Sunset, both received five-star reviews on Readers’ Favorites, Amazon, and Goodreads. No Reservations is the third book in the series.
Next up Leslie is writing her first sweet romance, a full version of her short story, Reunion in the Desert. Watch for the release of this new project in late 2024.
She spends her limited free time hiking in the desert, savoring wine, and spending time with her husband, family, and friends. As a breast cancer survivor, she volunteers for EBeauty, a non-profit organization created to support women undergoing treatment for cancer.
Reach out to Leslie for book club discussion topics on any of her books. Visit her website to find out where you can see her in person.
Website: www.leslieragerathor.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lesliekellerbooks
Email: LeslieRagerAuthor@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 3, 2017
Menu For Murder is a fun and easy read and a promising debut from author L.A. Keller.
What I liked the most about the story was its fast pace; it kept this reader interested and turning the pages to see what predicament the plucky main character Jayne would get into next. At times, I wanted to shake Jayne for the careless and impulsive moves she makes more often than not, while at other times her actions and the situations she finds herself in made me laugh aloud.
I look forward to the next instalment in this series by Keller.
What I liked the most about the story was its fast pace; it kept this reader interested and turning the pages to see what predicament the plucky main character Jayne would get into next. At times, I wanted to shake Jayne for the careless and impulsive moves she makes more often than not, while at other times her actions and the situations she finds herself in made me laugh aloud.
I look forward to the next instalment in this series by Keller.
December 28, 2017
This was an easy, fun read. I found Jayne an easy character to like, and this a hard story to put down. This was a fast-paced story that kept you reading to see what situation Jayne would get into next and how she would get out of it. It was easy to see how Jayne would feel that she needed to try to clear her own name, when it didn't seem like the police were looking any farther once they arrested her. I felt that the author gave good descriptions of the town and its surroundings which played into the story and I loved the secondary characters of Bailey, Emmett, and Jonas.
Thank you to L.A. Keller and The Review Crew for a copy of this e-book. This did not influence my review in any way.
Thank you to L.A. Keller and The Review Crew for a copy of this e-book. This did not influence my review in any way.
September 13, 2017
It's not likely that Jayne Stanford would be invited to one of Lord Peter Wimsy's dinner parties. However, she would probably remember exactly what he ordered for every course, and all the details of the wines paired with each. That's a good talent for a server to have, especially when she finds herself accused of murdering her town's sleazy mayor, and is forced into sleuthing to clear her name.
Murder on the Menu is not my usual fare when it comes to mysteries--I'm generally reading something from the Golden Age. But for a change, I thought I'd try a story featuring coyote-haunted deserts and cowboys rather than vicars and village greens.
My reactions were mixed. On one hand, there's a fair amount of action, the story moves along nicely, and Jayne is a well-developed main character. Some of the scenes stood out--for example, Jayne's experiences in prison after being arrested for the murder. The mystery part of the story doesn't feature a lot of twists and turns, and it's not too hard to figure out who the real murderer is. There's also a strong romance component, which, although it's tied in to the main plot, comes close to hijacking it at one point. I personally had some difficulties with Jayne--her naivete and extremely accident-prone nature were hard to take at times--and I might have enjoyed the story a bit more if it hadn't been focused so completely on her.
But if you're looking for a light mystery with more than a touch of romantic comedy, you could go farther and "fare" worse.
Murder on the Menu is not my usual fare when it comes to mysteries--I'm generally reading something from the Golden Age. But for a change, I thought I'd try a story featuring coyote-haunted deserts and cowboys rather than vicars and village greens.
My reactions were mixed. On one hand, there's a fair amount of action, the story moves along nicely, and Jayne is a well-developed main character. Some of the scenes stood out--for example, Jayne's experiences in prison after being arrested for the murder. The mystery part of the story doesn't feature a lot of twists and turns, and it's not too hard to figure out who the real murderer is. There's also a strong romance component, which, although it's tied in to the main plot, comes close to hijacking it at one point. I personally had some difficulties with Jayne--her naivete and extremely accident-prone nature were hard to take at times--and I might have enjoyed the story a bit more if it hadn't been focused so completely on her.
But if you're looking for a light mystery with more than a touch of romantic comedy, you could go farther and "fare" worse.
January 14, 2018
Menu for Murder by L.A. Keller (Leslie) was an enjoyable light read. I say light despite the fact there were multiple murders. It was more the manner in which the book was written. Normally I would say that the world does not need another hare-brained amateur detective but Jayne was so endearing: she is the kind of characters there are on soap operas, those who if they had a lick of sense wouldn't do what they were going to do; except then there would be no story.
Jayne live in Carefree, Arizona, just north of Phoenix: one of the west's most western towns. She waits on tables at a local restaurant and hires out for private parties occasionally. She had done this party, even knowing it was a bad idea, because she needed the money (perpetually). Being a good citizen she loaded all the empty wine bottles into her trunk instead of in the dumpster so she would recycle them the next day. She didn't realize she had put her purse (yes, with her car keys in it) in the trunk before she put the bottles in. She remembered this just as she slammed the trunk shut. Yes, her cell phone was also in her purse. So instead of heeding the housekeeper's well-intentioned warning, she went back into the house to use the phone, running into the host of the party (and mayor of the town) who wanted to have her stay and "play." Jayne foolishly got into his car for a ride home and regretted it almost immediately. Yes, he made another pass. Yes, she jumped. She ran. He chased her. Finally he went home and she tried to walk back to town. Met a guy, a good one. Went back the next day to get her car. The bad news is: the mayor has been murdered; Jayne is the main suspect; and the detective in charge has no desire to put in the work it will take to find he real killer, so he just arrests Jayne. Jayne's life goes downhill from here.
Pleasant book. Doesn't take itself too seriously. Jayne is well-meaning but rarely thinks through a move before she makes it. She is lovable, though. Everyone she works with and meets loves her. She loves animals: hers and everyone else's, and they love her. Good work for a first book. I expect to see great things from Leslie Keller in the future.
Jayne live in Carefree, Arizona, just north of Phoenix: one of the west's most western towns. She waits on tables at a local restaurant and hires out for private parties occasionally. She had done this party, even knowing it was a bad idea, because she needed the money (perpetually). Being a good citizen she loaded all the empty wine bottles into her trunk instead of in the dumpster so she would recycle them the next day. She didn't realize she had put her purse (yes, with her car keys in it) in the trunk before she put the bottles in. She remembered this just as she slammed the trunk shut. Yes, her cell phone was also in her purse. So instead of heeding the housekeeper's well-intentioned warning, she went back into the house to use the phone, running into the host of the party (and mayor of the town) who wanted to have her stay and "play." Jayne foolishly got into his car for a ride home and regretted it almost immediately. Yes, he made another pass. Yes, she jumped. She ran. He chased her. Finally he went home and she tried to walk back to town. Met a guy, a good one. Went back the next day to get her car. The bad news is: the mayor has been murdered; Jayne is the main suspect; and the detective in charge has no desire to put in the work it will take to find he real killer, so he just arrests Jayne. Jayne's life goes downhill from here.
Pleasant book. Doesn't take itself too seriously. Jayne is well-meaning but rarely thinks through a move before she makes it. She is lovable, though. Everyone she works with and meets loves her. She loves animals: hers and everyone else's, and they love her. Good work for a first book. I expect to see great things from Leslie Keller in the future.
October 27, 2017
While there is a mystery to be solved and the consequences of the corpse drive the action beats of the story, the narrator takes the interesting approach of running away. In fact, even after she decides to actively work to solve the case, her investigative technique appears to largely involve running away. This stems from the character traits established early on where, despite a strong memory for small details, she tends to be absent-minded and often acts before thinking. This makes an interesting divergance from the more deliberative detectives I have read over the years. It did make me wonder how she could hold down a job as a waitress when spilling food or drink on herself and even customers was regarded as a daily occurance.
That said, the strains of credulity were never that great, or sufficient to detract from the sometimes hectic narrative. If I were to ask for more from the story, it would be the chance to have learned more about the principal figures of the mystery itself. As it stands, the story is too dependent upon how much you like the narrator and less on the murder plot for the degree to which a reader will enjoy it. There was nothing new on the murder front for long-time readers of mysteries, so it ended up hinging upon whether or not you wanted to read more about Jayne.
Still, I can't say I was bored reading it.
That said, the strains of credulity were never that great, or sufficient to detract from the sometimes hectic narrative. If I were to ask for more from the story, it would be the chance to have learned more about the principal figures of the mystery itself. As it stands, the story is too dependent upon how much you like the narrator and less on the murder plot for the degree to which a reader will enjoy it. There was nothing new on the murder front for long-time readers of mysteries, so it ended up hinging upon whether or not you wanted to read more about Jayne.
Still, I can't say I was bored reading it.
January 12, 2018
This book is the first in a series by L.A. Keller set in Arizona. The heroine, Jayne Stanford is likeable enough but at times she annoyed me because of her actions. There a few over-the-top things that she gets involved in where I just found myself shaking my head. She obviously did not trust the police so she was investigating on her own and putting herself and others at risk. I guess I have to applaud Keller in not having the heroine directly linked to anyone on the police force as I think so many cozy mysteries tend to have the cop-amateur sleuth romance.
Despite my feelings for the heroine; overall, the storyline is decent and keeps one interested enough in trying to solve it. The murder victim was a horrible man and super sleazy. It was not jaw-dropping to discover the motive behind his death. I will admit I was not satisfied with the ending and Keller may have just kept my attention for this series. If the second book in the series comes out, I will most likely read it. Some of the secondary characters are interesting and I’d like to see the development of some of Jayne’s closest posse: her best friend, Bailey, her co-worker, Emmett, and her love interest, Jonas.
I received a copy of this e-book in exchange for an honest review.
Despite my feelings for the heroine; overall, the storyline is decent and keeps one interested enough in trying to solve it. The murder victim was a horrible man and super sleazy. It was not jaw-dropping to discover the motive behind his death. I will admit I was not satisfied with the ending and Keller may have just kept my attention for this series. If the second book in the series comes out, I will most likely read it. Some of the secondary characters are interesting and I’d like to see the development of some of Jayne’s closest posse: her best friend, Bailey, her co-worker, Emmett, and her love interest, Jonas.
I received a copy of this e-book in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2017
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Jayne thought the extra money she picked up by working at a party for the mayor would make up for having to avoid his unwanted attentions. After he becomes more forceful with his affections, she flees into the desert night and right into an arrest for his murder. Now in order to clear her name, Jayne must find out who amongst the mayor's many enemies wanted him dead and is now trying to kill her as well as who took her beloved Bugsy before the body count increases. A fast paced story line with well developed characters that is written with a great sense of humor. I'm really looking forward to Jayne's next adventure.
June 18, 2018
I really wanted to like this book, and I did, for the most part, but there a few things that really frustrated me. First the good- I love that it takes place in Arizona and the Carefree area, as I am from there and it was a kick reading about places I knew. Second, the writing is engaging and draws you in and the characters seem to be really fleshed out well (except for Emmett). And Jayne is likable and while I understand her role as the ‘hapless, trouble always finds her’ type of woman, I admit there were quite a few times I was closing my kindle down in frustration at how stupid she was being. Which leads me to why I only gave this book 3 stars.
Not only is Jayne slow on the uptake, but she might as well wear a nametag that says her name is Calamity. At first I accepted her stupidness as part of the growth of her character, but she remained stupid until the end of the story and didn’t seem to make any headway. I honestly wanted to shake her character and trust me when I say that does not usually happen to me. It was so off putting that I almost didn’t finish the book twice because she was frustrating me so much. I think there is a fine line between having a character be smart enough to solve a mystery and still be ‘normal’ ( ie a little slow) enough for readers to identify with and unfortunately this book crosses it and crashes off the end, like Jayne and her car. I don’t expect my cosy mystery solvers to be Sherlock Holmes, but I do expect them to have a modicum of common sense and the ability to learn. All Jayne did was make stupid mistake after stupid mistake.
I would be interested in reading another book in this series if Jayne is shown to have grown a bit as a character. But if she stays the way she is.... I don’t think I can follow.
Not only is Jayne slow on the uptake, but she might as well wear a nametag that says her name is Calamity. At first I accepted her stupidness as part of the growth of her character, but she remained stupid until the end of the story and didn’t seem to make any headway. I honestly wanted to shake her character and trust me when I say that does not usually happen to me. It was so off putting that I almost didn’t finish the book twice because she was frustrating me so much. I think there is a fine line between having a character be smart enough to solve a mystery and still be ‘normal’ ( ie a little slow) enough for readers to identify with and unfortunately this book crosses it and crashes off the end, like Jayne and her car. I don’t expect my cosy mystery solvers to be Sherlock Holmes, but I do expect them to have a modicum of common sense and the ability to learn. All Jayne did was make stupid mistake after stupid mistake.
I would be interested in reading another book in this series if Jayne is shown to have grown a bit as a character. But if she stays the way she is.... I don’t think I can follow.
May 21, 2018
Arrested and convicted - all without a trial
Great read - loved the klutzy, bumbling heroine who blunders her way from one terrifying situation to the next. Being the only server at the mayor's private party has her run ragged. Then when he attempts to rape her and she makes her escape, he pursues her. Leaving her hurt and abandoned on a lonely road. Luckily a knight in shining armour comes to her rescue (okay he drove a battered pickup and was just an ordinary guy). However when the mayor's body is found, she is arrested for murder. Add in blackmail, a prostitution ring, attempted murder, a murder of a friend and other nefarious activities for a great, fast paced read that will have you wondering if she can ever clear herself. A great plot and great characters, although personally I didn't like the hero.
Great read - loved the klutzy, bumbling heroine who blunders her way from one terrifying situation to the next. Being the only server at the mayor's private party has her run ragged. Then when he attempts to rape her and she makes her escape, he pursues her. Leaving her hurt and abandoned on a lonely road. Luckily a knight in shining armour comes to her rescue (okay he drove a battered pickup and was just an ordinary guy). However when the mayor's body is found, she is arrested for murder. Add in blackmail, a prostitution ring, attempted murder, a murder of a friend and other nefarious activities for a great, fast paced read that will have you wondering if she can ever clear herself. A great plot and great characters, although personally I didn't like the hero.
August 8, 2017
Trouble is no stranger to Jayne Stanford, who always finds a way to get into it and has learned how to muddle through as best she can. Even the efforts she makes to find out who is guilty of the murder for which she was arrested land her in more kinds of trouble. Battered and bruised, she, of course, comes out successful at the end, but the crazy turns she takes along the way might make you want to scream – or keep reading to see how she handles them. A fun read.
June 6, 2018
Jayne is over worked and under paid, and having to deal with situations that make her skin crawl. This was a fast pace story, that readers will enjoy, of knowing what is next that Jayne will have to deal with. It was interesting to the end, and will look for more by author.
June 29, 2018
Good book!
This book was a joy to read. It featured an accident prone, clueless protagonist. It contained humor as well as romance and intrigue. I highly recommend it to other mystery lovers.
This book was a joy to read. It featured an accident prone, clueless protagonist. It contained humor as well as romance and intrigue. I highly recommend it to other mystery lovers.
May 26, 2018
Wonderful
Mystery,suspense,thrills and a whole lot of laughs.This one keeps you guessing and laughing from the first page to the very last.
Mystery,suspense,thrills and a whole lot of laughs.This one keeps you guessing and laughing from the first page to the very last.
February 3, 2024
great read
Twists and turns. As a scottsdale resident it is clear that Leslie did her research and I could picture each scene with clarity!
Twists and turns. As a scottsdale resident it is clear that Leslie did her research and I could picture each scene with clarity!
May 9, 2025
Oh, Jayne. You dimwit.
This is a silly mystery with a protagonist making loads of stupid decisions. 2.5 stars
This is a silly mystery with a protagonist making loads of stupid decisions. 2.5 stars
August 28, 2015
Definitely an easy read with a simple but engaging plot. If you are familiar with the Scottsdale area some of the detail and descriptions it might be a much but if not, those same details and discriptions will give an interesting impression of the area and it's characters. The main character, Jayne has enough going for... or maybe it is against... her to keep you reading to find out how in the world she manages to make it through. [An Ahwatukee Women's Book Club review]
October 19, 2024
I met the author at a book fair in Arizona, whereby I purchased the book. She said I won a free copy of her newest book. Same with my friend. We never heard from her again. Not a fan of someone who lies to get your endorsement.
May 9, 2015
An engaging, easy read. Light-hearted with adroit character development.
Recommended enthusiastically!
Dr. Lew Graham - lewgraham.org
Recommended enthusiastically!
Dr. Lew Graham - lewgraham.org
March 27, 2017
This was a great debut novel by L.A. Keller! Jayne Stanford is an easy going gal who does things that make you want to strangle her, but you really can't help but fall in love with her character. Menu for Murder was set in Scottsdale, Arizona and if you live here, you will easily recognize many of the Arizona trademarks - horses, cactus, the desert, and the stereotypical Scottsdale glamour. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, you will really enjoy this book.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews