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Greek to Me Mystery #2
Olive and Let Die
The second Greek to Me Mystery from the author of Feta Attraction
As manager of the Bonaparte House, a historic landmark and Greek restaurant in upstate New York, Georgie Nikolopatos knows her local legends—and her traditional Greek recipes are to die for.
Between her soon-to-be ex-husband Spiro coming out of the closet and her budding romance with Captain Jack Conway, Georgie’s life is beginning to feel like a soap opera. And that’s before a surprise visit from her estranged mother Shirley, better known as soap star Melanie Ashley. But the dramatic family reunion takes a chilling turn when another long-lost relative turns up dead.
Just outside Spiro’s new restaurant, Georgie and Melanie find the body of Doreen Webber—a cousin Georgie never knew she had. With Spiro’s partner Inky on the list of suspects, Georgie begins to wonder what else her mother may be hiding. Is the dead-broke diva capable of murder? She’d better find out before someone adds a new twist to the family plot.
Includes delicious Greek recipes!
As manager of the Bonaparte House, a historic landmark and Greek restaurant in upstate New York, Georgie Nikolopatos knows her local legends—and her traditional Greek recipes are to die for.
Between her soon-to-be ex-husband Spiro coming out of the closet and her budding romance with Captain Jack Conway, Georgie’s life is beginning to feel like a soap opera. And that’s before a surprise visit from her estranged mother Shirley, better known as soap star Melanie Ashley. But the dramatic family reunion takes a chilling turn when another long-lost relative turns up dead.
Just outside Spiro’s new restaurant, Georgie and Melanie find the body of Doreen Webber—a cousin Georgie never knew she had. With Spiro’s partner Inky on the list of suspects, Georgie begins to wonder what else her mother may be hiding. Is the dead-broke diva capable of murder? She’d better find out before someone adds a new twist to the family plot.
Includes delicious Greek recipes!
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2015
12 people are currently reading
288 people want to read
About the author
Susannah Hardy
3 books94 followersSusannah Hardy thinks she has the best job in the world: making up stories and inventing recipes to go along with them. A native of northern New York, where she attended St. Lawrence University, Susannah now lives in Connecticut with her husband, teenaged son, and Elvira the Wonder Cat. You can visit her online at www.susannahhardy.com, on Twitter @susannahhardy1, and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Susann....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
November 1, 2015
OLIVE AND LET DIE is a delicious installment to the Greek To Me Mystery series.
Author Susannah Hardy has penned a strong and complex story with OLIVE AND LET DIE. A perfect second book in this series. Well written and thought-out, Ms. Hardy really delivers an intriguing tale with a lot of twists. So much happens in the last few chapters of this book. A lot of excitement and drama.
Protagonist Georgie Nikolopatos is a smart and determined character. She knows what she wants and goes for it. There is also an array of supporting characters that are both likeable and not so likeable to get to know. But they are all written well and they each add just the right touch to this story.
If you liked FETA ATTRACTION, book one in this series, you’re going to love OLIVE AND LET DIE. Haven’t read the first book? You can start with this one and not feel lost.
Don’t forget to check out the back of this book for some wonderful recipes!
Author Susannah Hardy has penned a strong and complex story with OLIVE AND LET DIE. A perfect second book in this series. Well written and thought-out, Ms. Hardy really delivers an intriguing tale with a lot of twists. So much happens in the last few chapters of this book. A lot of excitement and drama.
Protagonist Georgie Nikolopatos is a smart and determined character. She knows what she wants and goes for it. There is also an array of supporting characters that are both likeable and not so likeable to get to know. But they are all written well and they each add just the right touch to this story.
If you liked FETA ATTRACTION, book one in this series, you’re going to love OLIVE AND LET DIE. Haven’t read the first book? You can start with this one and not feel lost.
Don’t forget to check out the back of this book for some wonderful recipes!
October 31, 2015
Susannah Hardy has created a breath of fresh air with this new Greek to Me series. Olive and Let Die is the second in the series and I for one am looking forward to the next one and the next one! There were lots of things I liked about this book. I have nothing against animals, I love my cat, but it was so nice to have a cozy with no pets in sight. And the other plot device that I find to be way overdone lately is the love triangle. It was a relief to concentrate on the mystery and not the relationship. Not that there isn't some romance going on. And even that is intriguing and has a level of mystery. I found Georgie even more personable in this second installment. The secondary characters add to the plot rather than take away. Hardy leaves just enough of a continuing mystery to the ending that you immediately want to grab the next one. I did get a little muddled in the family genealogy but the answer to the mystery will make you gasp. And at the end that's what you want from a good mystery!
January 16, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Susannah has cooked up quite a sequel to her Feta Attraction.
Georgie Nikolopatos manages a Greek restaurant with her mother-in-law. Her soon to be ex-husband is renovating a place for him and his partner to run. Soon Georgie will be able to let her new romance go public. But all that fades to the background when a soap opera star, Melanie Ashley, shows up in town. Georgie recognizes her as the mother she hasn’t seen in years. When another family member is found dead on the docks Georgie thinks her mother may be a murderer.
The story had a bit of a slow beginning for me but once it picked up it was impossible to put this book down. This was the latest book to leave me with a “book hangover”. I stayed up late to finish the whole thing! Like Feta Attraction Hardy packs this story full of drama.
An intricate plot with ancestral secrets galore. Georgie had no idea about her family history on her mother’s side. Will the truth set her free or put her in danger as well?
The characters are richly written and continue to grow. The introduction of a complex woman like Shirley/Melanie gave the story depth. I enjoyed learning more of Georgie’s past and how it reflects in the woman she is today and her relationship with her mother-in-law.
A wonderful cozy mystery. It can be read as a stand alone but recommend reading Feta Attraction first.
Susannah has cooked up quite a sequel to her Feta Attraction.
Georgie Nikolopatos manages a Greek restaurant with her mother-in-law. Her soon to be ex-husband is renovating a place for him and his partner to run. Soon Georgie will be able to let her new romance go public. But all that fades to the background when a soap opera star, Melanie Ashley, shows up in town. Georgie recognizes her as the mother she hasn’t seen in years. When another family member is found dead on the docks Georgie thinks her mother may be a murderer.
The story had a bit of a slow beginning for me but once it picked up it was impossible to put this book down. This was the latest book to leave me with a “book hangover”. I stayed up late to finish the whole thing! Like Feta Attraction Hardy packs this story full of drama.
An intricate plot with ancestral secrets galore. Georgie had no idea about her family history on her mother’s side. Will the truth set her free or put her in danger as well?
The characters are richly written and continue to grow. The introduction of a complex woman like Shirley/Melanie gave the story depth. I enjoyed learning more of Georgie’s past and how it reflects in the woman she is today and her relationship with her mother-in-law.
A wonderful cozy mystery. It can be read as a stand alone but recommend reading Feta Attraction first.
May 27, 2018
Olive and Let Die by Susannah Hardy is the second book of the Greek to Me cozy mystery series set in contemporary upstate New York. Georgie Nikolopatos manages and lives in Bonaparte House, a historic landmark and Greek restaurant. She's soon to be divorced from her gay husband Spiro, who has started a new business with his lover Inky (they're all friends). Her romance with Captain Jack Conway has just begun. She loves her mother-in-law Sophie, who plans to retire to Greece.
It's a shock when Georgie's biological mother Shirley (aka Melanie) appears out of the blue, after abandoning Georgie decades ago to pursue a movie career. Georgie is very suspicious of her mother's sudden appearance, especially when she finds out recent murder victim Doreen is her cousin. Why did Melanie visit Doreen? Georgie has to investigate family history secrets to learn the truth, and clear her friend Inky of suspicion. Of course, money is the motive. But all is not as it appears at first.
An interesting and well-paced story with moderate suspense and a few surprises. Read the series in order for best enjoyment. Recipes: Gladys's Banana Bread, Keftedes, Tzatziki, Greek Lemon Rice.
It's a shock when Georgie's biological mother Shirley (aka Melanie) appears out of the blue, after abandoning Georgie decades ago to pursue a movie career. Georgie is very suspicious of her mother's sudden appearance, especially when she finds out recent murder victim Doreen is her cousin. Why did Melanie visit Doreen? Georgie has to investigate family history secrets to learn the truth, and clear her friend Inky of suspicion. Of course, money is the motive. But all is not as it appears at first.
An interesting and well-paced story with moderate suspense and a few surprises. Read the series in order for best enjoyment. Recipes: Gladys's Banana Bread, Keftedes, Tzatziki, Greek Lemon Rice.
February 22, 2021
This is a great second installment to the Greek to Me Mystery series. Georgie, the main character is getting ready for the end of the season at the Bonaparte House, the Greek restaurant her mother in law owns. Georgie's soon to be ex-husband and his partner are working on opening a restaurant across town, and Georgie has a new romance brewing with coast guard Jack. Georgie's estranged mom, Melanie (nee Shirley) who took off when Georgie turned 18 shows up in the restaurant, and it turns out she is now a famous soap star.
Georgie has grown up thinking she has no family, so when she and Melanie stumble upon the body of Melanie's cousin, Doreen. Georgie learns that she has family she never knew about and that her family tree is actually quite extensive.
Georgie has grown up thinking she has no family, so when she and Melanie stumble upon the body of Melanie's cousin, Doreen. Georgie learns that she has family she never knew about and that her family tree is actually quite extensive.
November 1, 2015
Olive and Let Die is the second book in the Greek to Me Mystery series. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Georgie Nikolopatos is manager of the Bonaparte House, a historic landmark and Greek restaurant in upstate New York. She is soon to be divorced and just testing the waters for new romance. She also has a very complicated relationship with her estranged mother who suddenly shows up. The stage is set for a wonderful read. Susannah Hardy’s website describes the series as “Cozy mysteries guaranteed to make you laugh. And guaranteed to make you hungry.” All true.
You can read this as a standalone and thoroughly enjoy the story, but if you haven’t already read Feta Attraction, the first book in the series, do so now! I was about five minutes into Olive and Let Die and realized these were people I wanted to know more about. Susannah Hardy has a gift for developing complex, interesting, likable and sometimes not so likable characters. Feta Attraction gives you the backstory – Georgie and the other characters are even richer when you know what happened before, and the secrets and suspense even more thrilling. I’m glad I went back to catch up.
I liked Georgie from the beginning. She is loyal, sincere, caring, sometimes a little more reckless than she should be, and a bit sad. And funny. Hotdorable and midmorning snack of studmuffin?? Perfect. As are the references to stories, movies, and events that are subtle but make you chuckle if not laugh out loud.
This book has a nice, easy pace but I just could not put it down. The mystery and suspense are believable. I found myself wanting to shout “Watch out!” to Georgie more than once. I had a bad feeling about one of the characters, thinking they might be the killer, which really added to suspense and feeling of danger because I then kind of mistrusted everything they said and did, looking for a hidden motive. The genealogy is complex but presented so it is not confusing and adds needed detail to the story.
Right near the end I thought, oh, I’ve figured it out, great. What a terrific mystery. And then, bam! Nope, I didn’t figure it out after all. What a surprise. But it totally worked. This was a great mystery and a series I will be following from now on. When will the next book be out?
Oh, and the food – it sounded delicious and more than one recipe is on my TBC (to be cooked) list.
Georgie Nikolopatos is manager of the Bonaparte House, a historic landmark and Greek restaurant in upstate New York. She is soon to be divorced and just testing the waters for new romance. She also has a very complicated relationship with her estranged mother who suddenly shows up. The stage is set for a wonderful read. Susannah Hardy’s website describes the series as “Cozy mysteries guaranteed to make you laugh. And guaranteed to make you hungry.” All true.
You can read this as a standalone and thoroughly enjoy the story, but if you haven’t already read Feta Attraction, the first book in the series, do so now! I was about five minutes into Olive and Let Die and realized these were people I wanted to know more about. Susannah Hardy has a gift for developing complex, interesting, likable and sometimes not so likable characters. Feta Attraction gives you the backstory – Georgie and the other characters are even richer when you know what happened before, and the secrets and suspense even more thrilling. I’m glad I went back to catch up.
I liked Georgie from the beginning. She is loyal, sincere, caring, sometimes a little more reckless than she should be, and a bit sad. And funny. Hotdorable and midmorning snack of studmuffin?? Perfect. As are the references to stories, movies, and events that are subtle but make you chuckle if not laugh out loud.
This book has a nice, easy pace but I just could not put it down. The mystery and suspense are believable. I found myself wanting to shout “Watch out!” to Georgie more than once. I had a bad feeling about one of the characters, thinking they might be the killer, which really added to suspense and feeling of danger because I then kind of mistrusted everything they said and did, looking for a hidden motive. The genealogy is complex but presented so it is not confusing and adds needed detail to the story.
Right near the end I thought, oh, I’ve figured it out, great. What a terrific mystery. And then, bam! Nope, I didn’t figure it out after all. What a surprise. But it totally worked. This was a great mystery and a series I will be following from now on. When will the next book be out?
Oh, and the food – it sounded delicious and more than one recipe is on my TBC (to be cooked) list.
November 3, 2015
Olive and Let Die by Susannah Hardy is the second book in the It’s Greek to Me series, and was a thoroughly enjoyable read. We meet Georgie Nikolopatos not long after she has helped to solve an earlier murder in her hometown of Bonaparte Bay in upstate New York. She is looking for a little respite so she can concentrate on running the Greek restaurant, the Bonaparte House, that is owned by her ex-mother-in-law, Sophie, and indulge in a little romance with Coast Guard Captain Jack Conway. Unfortunately this respite is not to be, as her estranged mother, Shirley, whom Georgie has not seen for over 18 years comes onto the scene. Shirley is now a famous soap actress known as Melanie Ashley (the character you love to hate), and it soon becomes apparent that she has ulterior motives for visiting Bonaparte Bay. Soon after her mother’s arrival, Georgie and her mother stumble over a dead body. According to her mother/Melanie, the victim is a cousin Georgie never knew she had. Melanie knows more than she is saying, is definitely hiding something, and Georgie is determined to find out what it is and why Melanie has suddenly returned home. The plot is intricate and interesting, with Georgie trying to find out why her cousin was murdered, and why she cannot get a straight answer out of her mother. This book was definitely hard to put down. Even though I have not read the first book in the series, I felt well acquainted with all of the characters and invested in their fates. This book also has recipes at the end, one of them for a delicious banana bread which I could not resist making even before I finished the book - yum! I can’t wait to read the first book in the series, Feta Attraction, and look forward to more from Susannah Hardy!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review~
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review~
January 21, 2016
4.25 Stars
Sexual Content: None
Language (Profanity/Slang) Content: None
Violent Content: Minimal
Even though the tourist season is winding down for Bonaparte Bay and the restaurant Bonaparte House, winding down doesn't seem to be in the picture for Georgie, and luckily us readers.
Georgie's mother has returned after years of absence. We become privy to not only the questions regarding the murder of a newly discovered relative of Georgie's, but what the connection between the murder and her mother and the goings on that happened to coincide with mom/Shirley/Melanie's arrival remains to be seen.
Things are complicated and Mel has many of the answers but conveniently sidesteps all of our questions. It's up to Georgie, and us, to put together as many of the clues, based on rumor and supposition, with a bit of research thrown in. In this case, I really didn't have much to offer Georgie in the way of clues. Danger seemed to come out of nowhere making the questions multiply.
My questions were, why did Georgie continue to let Mel off the hook (yes, I know, it was to add suspense to the story, but still...); what are we going to find out about Jack? A couple of times she was given a subtle warning about him. Jealousy or is there something to it?
Spiro and Inky, along with Liza and the restaurant staff are a good fit for the series premise and Georgie's life, frustration, and happiness. The setting isn't as vivid to me as some may be in other series, but I'm enjoying learning and seeing more of Bonaparte Bay.
What a complicated dish of a mystery. It was intriguing to see it culminate to a surprising end.
Enjoy!
CONNIE
December 18, 2015
Olive and Let Die I've been looking forward to reading this and it didn't disappoint. Olive or Let Die picks up where the first book left off, with Georgie's soon-to-be-ex-husband Spiro working on opening a diner with his new boyfriend, Inky and Georgie's romance with Coast Guard captain Jack blossoming nicely. To add a wrinkle, Georgie's estranged mother, Shirley, now known as soap opera star Melanie Ashley, shows up in town. When Georgie and Melanie sit down for a talk, they discover the dead body of Melanie's cousin, Doreen. I really enjoyed this one. A bit slow to start but as the story picked up, the suspense started to build into a very complex plot. Georgie's mother coming back to town added depth to the main character that was lacking in the first book. The only issue I had is that there's a potential love triangle on the horizon and I'm desperately hoping it doesn't come to that. This is shaping up to be a solid series, I'm hoping it doesn't get sidetracked with contrived romances.
November 2, 2015
Olive and Let Die by Susannah Hardy has all of the elements required in a cozy mystery, and then some. The story takes place in a quaint town near the Canadian border in Northern New York and centers around Georgie Nikolopatos, her extended family and the Greek restaurant that they own. Georgie stumbles across a body and finds herself right in the middle of a murder mystery that involves family secrets as well as an unexpected visit from her estranged mother. This book is filled with intrigue and mystery and I was not able to figure out what was going on until almost the end. I found it to be a quick read with intricate plot twists and a cast of characters that will keep you guessing. Olive and Let Die is the second installment in the Greek To Me series, however this book can be read as a stand alone.
I was provided a copy of this book for an honest review.
I was provided a copy of this book for an honest review.
November 4, 2015
Great Book!
This is a great book; this is the second book in the Greek to Me Mystery series by Susannah Hardy. This book can be read as a standalone since it is a different mystery. Georgie Nikolopatos is the manager of the Bonaparte House, a historic landmark and Greek restaurant. Georgie gets a surprise visit from her estranged mother, who is known as soap star Melanie Ashley. Georgie and Melanie find the body of Doreen Webber outside of the new restaurant. The body they found Doreen, is a cousin Georgie never knew she had. Georgie decides to put her sleuthing skills to the test to find out who the killer is. If you are looking for a great mystery then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
This is a great book; this is the second book in the Greek to Me Mystery series by Susannah Hardy. This book can be read as a standalone since it is a different mystery. Georgie Nikolopatos is the manager of the Bonaparte House, a historic landmark and Greek restaurant. Georgie gets a surprise visit from her estranged mother, who is known as soap star Melanie Ashley. Georgie and Melanie find the body of Doreen Webber outside of the new restaurant. The body they found Doreen, is a cousin Georgie never knew she had. Georgie decides to put her sleuthing skills to the test to find out who the killer is. If you are looking for a great mystery then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
November 3, 2015
Susannah Hardy.
I had not read the first book in the series and don’t feel I missed anything by starting with this book.
Georgie Nikolopatos is a likable main character who manages the Bonaparte House, a Greek restaurant. The supporting cast is interesting and diverse and they all added to the story. This was a very entertaining book with a lot of twists and turns. There were many different storylines in this book and Susannah Hardy wove them together wonderfully. Solving the mystery behind the murders kept me guessing until the end.
I'm reading the first book, Feta Attraction, now and am looking forward to future books.
I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I had not read the first book in the series and don’t feel I missed anything by starting with this book.
Georgie Nikolopatos is a likable main character who manages the Bonaparte House, a Greek restaurant. The supporting cast is interesting and diverse and they all added to the story. This was a very entertaining book with a lot of twists and turns. There were many different storylines in this book and Susannah Hardy wove them together wonderfully. Solving the mystery behind the murders kept me guessing until the end.
I'm reading the first book, Feta Attraction, now and am looking forward to future books.
I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
February 1, 2017
-vapid main character.
-annoying side characters (Inky, Sophie, Spiro, Melanie)
-why have a daughter character if she brings nothing to the plot and is in none of the action
-relationship with main character and her love interest is way too fast, enough.
-poorly edited, at least the kindle version
-the characters are over done. Too evil. Too nice. Too stupid.
-annoying side characters (Inky, Sophie, Spiro, Melanie)
-why have a daughter character if she brings nothing to the plot and is in none of the action
-relationship with main character and her love interest is way too fast, enough.
-poorly edited, at least the kindle version
-the characters are over done. Too evil. Too nice. Too stupid.
August 11, 2017
This book follows Georgie whose been working with Sophie her almost ex-mother in law at the restaurant when Georgie's mother appears out of nowhere. Within a short time Georgie's cousin Doreen Webber is found dead and the police arrest Inky Spiro's boyfriend for the crime. Georgie decides to figure out what is going on and why her mother is here. Will Georgie figure it out in time or will everyone involved run out of time?
I loved this book which really focuses on greek influence and mystery. I love how she is dating now and is accepting of her husband's relationship with his boyfriend. I also loved the relationship between Georgie and Sophie. It's really a mother daughter bond. As Georgie has such a horrible relationship with her own mother. We really get to see the layers of issues between Melanie aka Shirley and Georgie. These two really have a lot of work to do and will be interesting to see it progress!
I loved this book which really focuses on greek influence and mystery. I love how she is dating now and is accepting of her husband's relationship with his boyfriend. I also loved the relationship between Georgie and Sophie. It's really a mother daughter bond. As Georgie has such a horrible relationship with her own mother. We really get to see the layers of issues between Melanie aka Shirley and Georgie. These two really have a lot of work to do and will be interesting to see it progress!
July 4, 2019
A great sequel! Georgie's relationship with her estranged mother is dramatic and fresh. Inky was my favorite character from the last book, but Melanie's star attitude fills in easily for the foil he had with Georgie's no-nonsense mind. The mystery was a little complex at times (lots of strings going in different directions), but at least it wasn't easy.
February 14, 2022
Really well done. 4.5 but didn’t want to score down. You really need to read the first book to get the backstory, but it’s not absolutely necessary. The book was very interesting and well paced. Loved the growth of the character and her supportive relationships with women. I feel like there is more backstory to explore. Loved the setting. I really enjoyed.
November 1, 2017
Another cozy mystery
This is the 2nd in a series featuring a spunky, hard working woman who has a lot of wacky friends and family. Oh yeah, and she seems susceptible to running into dead bodies and general trouble. Cute, light read.
This is the 2nd in a series featuring a spunky, hard working woman who has a lot of wacky friends and family. Oh yeah, and she seems susceptible to running into dead bodies and general trouble. Cute, light read.
April 5, 2023
I liked/loved this book and this is number two in a series. Number one set the stage but now that I know all the players, I like them except for one and I'll let you figure that out. Decent mystery does tend to jump all over the place but Georgie is a delight and an unapologetic independent.
November 21, 2017
This is the second book in the series and is marginally better than the first.
The ending was very abrupt and I am still not sure of the motive behind the murder(s).
The ending was very abrupt and I am still not sure of the motive behind the murder(s).
January 30, 2018
Quick, fun read
Avery fun and enjoyable couple of hours read, great characters, fun romance, and delightful and intriguing mystery. Perfect for a rainy day.
Avery fun and enjoyable couple of hours read, great characters, fun romance, and delightful and intriguing mystery. Perfect for a rainy day.
March 28, 2018
Georgie’s show up after a 20 year absence and won’t say why she is back in town. When a cousin Georgie doesn’t even know winds up dead, she wonders what her mother might be hiding.
July 16, 2018
Good Chick Lit, Mystery. A little history, some fun and Greek recipes.
Second in a series... It's Greek to me, Mystery Series.
Second in a series... It's Greek to me, Mystery Series.
March 26, 2020
I've been self isolating for the past 14 days and have been plowing through my TBR pile. I wish I had read this book sooner! It was so so so good!!
April 8, 2021
Loved it ! Cant wait to read more in this series.
November 19, 2021
Well plotted, well written
November 3, 2015
Alright Readers!! Get ready for a really wild ride that involves estranged parents, historical genealogy, theft, and, of course, murder. Olive and Let Die is the great second book in Susannah Hardy's Greek To Me Mystery series. The book begins with multiple storylines, including one that involves a whirlwind arrival of a famous soap actress, that seamlessly weave themselves together. It's amazing how authors can take so many very different things/situations/experiences and neatly tie them all up at the end of a book.....I'm in awe!
Georgie's world is suddenly turned on its head with the sudden appearance of a distinctly familiar soap diva, Melanie Ashley, and her socially awkward assistant, Caitlyn. Things become even stranger when Georgie and Melanie later find the body of a woman in an alley next to a building. This isn't just in any alley, however; the building is currently being renovated by her soon-to-be ex-husband, Spiro, and his boyfriend, Inky.
As the story progresses, more of Georgie's lineage is revealed that she really knew nothing about. She discovers that she had family nearby and didn't even know it until it was too late. As she tries to figure out why Doreen was murder, and by whom, she also has to figure out why on earth her mother is really back in town. She refuses to believe that Melanie murdered her own cousin but the nagging feeling that Melanie is somehow involved keeps bubbling back up to the surface of Georgie's mind. The sheer number of characters that could be involved will certainly keep the reader guessing, accusing, and dismissing them. Eventually, you'll see how all of the events fit together. I was surprised when everything was revealed.
The character and world building continues and is well done. From my previous review, I wasn't a big fan of Georgia's doormat personality. In Olive and Let Die, I was so happy that she was written a little stronger. She still has a good heart but she's not as wishy-washy and she was a little smarter when it came to the dos and don'ts of crime scene contamination and putting yourself in harm's way like an idiot. She's spunky, motivated, and mostly level-headed. I really enjoyed everything about her character in Book 2.
The entire story was fast-paced but not rushed. The development of the plot, characters, and mystery were well done. Olive and Let Die is a great cozy mystery that I was able to read over the weekend. It was almost impossible for me to put the book down at any point - I had to know what the heck was going on and why so many people and storylines were created. I can't wait to see what Susannah Hardy has in store for Georgie (and perhaps, Jack) in the next book.
Paperback review copy courtesy of the publisher, at no cost, in exchange for an honest review.
Georgie's world is suddenly turned on its head with the sudden appearance of a distinctly familiar soap diva, Melanie Ashley, and her socially awkward assistant, Caitlyn. Things become even stranger when Georgie and Melanie later find the body of a woman in an alley next to a building. This isn't just in any alley, however; the building is currently being renovated by her soon-to-be ex-husband, Spiro, and his boyfriend, Inky.
As the story progresses, more of Georgie's lineage is revealed that she really knew nothing about. She discovers that she had family nearby and didn't even know it until it was too late. As she tries to figure out why Doreen was murder, and by whom, she also has to figure out why on earth her mother is really back in town. She refuses to believe that Melanie murdered her own cousin but the nagging feeling that Melanie is somehow involved keeps bubbling back up to the surface of Georgie's mind. The sheer number of characters that could be involved will certainly keep the reader guessing, accusing, and dismissing them. Eventually, you'll see how all of the events fit together. I was surprised when everything was revealed.
The character and world building continues and is well done. From my previous review, I wasn't a big fan of Georgia's doormat personality. In Olive and Let Die, I was so happy that she was written a little stronger. She still has a good heart but she's not as wishy-washy and she was a little smarter when it came to the dos and don'ts of crime scene contamination and putting yourself in harm's way like an idiot. She's spunky, motivated, and mostly level-headed. I really enjoyed everything about her character in Book 2.
The entire story was fast-paced but not rushed. The development of the plot, characters, and mystery were well done. Olive and Let Die is a great cozy mystery that I was able to read over the weekend. It was almost impossible for me to put the book down at any point - I had to know what the heck was going on and why so many people and storylines were created. I can't wait to see what Susannah Hardy has in store for Georgie (and perhaps, Jack) in the next book.
Paperback review copy courtesy of the publisher, at no cost, in exchange for an honest review.
December 18, 2015
Susannah Hardy is the Debbie MacComber of cozy mysteries but also with a murder or two. Hardy writes about a small, close knit tourist town with lovable characters, restaurants you want to dine in, shops to shop in and a Spa on an island in a castle. Susannah Hardy had me with Feta Attraction, the first book in her Greek To Me Mystery series but Olive And Let Die blew me away ! ! ! Hardy has such a talent in her writing that you are swept into the book from page one.
In Olive and Let Die you get to know Georgie and her "family" better, some of which she didn't even know existed and one that has always been there right under her nose. When her soap opera star mother returns to town after a very lenghty absence, the town turns into a real life soap opera. As Georgia tries to find out the reason for her mothers sudden, secretive return, they stumble across a dead body. As she tries to balance her restaurant responsibilites, spend time getting to know her new beau, Mr. Hottie Captain Jack Conway, help her soon to be gay ex-husband and his partner find a cook for the restaurant they are opening up, and try to uncover the truth behind her mothers visit, she tries to figure out the murder of her distant cousin, Doreen.
Georgie didn't even know long time resident of Bonaparte Bay Doreen Webber was a relative until after discovering her body with the mother who abandoned her many, many years ago. Why is her famous mother in town ? And why can't she get her mother or her annoying assistant, Caitlyn to talk about it. Georgie knows there is something going on, especially when a friend warns her to be careful but then ends up dead before they can explain. Is Georgie a target ? Is her mother in danger ? As she gets closer to finding out the truth, she unravels some long ago hidden secrets concerning a family she didn't know anything about.....her family.
If you enjoy a book that keeps you entertained throughout the entire story, a book with plenty of surprises, some twists, and a shocking ending that almost guarantees there is more to come in other book, then you need to read this book. You will be a fan for life !!!
November 16, 2015
Even though I haven’t read the first book in this series, that didn’t stop me from enjoying this book. The author sprinkled bits of previous events throughout so I quickly got clued in.
Georgie has so many eggs in her basket. She lives with her soon to be ex-mother-in-law, Sophie. What will happen after the divorce is final? Will she have to move?
And her romance with sexy Captain Jack Conway is taking off. What will happen if her mother-in-law finds out?
A sticky situation, as Sophie took her in when her mother took off and Georgie wants to buy the restaurant.
Then the humdinger. Famous soap opera star Melanie Ashley visits the restaurant. It doesn’t take long for Georgie to figure out Melanie is her mother, last seen riding away on a motorcycle over 20 years ago.
Things get crazy when a body is found outside Spiro’s restaurant. His partner, Inky, is suspect number one. Georgie and Spiro may be getting a divorce, but they’re still friends, and she’ll do what it takes to prove Inky innocent.
I thought it was funny that Georgie’s mother was a star on a soap opera. This book felt like one. So much going on. So many people connected to each other by blood or friendship.
Plenty of secrets, suspicions, and misdirection keep you guessing who killed Georgie’s cousin and why.
And a lot of food is mentioned in this book. Georgie manages Bonaparte House, a Greek restaurant. I had to look up some of the dishes and they sound delicious. There are several recipes at the end of the book. I especially want to try Glady’s Banana Bread. I didn’t know you could freeze bananas.
I did it again, started a series somewhere besides the beginning. I’ll be grabbing Feta Attraction now. As I mentioned earlier, you can read this without having read the first book, but why miss all the fun. I need to know how this all began.
I received this book for my honest review.
Georgie has so many eggs in her basket. She lives with her soon to be ex-mother-in-law, Sophie. What will happen after the divorce is final? Will she have to move?
And her romance with sexy Captain Jack Conway is taking off. What will happen if her mother-in-law finds out?
A sticky situation, as Sophie took her in when her mother took off and Georgie wants to buy the restaurant.
Then the humdinger. Famous soap opera star Melanie Ashley visits the restaurant. It doesn’t take long for Georgie to figure out Melanie is her mother, last seen riding away on a motorcycle over 20 years ago.
Things get crazy when a body is found outside Spiro’s restaurant. His partner, Inky, is suspect number one. Georgie and Spiro may be getting a divorce, but they’re still friends, and she’ll do what it takes to prove Inky innocent.
I thought it was funny that Georgie’s mother was a star on a soap opera. This book felt like one. So much going on. So many people connected to each other by blood or friendship.
Plenty of secrets, suspicions, and misdirection keep you guessing who killed Georgie’s cousin and why.
And a lot of food is mentioned in this book. Georgie manages Bonaparte House, a Greek restaurant. I had to look up some of the dishes and they sound delicious. There are several recipes at the end of the book. I especially want to try Glady’s Banana Bread. I didn’t know you could freeze bananas.
I did it again, started a series somewhere besides the beginning. I’ll be grabbing Feta Attraction now. As I mentioned earlier, you can read this without having read the first book, but why miss all the fun. I need to know how this all began.
I received this book for my honest review.
November 1, 2015
I was given a copy of Olive and Let Die in exchange for an honest review.
I had not read the first book in this series, but it didn't matter, you can read it as a stand alone.
I found this book to be very enjoyable and I will go back and read book 1 in this series, very well written and kept me guessing till the end. Another twist could have been added to the ending involving Caitlyn, but it worked out fine the way it ended.
Georgie Nikollpatos is the manager of at the Bonaparte House, a Greek restaurant in New York. She live's there with her soon to be ex-mother in law. Georgie in the process in divorcing her son Spiro who left Georgie for a man (Inky) who is a tattoo artist and partner with Spiro in a new restaurant scheduled to open in the Spring. Georgie has her own new love interest, Captain Jack Conway, he is in the Coast Guard.
Much to Georgie's surprise a woman shows up in town who is a soap opera star, Melanie Ashley and also is Georgie's estranged mother who she has not seen since she was 18 yrs old.
Georgie finds another body, this time it is Doreen Webber, later Georgie would find out that she was a cousin of hers.
The real reason her estranged mother has showed up out of the blue is that Doreen and Melanie were named heirs to the Bloodbath fortune and Doreen had found some important information that she told Melanie about.
I love the cast of characters, Caitlyn is Melanie's overworked assistant, Dolly is the head chef at Bonaparte House, Channing is a very handsome young handyman that has worked for just about everyone, Liza is a friend of Georgie's and owner of a Spa on Valentine Island, Spencer a newspaper reporter and Poloma a friend of Doreen's.
The murder's that occur are the result of money and greed. There are many twists and turns and will have you guessing right up until the end. I could go on, but I would have to put spoilers in and I want the readers to find out on their own what happens next.
I had not read the first book in this series, but it didn't matter, you can read it as a stand alone.
I found this book to be very enjoyable and I will go back and read book 1 in this series, very well written and kept me guessing till the end. Another twist could have been added to the ending involving Caitlyn, but it worked out fine the way it ended.
Georgie Nikollpatos is the manager of at the Bonaparte House, a Greek restaurant in New York. She live's there with her soon to be ex-mother in law. Georgie in the process in divorcing her son Spiro who left Georgie for a man (Inky) who is a tattoo artist and partner with Spiro in a new restaurant scheduled to open in the Spring. Georgie has her own new love interest, Captain Jack Conway, he is in the Coast Guard.
Much to Georgie's surprise a woman shows up in town who is a soap opera star, Melanie Ashley and also is Georgie's estranged mother who she has not seen since she was 18 yrs old.
Georgie finds another body, this time it is Doreen Webber, later Georgie would find out that she was a cousin of hers.
The real reason her estranged mother has showed up out of the blue is that Doreen and Melanie were named heirs to the Bloodbath fortune and Doreen had found some important information that she told Melanie about.
I love the cast of characters, Caitlyn is Melanie's overworked assistant, Dolly is the head chef at Bonaparte House, Channing is a very handsome young handyman that has worked for just about everyone, Liza is a friend of Georgie's and owner of a Spa on Valentine Island, Spencer a newspaper reporter and Poloma a friend of Doreen's.
The murder's that occur are the result of money and greed. There are many twists and turns and will have you guessing right up until the end. I could go on, but I would have to put spoilers in and I want the readers to find out on their own what happens next.
November 11, 2015
Olive and Let Die by Susannah Hardy
The Second Greek to Me Mystery
Things are going well for Georgie Nikolopatos. Her amicable divorce will soon be final, she's developing a relationship with another man, and she's continuing to manage the Bonaparte House with her (soon to be ex) mother-in-law. When a celebrity comes to the restaurant everyone is abuzz with excitement. It's not everyday a grande dame of daytime television makes a live appearance. But Georgie finds something familiar about her and finally realizes that the soap star is her mother-the woman who left her when Georgie was 18, and whom she hadn't heard from since!
Olive and Let Die brings with it an exploration of family. What are the ties that bind us? Who constitutes our family and while blood may not be thicker than water, does it deserve some consideration? Georgie has to deal with the fact that the mother who basically abandoned her has come back in her life-and she's unsure of the motive. When the two of them discover a dead body, Georgie learns that the murdered woman is in fact, a relative. Family discovery is at the heart of this book and the mystery itself.
Susannah Hardy has raised the bar with her second installment of the Greek to Me mystery series. We get a complex mystery, growth and added depth to the characters, as well as a thought provoking look at what it means to be family. While the mystery comes to a resolution there are lots of undercurrents which lead to lots of possibilities in future installments. Is Jack as good as he appears? What about the slightly mysterious, always intimidating Lieutenant Hawthorne? I'll just have to sustain myself with some of the delicious sounding recipes included until the next Greek to Me Mystery arrives.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
The Second Greek to Me Mystery
Things are going well for Georgie Nikolopatos. Her amicable divorce will soon be final, she's developing a relationship with another man, and she's continuing to manage the Bonaparte House with her (soon to be ex) mother-in-law. When a celebrity comes to the restaurant everyone is abuzz with excitement. It's not everyday a grande dame of daytime television makes a live appearance. But Georgie finds something familiar about her and finally realizes that the soap star is her mother-the woman who left her when Georgie was 18, and whom she hadn't heard from since!
Olive and Let Die brings with it an exploration of family. What are the ties that bind us? Who constitutes our family and while blood may not be thicker than water, does it deserve some consideration? Georgie has to deal with the fact that the mother who basically abandoned her has come back in her life-and she's unsure of the motive. When the two of them discover a dead body, Georgie learns that the murdered woman is in fact, a relative. Family discovery is at the heart of this book and the mystery itself.
Susannah Hardy has raised the bar with her second installment of the Greek to Me mystery series. We get a complex mystery, growth and added depth to the characters, as well as a thought provoking look at what it means to be family. While the mystery comes to a resolution there are lots of undercurrents which lead to lots of possibilities in future installments. Is Jack as good as he appears? What about the slightly mysterious, always intimidating Lieutenant Hawthorne? I'll just have to sustain myself with some of the delicious sounding recipes included until the next Greek to Me Mystery arrives.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
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