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Biscuit Bowl Food Truck Mystery #3
Fat Tuesday Fricassee
The national bestselling author of Fry Another Day serves up a third helping in the Biscuit Bowl Food Truck Mystery series…
It’s Mardi Gras in Mobile, Alabama, and food truck chef Zoe Chase is driven to distraction attending high-society soirees, feeding the partying masses, and getting the skinny on a Fat Tuesday murder…
Two weeks of carnival celebrations has got Zoe running ragged. By day, she charms hungry tourists with authentic Southern cuisine. At night, she accompanies her father to one masquerade ball after another, hobnobbing with the high rollers of the secret cabal known as the Mistics of Time.
But the fun turns frightening when Zoe stumbles across “Death’s” dead body. Journalist Jordan Phillips attended the Mistics’ latest bash in a traditional Death costume, and received a fatal bullet wound for the privilege. With more than three hundred masked suspects determined to remain anonymous, and the police covering up the facts behind the murder of the investigative reporter, Zoe realizes the Mistics have some serious secrets to hide…
It’s Mardi Gras in Mobile, Alabama, and food truck chef Zoe Chase is driven to distraction attending high-society soirees, feeding the partying masses, and getting the skinny on a Fat Tuesday murder…
Two weeks of carnival celebrations has got Zoe running ragged. By day, she charms hungry tourists with authentic Southern cuisine. At night, she accompanies her father to one masquerade ball after another, hobnobbing with the high rollers of the secret cabal known as the Mistics of Time.
But the fun turns frightening when Zoe stumbles across “Death’s” dead body. Journalist Jordan Phillips attended the Mistics’ latest bash in a traditional Death costume, and received a fatal bullet wound for the privilege. With more than three hundred masked suspects determined to remain anonymous, and the police covering up the facts behind the murder of the investigative reporter, Zoe realizes the Mistics have some serious secrets to hide…
295 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 1, 2015
9 people are currently reading
339 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 9, 2016
4-1/2 Stars. Zoe Chase and her Biscuit Bowl Truck have been selected to take part in the big food truck rally during the Mardi Gras carnival celebration in Mobile, Alabama. It means lots of extra work, but the exposure will help Zoe move forward in her goal of opening a real restaurant. Her boyfriend, Miguel; right-hand-man, Ollie; Uncle Saul; and Delia are all along for the fun. Chef Art even lends a helping hand. An odd health inspector is on her back at the old diner where she prepares her food, plus, he starts showing up at the carnival. Zoe's afraid he'll catch Creme Brûlée, her precious cat she takes everywhere; in the truck, and shut her down.
Just prior to the beginning of the truck rally, Ted, Zoe's father, escorts her to a lavish ball held by a secret society he belongs to. Stepping out for a breath of fresh air, Zoe stumbles upon a dead body. All of a sudden, the murder is hushed up by the police commissioner; false reports about the murder are released to the newspaper; Zoe is a main suspect; and she's being watched and threatened almost daily.
Book three ends with an astonishing plot reveal and an upsetting cliffhanger. If you're like me, I'm already chomping at the bit to know what happens next!
Just prior to the beginning of the truck rally, Ted, Zoe's father, escorts her to a lavish ball held by a secret society he belongs to. Stepping out for a breath of fresh air, Zoe stumbles upon a dead body. All of a sudden, the murder is hushed up by the police commissioner; false reports about the murder are released to the newspaper; Zoe is a main suspect; and she's being watched and threatened almost daily.
Book three ends with an astonishing plot reveal and an upsetting cliffhanger. If you're like me, I'm already chomping at the bit to know what happens next!
October 27, 2016
Loved it.. So sad that there won't be more.. RIP Lavenes...
November 29, 2015
Fat Tuesday Fricassee is the third book in the A Biscuit Bowl Mystery series.
It's Mardi Gras time in Mobile and Zoe Chase has been chosen to have her food truck, The Biscuit Bowl, selected to be one to provide authentic local foods for the tourist. For Zoe, there aren't just enough hours in the day, as her father, Ted has been chosen by the secret organization Mistics of Time to be King Felix and is his dance partner at the various balls going on during the festivities. At one of these balls, as Zoe is catching a breath of fresh air, she finds the body of Jordan Phillips, an investigative reporter for The Times, a paper owned by his father and grandfather. The police commissioner, Chadwick Sloane, is one of the first policemen to arrive. The first thing Zoe thought, was he must be a member of the secret society. But when the incident is reported by the media, the body has been moved, in an apparent police cover-up. Zoe's father wants her to leave town for a while and ask no question about the society or what had happened at the ball. Of course, this isn't in Zoe's make-up and besides she needs to stay and keep her food truck serving the people enjoying the revelry. When her father is stabbed, things are hitting to close too home and Zoe knows she has to stay around until the murderer if found.
Ollie and Miguel, Zoe's boyfriend, and Delia pitch in to cover at the food truck for Zoe. Even Uncle Saul leaves his cabin in the country to lend his culinary skills at the food truck.
Another exciting and suspenseful story in this culinary thriller. Most all of the engaging and believable characters from the previous books are back to once again to lend Zoe a hand.
Definitely will be watching for the next book in this series.
It's Mardi Gras time in Mobile and Zoe Chase has been chosen to have her food truck, The Biscuit Bowl, selected to be one to provide authentic local foods for the tourist. For Zoe, there aren't just enough hours in the day, as her father, Ted has been chosen by the secret organization Mistics of Time to be King Felix and is his dance partner at the various balls going on during the festivities. At one of these balls, as Zoe is catching a breath of fresh air, she finds the body of Jordan Phillips, an investigative reporter for The Times, a paper owned by his father and grandfather. The police commissioner, Chadwick Sloane, is one of the first policemen to arrive. The first thing Zoe thought, was he must be a member of the secret society. But when the incident is reported by the media, the body has been moved, in an apparent police cover-up. Zoe's father wants her to leave town for a while and ask no question about the society or what had happened at the ball. Of course, this isn't in Zoe's make-up and besides she needs to stay and keep her food truck serving the people enjoying the revelry. When her father is stabbed, things are hitting to close too home and Zoe knows she has to stay around until the murderer if found.
Ollie and Miguel, Zoe's boyfriend, and Delia pitch in to cover at the food truck for Zoe. Even Uncle Saul leaves his cabin in the country to lend his culinary skills at the food truck.
Another exciting and suspenseful story in this culinary thriller. Most all of the engaging and believable characters from the previous books are back to once again to lend Zoe a hand.
Definitely will be watching for the next book in this series.
January 14, 2016
This third entry in the series was a nonstop read. It grabbed my attention and interest from the first paragraph and didn't let go. Mobile, Alabama is the setting for a strong cast of characters who are involved with the food business and Mardi Gras. Zoe is the owner/operator of a mobile food truck serving up savory and sweet fillings in her trademark Biscuit Bowl. For a two week period Zoe and family and friends are working to feed the many carnival goers. She is also doing the masquerade ball scene with her father who is involved in a secret carnival society, The Mistics of Time. While attending their ball, Zoe finds a murdered body. The investigation is up in the air as the attendees are masked and gone before the police arrive. This is an excellent murder plot involving Mardi Gras parade krewes and secret societies, corruption, blackmail, intimidation, false identities, cover-ups and ghosts. I love these strong, well written characters. The food truck business theme works well with the murder plot, which is a twisted path with many red herrings and totally surprising ending. I highly recommend this book and series for those readers wanting a rollicking good adventure, while trying to solve the murder.
December 7, 2015
When Zoe Chase agreed to go to the Mistics Mardi Gras bash on the arm of her dad, she never expected to find Death in the garden. She also didn't expect the Commissioner and the lead detective on the case to lie about where the body was found. So, she feels like she has to check into what really happened to the young reporter dressed as Death. Did the Commissioner's daughter have anything to do with his death? The Commissioner? The Mistics? After all, the secret societies are very serious about their secrecy. And why does Zoe and her dad keep seeing the ghost of Old Slac everywhere? Sure, it's Mardi Gras but, this Old Slac isn't just some partygoer.
I really enjoyed this book. I like the series a lot and this newest book was really good. It's nice to see how Zoe is progressing with not only her food truck but, her relationship with Miguel. You get so engrossed in these characters that you laugh and groan along with everything that they do. Can't wait for the next one!
I really enjoyed this book. I like the series a lot and this newest book was really good. It's nice to see how Zoe is progressing with not only her food truck but, her relationship with Miguel. You get so engrossed in these characters that you laugh and groan along with everything that they do. Can't wait for the next one!
June 23, 2019
Loved this cozy mystery! The story unfolds during Mardi Gras time in Mobile, Alabama. It was so fun to read about the holiday festivities, tasty food, secret societies, and parties. I loved it all! The colorful characters and ghostly visitors really added to the story. Zoe and her family and friends made the most delicious tasting biscuit bowls. This mystery was secretive and intriguing and kept me guessing the whole time. This is a must read for cozy mystery lovers!
June 16, 2025
Book #: 37
Title: Fat Tuesday Fricassee
Author: J.J. Cook
Series: Biscuit Bowl Food Truck Mystery #3
Format: 295 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Pub Date: First published December 1, 2015
Started: June 12, 2025 Finished: June 16, 2025
Awards: none
Categories: A non-cookbook with recipes; PS24 A book with a happily single woman protagonist; PS29 A book about a food truck; GR26 A book by an author with a common noun in their name; GR32 A mystery or true crime book; 52BC1 A Pun In The Title; GRSC1a A book in a series; GRSC4d A book with a cafe, bakery, or restaurant as an important setting;
Goodreads Rating: 3.86; 263 ratings; 35 reviews
My Rating: *** three out of five stars
Zoe Chase's father is a member of a Secret Society in Mobile, Alabama. He's been elected King of the Mardi Gras. Since he's not seeing anyone, he asks Zoe to be Queen. The food is delicious, the costumes are eye-catching, and the figure dressed as Death is dead. Naturally, this occurs during the busiest possible season for a food truck, Mardi Gras. Zoe has to run her business while dodging a killer.
I dislike the easy writer out of the protagonist not knowing who the killer is, until the killer decides
that they're getting too close and kidnaps them. The mystery pretty much went from whodunnit to being all wrapped up in the last ten pages. And I really hate that this book ended on a minor cliffhanger because J.J. Cook is a pen-name for the husband and wife writing team of Joyce and Jim Lavene, both of whom passed away shortly after this book was published. :( And if you're going to publish a culinary mystery with recipes and not only use one recipe in the title, but feature the recipe prominently in the book, could you at least include that recipe with the others?
Title: Fat Tuesday Fricassee
Author: J.J. Cook
Series: Biscuit Bowl Food Truck Mystery #3
Format: 295 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Pub Date: First published December 1, 2015
Started: June 12, 2025 Finished: June 16, 2025
Awards: none
Categories: A non-cookbook with recipes; PS24 A book with a happily single woman protagonist; PS29 A book about a food truck; GR26 A book by an author with a common noun in their name; GR32 A mystery or true crime book; 52BC1 A Pun In The Title; GRSC1a A book in a series; GRSC4d A book with a cafe, bakery, or restaurant as an important setting;
Goodreads Rating: 3.86; 263 ratings; 35 reviews
My Rating: *** three out of five stars
Zoe Chase's father is a member of a Secret Society in Mobile, Alabama. He's been elected King of the Mardi Gras. Since he's not seeing anyone, he asks Zoe to be Queen. The food is delicious, the costumes are eye-catching, and the figure dressed as Death is dead. Naturally, this occurs during the busiest possible season for a food truck, Mardi Gras. Zoe has to run her business while dodging a killer.
I dislike the easy writer out of the protagonist not knowing who the killer is, until the killer decides
that they're getting too close and kidnaps them. The mystery pretty much went from whodunnit to being all wrapped up in the last ten pages. And I really hate that this book ended on a minor cliffhanger because J.J. Cook is a pen-name for the husband and wife writing team of Joyce and Jim Lavene, both of whom passed away shortly after this book was published. :( And if you're going to publish a culinary mystery with recipes and not only use one recipe in the title, but feature the recipe prominently in the book, could you at least include that recipe with the others?
June 24, 2017
Zoe Chase, owner of the Biscuit Bowl food truck, is excited about the chance she's been given to participate in the food truck rally in her hometown of Mobile, Alabama during the two weeks of carnival leading up to Fat Tuesday. Unfortunately, the night before the big event begins, she discovers the dead body of a journalist in the garden outside one of the secret society balls that she attended at her father's request. When the police commissioner arrives at the scene of the crime and seems to be acting strangely, Zoe gets suspicious, and wonders what secrets he's trying to hide from the public. When Zoe and her father are threatened, Zoe decides she needs to learn the truth about what's really going on, before things get completely out of hand. Of course, she and her food truck crew are now busier than ever with the Mardi Gras crowds lining up almost non-stop at the Biscuit Bowl window, eating her sweet and savory filled biscuit bowls as fast as she can make them.
I really enjoyed this mystery set during the Mardi Gras carnival celebration in Mobile, AL. It really took you right there amongst the partiers, parades and festivities. I also enjoyed the occasional bits of history that the author included, explaining the background and traditions of this famous festival. I can only imagine what kind of shenanigans Zoe and her crew of quirky characters (including her huge cat, Creme Brulee) will get themselves into next! (I just read that the husband and wife team of Jim and Joyce Lavene who wrote this series, among many others, have passed away. So sad for their children and all of the many readers of their books. Jim and Joyce will be missed greatly.)
I really enjoyed this mystery set during the Mardi Gras carnival celebration in Mobile, AL. It really took you right there amongst the partiers, parades and festivities. I also enjoyed the occasional bits of history that the author included, explaining the background and traditions of this famous festival. I can only imagine what kind of shenanigans Zoe and her crew of quirky characters (including her huge cat, Creme Brulee) will get themselves into next! (I just read that the husband and wife team of Jim and Joyce Lavene who wrote this series, among many others, have passed away. So sad for their children and all of the many readers of their books. Jim and Joyce will be missed greatly.)
February 18, 2017
It is Mardi Gras time in Mobile Alabama. Zoe Chases food truck is chosen to provide food for the tourists. She also has agreed to go to the Mistics Ball as her Fathers date and dance partner. She never expected to find a dead body in the garden at the ball. The body is that of a Reporter. Who wanted him dead..... The Commissioner or The Mistics? Also who is the new Food Inspector who keeps popping up to inspect the Truck or the Diner? A well written mystery kept me in suspense to the very end.
dnf
March 2, 2025DNF @ 12%
I had to see the word "Daddy" far too many times. Woman is 30 years old, and story takes place in Mobile, AL so that is to be expected for the Deep South. But it was...a lot. Didn't need an explanation for what Mardi Gras is, or what Moon Pies are. Main character lacks common sense. If a cat isn't allowed to live in her diner/commerical kitchen, then WHY does she think it's ok to have it in her food truck instead?!?
I had to see the word "Daddy" far too many times. Woman is 30 years old, and story takes place in Mobile, AL so that is to be expected for the Deep South. But it was...a lot. Didn't need an explanation for what Mardi Gras is, or what Moon Pies are. Main character lacks common sense. If a cat isn't allowed to live in her diner/commerical kitchen, then WHY does she think it's ok to have it in her food truck instead?!?
September 15, 2018
If I could, I would rate this one 2.5 stars. Enough with the cat and the bowls. I get it. It's a food truck. By the end of this one, I was fed up with it all. No more biscuit bowls for me. Too tedious.
July 1, 2021
I was surprised to find out that J.J. Cook is another name for Authors Jim and Joyce Lavene (sp) who have both passed away, one in 2015 and the other the next year. So there will be no # 4 for this series, which ended in a bit of a cliff hanger.
March 19, 2018
Really cute and fun book. Very easy to read
June 3, 2018
2.5 stars
March 28, 2019
I really enjoyed this but I'm sad that it's the last one, and I guess we'll never know if Creme Brulee gets found or not.
February 10, 2024
How are they just going to end it with the cat missing? She could have at least written him showing up at the end. And this is the last book in the series. Boo! Also the main character is BORING!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2015
http://openbooksociety.com/article/fa...
Fat Tuesday Fricassee
A Biscuit Bowl Food Truck Mystery, Book #3
By J.J. Cook
ISBN13: 9780425263471
Author website: http://www.joyceandjimlavene.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
The national bestselling author of Fry Another Day serves up a third helping in the Biscuit Bowl Food Truck Mystery series…
It’s Mardi Gras in Mobile, Alabama, and food truck chef Zoe Chase is driven to distraction attending high-society soirees, feeding the partying masses, and getting the skinny on a Fat Tuesday murder…
Two weeks of carnival celebrations has got Zoe running ragged. By day, she charms hungry tourists with authentic Southern cuisine. At night, she accompanies her father to one masquerade ball after another, hobnobbing with the high rollers of the secret cabal known as the Mistics of Time.
But the fun turns frightening when Zoe stumbles across “Death’s” dead body. Journalist Jordan Phillips attended the Mistics’ latest bash in a traditional Death costume, and received a fatal bullet wound for the privilege. With more than three hundred masked suspects determined to remain anonymous, and the police covering up the facts behind the murder of the investigative reporter, Zoe realizes the Mistics have some serious secrets to hide…
Review:
I have not read any other of the installments in J.J. Cook’s “Biscuit Bowl Food Truck Mystery” series, but I do not think you need to in order to enjoy Fat Tuesday Fricassee. I enjoyed it. The characters are fun and entertaining. I have to say I may have to read the others just to learn more about Miguel, Zoe’s boyfriend. Sounds like a great story there. The main characters, including Miguel, Zoe Chase, Ollie and gang, are wonderful. It was also fun learning about Mobile’s Mardi Gras. I had no idea they even had one and then to learn the history behind it was really fun.
Zoe Chase and her gang are going to have the food truck involved in the big Mardi Gras rally. Boy will they be busy. Aside from all the extra work, she has had to be her father’s date for all the balls held by the secret groups there. The last one she has to go to, the Mistics of Time Mardi Gras ball, is a biggy. All the guests are decked out and have to wear their masks so no one knows who they are. Zoe finds Death in the garden and unfortunately, he is really dead. When the victim’s identity is revealed to be a young journalist and the police seem to be giving false information, Zoe feels she has to find out what really happened.
I loved that there were not too many characters to keep track of and the way the mystery wrapped around everyone, twisted this way and that was great. Lots of secrets, lots of traditions, tons of good food, and plenty of suspense. I really liked how the author(s) were able to pull things together and keep it all believable. Of course I enjoyed her cat Crème Brulee, but did not like a certain scene or the way we are left with it. I enjoy a cliffhanger, but never when an animal is involved. That is probably my only complaint. However, I am sure everything will be fine in the next installment.
Fat Tuesday Fricassee is a delightful and tasty cozy filled with entertaining main characters and enjoyable minor characters. The mystery is very well written and extremely well plotted. I was definitely kept guessing. This is the third installment in what I imagine is a fun series. You do not have to have read the others in order to enjoy this one. I will be reading the others so I can learn more about these great characters. I will definitely have to read the next one so I can find out how the cliffhanger plays out. This is a great cozy for any foodies. Wonderful menus and even recipes fill this read. I really enjoyed the bits of history included as well.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
Fat Tuesday Fricassee
A Biscuit Bowl Food Truck Mystery, Book #3
By J.J. Cook
ISBN13: 9780425263471
Author website: http://www.joyceandjimlavene.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
The national bestselling author of Fry Another Day serves up a third helping in the Biscuit Bowl Food Truck Mystery series…
It’s Mardi Gras in Mobile, Alabama, and food truck chef Zoe Chase is driven to distraction attending high-society soirees, feeding the partying masses, and getting the skinny on a Fat Tuesday murder…
Two weeks of carnival celebrations has got Zoe running ragged. By day, she charms hungry tourists with authentic Southern cuisine. At night, she accompanies her father to one masquerade ball after another, hobnobbing with the high rollers of the secret cabal known as the Mistics of Time.
But the fun turns frightening when Zoe stumbles across “Death’s” dead body. Journalist Jordan Phillips attended the Mistics’ latest bash in a traditional Death costume, and received a fatal bullet wound for the privilege. With more than three hundred masked suspects determined to remain anonymous, and the police covering up the facts behind the murder of the investigative reporter, Zoe realizes the Mistics have some serious secrets to hide…
Review:
I have not read any other of the installments in J.J. Cook’s “Biscuit Bowl Food Truck Mystery” series, but I do not think you need to in order to enjoy Fat Tuesday Fricassee. I enjoyed it. The characters are fun and entertaining. I have to say I may have to read the others just to learn more about Miguel, Zoe’s boyfriend. Sounds like a great story there. The main characters, including Miguel, Zoe Chase, Ollie and gang, are wonderful. It was also fun learning about Mobile’s Mardi Gras. I had no idea they even had one and then to learn the history behind it was really fun.
Zoe Chase and her gang are going to have the food truck involved in the big Mardi Gras rally. Boy will they be busy. Aside from all the extra work, she has had to be her father’s date for all the balls held by the secret groups there. The last one she has to go to, the Mistics of Time Mardi Gras ball, is a biggy. All the guests are decked out and have to wear their masks so no one knows who they are. Zoe finds Death in the garden and unfortunately, he is really dead. When the victim’s identity is revealed to be a young journalist and the police seem to be giving false information, Zoe feels she has to find out what really happened.
I loved that there were not too many characters to keep track of and the way the mystery wrapped around everyone, twisted this way and that was great. Lots of secrets, lots of traditions, tons of good food, and plenty of suspense. I really liked how the author(s) were able to pull things together and keep it all believable. Of course I enjoyed her cat Crème Brulee, but did not like a certain scene or the way we are left with it. I enjoy a cliffhanger, but never when an animal is involved. That is probably my only complaint. However, I am sure everything will be fine in the next installment.
Fat Tuesday Fricassee is a delightful and tasty cozy filled with entertaining main characters and enjoyable minor characters. The mystery is very well written and extremely well plotted. I was definitely kept guessing. This is the third installment in what I imagine is a fun series. You do not have to have read the others in order to enjoy this one. I will be reading the others so I can learn more about these great characters. I will definitely have to read the next one so I can find out how the cliffhanger plays out. This is a great cozy for any foodies. Wonderful menus and even recipes fill this read. I really enjoyed the bits of history included as well.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
January 13, 2016
Fat Tuesday Fricassee is the 3rd book in the Biscuit Bowl Food Truck Mystery series by J.J. Cook. I have read each book in this series and absolutely love it. However, Fat Tuesday Fricassee can be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone book. Zoe Chase has been selected to have her food truck, The Biscuit Bowl, to serve authentic local foods for the tourist attending the Mardi Gras celebration in Mobile. Ted, Zoe’s Father, has been chosen by the secret organization Mistics of Time to be King Felix at the various balls going on during the festivities. Zoe is to be his dance partner at the balls. While catching her breath at one of the balls, Zoe finds the body of Jordan Phillips, an investigative reporter for The Times, a paper owned by his father and grandfather. To Zoe’s chagrin, the Commissioner and the lead detective on the case lie about where the body was found. So, Zoe is determined to investigate and ascertain what really happened to the young reporter dressed as Death. Who was responsible? The secret societies are very serious about their secrecy. Worse than finding a dead body, Zoe and her dad keep seeing the ghost of Old Slac everywhere. A pesky food inspector who is constantly popping up to inspect either Zoe’s diner or the food truck and unreasonable carnival rules impacting food truck operations add to her distress. When her father is stabbed, danger is too close to home and Zoe knows she has to stay around until the murderer if found. Miguel, Zoe's boyfriend, Ollie and Delia pitch in to cover at the food truck for Zoe. Even Uncle Saul leaves his cabin in the country and his treasured albino alligator to lend his culinary skills at the food truck. Zoe’s cat, Crème Brulee, contributes to Zoe’s challenges.
I enjoyed learning about the history of the Marti Gras celebration and Mobile’s Mardi Gras as I had no idea they even had one. Typical of the deep South, there are many secrets, interesting traditions, lots of amazing food, true of suspense and a superbly crafted mystery. It's nice to see how Zoe’s character is developing both as a food truck owner and in her relationship with Miguel.
I enjoy this series and it is nice to see characters from other series that JJ Cook writes as Joyce and Jim Lavene attending the Marti Gras festivities. I anxiously await the next book in the series to come out so I can find out how the cliffhanger resolves. This is a great cozy mystery for those who appreciate delicious food (especially Cajun). Wonderful menus and delicious recipes are included. I really liked this book and believe cozy mystery lovers will too. Get your copy today and you’ll be prepared to celebrate Marti Gras in the spring.
I enjoyed learning about the history of the Marti Gras celebration and Mobile’s Mardi Gras as I had no idea they even had one. Typical of the deep South, there are many secrets, interesting traditions, lots of amazing food, true of suspense and a superbly crafted mystery. It's nice to see how Zoe’s character is developing both as a food truck owner and in her relationship with Miguel.
I enjoy this series and it is nice to see characters from other series that JJ Cook writes as Joyce and Jim Lavene attending the Marti Gras festivities. I anxiously await the next book in the series to come out so I can find out how the cliffhanger resolves. This is a great cozy mystery for those who appreciate delicious food (especially Cajun). Wonderful menus and delicious recipes are included. I really liked this book and believe cozy mystery lovers will too. Get your copy today and you’ll be prepared to celebrate Marti Gras in the spring.
March 12, 2016
Warning minor spoiler ahead...
A bit disappointing after the first two books, something about the whole story just felt off.
And to end the book with a cliff hanger about the cat being missing... I've gotten used to their adding cliff hangers and other loose ends in most of their other series (a topic I've ranted on before). But seriously, the cat... Now that's just a cheap shot.
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
A bit disappointing after the first two books, something about the whole story just felt off.
And to end the book with a cliff hanger about the cat being missing... I've gotten used to their adding cliff hangers and other loose ends in most of their other series (a topic I've ranted on before). But seriously, the cat... Now that's just a cheap shot.
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2015
The newest Biscuit Bowl mystery begins with Zoe and her dad attending a masquerade ball for the secret society he belongs to. When Zoe discovers the body of Death in the garden at the ball, the deception and stalking begin.
Zoe is hounded by a food inspector who is constantly popping up to inspect either her diner or the food truck. What is really going on with him? Could the police commissioner be involved in a cover up of the death that took place and what is all this secret society stuff? You will find out all of this and more if you read the book.
I enjoy this series and it was nice to see a tie in to other series that JJ Cook writes as Joyce and Jim Lavene. I can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out.
Zoe is hounded by a food inspector who is constantly popping up to inspect either her diner or the food truck. What is really going on with him? Could the police commissioner be involved in a cover up of the death that took place and what is all this secret society stuff? You will find out all of this and more if you read the book.
I enjoy this series and it was nice to see a tie in to other series that JJ Cook writes as Joyce and Jim Lavene. I can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out.
May 24, 2016
This is yet another great book from authors Joyce and Jim Lavene as J.J. Cook. I simply love their writing style and the way they can weave a great mystery. Zoe is one of my favorite characters. She has so much spunk that you just can't help but root for she and her friends. This mystery has Zoe looking to solve a murder that happened at a masquerade ball and Zoe finds herself in more danger than she has ever been in before. I could not believe who the murderer turned out to be. Great job.
I will miss these two authors so much. It is sad to know that in a space of 6 months they are both no longer with us. RIP.
I will miss these two authors so much. It is sad to know that in a space of 6 months they are both no longer with us. RIP.
January 31, 2016
Ugh. I had such a hard time getting into this book, despite the fact that the last two in the series were ok. This time I cheated and skipped to the end, just to see how it ended. I'm sorry, but cliffhanger endings always strike me as a sign of an insecure author, worried about whether people will buy their next book. That, or a planned money grab. It's a total turn off to me. I don't really give a rat's rear end what happens to the damned cat at this point, I'm just annoyed.
I think the Lavenes just lost a long time reader.
I think the Lavenes just lost a long time reader.
December 18, 2015
Mardi Gras time in Mobile and Zoe's food truck was chosen to provide food for the tourists.
Zoe agrees to go with her dad to the Mistics ball to be his dance partner. What Zoe does not expect is to find a dead body in the garden at the ball. The body is that of a reporter.
Who wanted him dead...The Mistics, The Commissioner!?
Also who is this new food inspector that is always popping up to inspect the food truck or the diner?!
I really like this series and seeing what culinary surprises Zoe comes up with.
Zoe agrees to go with her dad to the Mistics ball to be his dance partner. What Zoe does not expect is to find a dead body in the garden at the ball. The body is that of a reporter.
Who wanted him dead...The Mistics, The Commissioner!?
Also who is this new food inspector that is always popping up to inspect the food truck or the diner?!
I really like this series and seeing what culinary surprises Zoe comes up with.
July 13, 2016
The 3rd novel in the Biscuit Bowl Food Truck Mystery series is a disappointment.
Zoe and the gang is back in another murder mystery. Zoe discovers a body of a reporter at one of the balls that she and her father is attending. Right from the start I found this mystery to be a bit odd. The police didn't seem that involved with the murder and everyone keeps telling Zoe to stop looking into it, however she continues not to listen. I wasn't too happy with the ending since Zoe doesn't really solve anything.
Overall, a not so great novel. We'll see if the authors come out with anymore novels.
Zoe and the gang is back in another murder mystery. Zoe discovers a body of a reporter at one of the balls that she and her father is attending. Right from the start I found this mystery to be a bit odd. The police didn't seem that involved with the murder and everyone keeps telling Zoe to stop looking into it, however she continues not to listen. I wasn't too happy with the ending since Zoe doesn't really solve anything.
Overall, a not so great novel. We'll see if the authors come out with anymore novels.
April 5, 2016
Zoe runs the biscuit bowl food truck. It is the height of carnival season and Zoe is exhausted. She is making and selling food by day and going with her father to masquerade balls at night. During one of the balls, Zoe stumbles across the dead body of journalist Jordan Phillips. Zoe along with her friends set iut to find the killer while serving the mardi gras tourists and dealing with a health inspector that seems to have it out for Zoe.
March 2, 2016
Good mystery and CAN be read as a stand alone, but there are a lot of characters to get into the picture. I have not read the others, and I was able to follow along, but did have to slow down a bit to catch up to the characters. I enjoy this author(s), but I prefer the other series by J. J. Cook, and feel this one was not as good as I know they can be. BUT, it is a good book, and worth the read.
September 4, 2016
I like the characters and it was a quick read. My issue was the handling of Mardi Gras in Mobile. I know it's fiction, but it was filled with inaccuracies. I was looking forward to reading a book set in my hometown, I was disappointed. On the bright side, I didn't solve the mystery before the sleuth. That's a good thing. I will give the writers another chance.
January 20, 2016
For someone like me who never gave much thought to Mardi Gras being anyplace but New Orleans, I loved the story around the festivities in Mobile. I enjoy reading about Zoe Chase, her crew and her family. The story kept me guessing until the very end.
December 24, 2015
I enjoyed the story but did not like the ending.
January 29, 2016
kept me on the edge of my chair while reading. As I only am able to read at night it takes me longer to read to book and to get the good part
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