Revenge is set to sizzle in the tasty new Deep Fried Mystery from the author of Fillet of Murder.
For Talia Marby, the sweet smell of success is a lot like the pungent aroma of fried fish and vinegar. Her new business, Fry Me a Sliver, is rapidly expanding beyond fish and chips to become one of the best eateries in the Berkshires. But the nasty owner of a neighboring boutique is making a stink, baiting Talia in a very public fight at a community center fundraiser and nursing an inexplicable grudge.
When the boutique owner is found strangled with Talia’s scarf knotted around her neck, our favorite fish fryer finds herself in hot oil. Needing to clear her name, and fast, Talia’s investigation soon yields some shocking surprises as well as a sizzling suspicion: someone had good reason to want the victim dead—and it’s frying Talia’s nerves...
Linda Reilly is a mystery writer living with her two feline assistants in southern New Hampshire. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and Cat Writers' Association.
Her Grilled Cheese Mystery series featuring grilled cheese lover Carly Hale debuted in January 2022, published by Poisoned Pen Press.
Her first cozy mystery, Some Enchanted Murder, was a finalist for the 2014 Silver Falchion Award in the category "Best First Novel: Cozy, Traditional and Historical."
Linda is also the author of the Cat Lady Mysteries published by Kensington Lyrical and of the Deep Fried mysteries published by Berkley Prime Crime.
ESCAPE CLAWS, her first Cat Lady Mystery, was selected by Modern Cat Magazine, Connie's Book Club, as a "must read" in the Spring/Summer 2018 issue.
CLAWS OF ACTION, her fourth Cat Lady Mystery, was awarded a Certificate of Excellence by the Cat Writers' Association in its 2019 Communications Contest.
Talia Marby's deep-fried delicious treats at her “Fry Me a Sliver” restaurant may be a no-no for your waistline but you will not be able to help but love reading every word of the second book in the A Deep-fried mysteries, Out of the Dying Pan by Linda Reilly. First known as a “fish and chips” place, reminiscent of the fish and chips they would serve you in England, Talia and her employees , grumpy, Martha and clumsy teen Lucas are busy concocting a number of many different treats like deep-fried meat balls with marinara sauce and deep fried marble and fruit cake with raspberry sauce for their customers.
A new vintage clothing shop, Once or Twice is moving into the arcade and Talia goes there to introduce herself and welcome them. She meets Kelsey a employee of Ria, who happens to be the proprietor of the shop. Talia then realizes that she has seen Ria before, Ria then yells at her employee and Talia quickly makes her exit. Ria aka Oriana Butterworth “The Rabbit thief” who stole a rabbit from Talia's best friends brother when they were children and Ria is still holding a grudge over Talia taking the rabbit back to it's rightful owner after all these years.
At a Christmas Santa fundraiser for unfortunate families Ria accuses Talia of stealing vintage Christmas oraments from her table and Then Talia finds her deceased Nana's scarf that Talia knitted for her on Ria's clothing rack. After the event, Talia finds Ria dead strangled with her Nana's scarf around her neck. Ria died carrying a secret that needs to be solved and her murderer needs to be found and Talia vows to find the killer to see to it that he deep-fries in prison.
A very profound mystery with complex characters with many flaws that made them seem more human and seem more real making this a new favourite series for me. Their back back stories were so sad especially Talia's employee Martha and my heart was breaking for her. Even Ria a character that you love to hate has a sad back story, it's a testament to the great imagination and writing of author Linda Reilly.
Being a foodie I knew I had to try Out of the Dying pan and Bojangles the cat was a treasure to the story and so cute with such big eyes on the books cover. But I never expected this very compelling mystery with many twists and turns. Talia is quite the smart, sassy and heartwarming sleuth and chef that you can't help but love.
FTC Disclosure Thank you to the publisher and/or author for providing us with a copy of this book for review.This did not influence our thoughts in any way. All the opinions of the book and honest and our own.
Author Linda Reilly has fried up another delicious treat!
When I read the first book in this series, FILLET OF MURDER, I was in deep fried mystery heaven. Guess what? You can go back again…I sure did with, OUT OF THE DYING PAN!
It was so delightful to be back in Wrensdale in the Berkshires. I simply adore the characters and the settings author Reilly has created with this series. I’d spend a lot of time in a place like Fry Me A Sliver. I know this because just reading about it made my stomach growl.
Besides featuring fantastic sounding food, OUT OF THE DYING PAN was a superbly written mystery that flowed at a perfect pace. I loved every word from the first page on. Through the entire investigation I kept trying to guess the killer. I thought I had it figured out until I read the reveal. Wow…talk about a surprise! Outstanding! You really got me on this one Ms. Reilly.
Fans of the first book are going to love this installment, and those new to the series, you can read it without feeling lost, but since it’s only book two, I suggest you pick up book one, FILLET OF MURDER as well and read them back to back. You won’t regret it!
Make sure to check out the back of the book for some yummy deep fried recipes!
I have been looking forward to this book ever since I finished the first one in the series. I read this in one sitting, it is great, just as good as the first book! Talia has taken over the Fish and Chips restaurant from her friend Bea, and is in the process of making a few changes. As she is setting up a booth for charity, she runs into someone from her past. A not so nice someone, and when that person is found strangled, Talia gets herself involved in the investigation. Full of surprises, some shocking, and some great characters, and some not so great ones, this is one mystery you don't want to miss! Taking place in a small shopping center, this is one of my favorite settings. I would love to shop here, and eat at Talias restaurant. Ms. Reilly has created a place that seems so real, you just lose yourself. This book is everything I love about a cozy mystery, and I look forward to the next in the series.
I read and reviewed the first book in this series, Fillet of Murder earlier this month, and loved it. This one grabbed me that same way.
Taila Marby now owns the restaurant and it has a new name, Fry Me a Sliver. She also has a new, employee, Martha Hoelscher, and she is a bit prickly to be around, but she is a good worker. Lucas is still there as part time help and his skateboard goes almost everywhere he does. Talia is working to make the place her own and adding some new items to the menu. She takes part in a fundraiser for the community center and debuts something new. It is a hit with almost everyone. Everyone except the vendor in the next booth. She owns a new boutique in the Wrensdale Arcade and she doesn’t like Talia or her food. By the time Talia starts to figure out why, the woman is dead and Talia is the primary suspect. How is she going to get herself out of this mess?
I liked that this time the murder takes place away from the Wrensdale Arcade and that meant we met several new people. Some nice, some a little weird, and a some that could be trouble. We do spend plenty of time at the Arcade with the cobblestone walks, unique shops and Talia’s eatery. Reilly really describes the scene well. I had a firm picture in my mind.
She also creates full bodied characters with a lot of depth. Some of the back stories are sad and my heart really felt bad for them. But not everyone is who they seem and those twists were so great. I would probably say one really shocked me. Totally surprised.
I was missing Bea, the previous owner of the restaurant. I was thrilled when she made a cameo appearance!
I have to mention that kitty on the cover, his name is Bojangles, Bo for short and he has not only captured Talia’s heart but mine too.
You will be craving fish and other fried goodies throughout this entire story so prepare according, We had fish for dinner. :)
Another delectable delight from this author. I am ready to place my order for the next installment today. FRY ME!!!
I really loved the writing, not very complicated even though it goes back in time. I love that. Hate when you suddenly have 20 characters to keep track. The chapters are short and tasty.
I try to not eat fried food but I can still imagine the delicous treats that the new owner of Fry Me,Talia Marley creates.I did want more about the cat, Bojangles and her new boyfriend. But the mystery is fried to perfetion. I read the first book in this and bought the third to enjoy.
The characters are quirky and loveable. The new employee, Martha, is old, maybe my age and a litte bitter, but you understand realize that she is generous.
There were a few easy eligable people for the murder but the more you lean about the killer, you really fear for Talia. Very well developed plot and mystery.
Out of the Dying Pan is the second book in what is quickly becoming one of my favorite cozy mystery series. Ms. Reilly has developed a well-rounded cast of characters to compliment the fun premise of a small town eatery. The main character, Talia Marby, makes for a believable and dynamic protagonist who uses her logical manner and unbending sense for justice to tackle local mysteries. As an added bonus, I enjoyed following along with Talia’s business ventures, her penchant for creating delectable sounding recipes, a blossoming romance, and a newly rescued feline named Bojangles. This book has it all! I’m looking forward to reading many more adventures in this enjoyable cozy series.
This is a book I've wanted for ages, anad I thought; why not treat yourself? Haha, I do that far too often with books, but oh well. A quick download and I was back into one of my absolute favorite cozies, and that's saying something. I read so many of them and often rate them highly, so why is this a standout? I guess it just captures everything I love about this genre. Small town feel, cast of interesting and unique characters, a good mystery and even better investigating. The theme of the fish and chip shop with food that just sounds too good to be true (the deep fried raspberry cake? OMG) just adds to the excellence.
A top series, and well worth the impulse download. Hopefully I can read book three soon!
I absolutely loved this story. Talia is a great character and the addition of Martha and Lucas to the story makes it even better. The mystery captured my attention from the beginning and was totally caught off guard at the reveal.
5 star Cozy Mystery. I have to say that I don't often see a second in a series that is better than the first. This is one of them. I really enjoyed Fillet Of Murder, #1 in this series but this the #2 in the series was even better than the first. Talia is growing. Which I love in a female oriented book. I hate to see a female portrayed as one that never learns from experience's. Talia is becoming a better friend as well as a better business woman. She is taking charge of her life and moving forward. Good example for all of us. None of us are perfect and Talia is no exception. I like the way her subtle "flaws" are examined and we get to see how her heart and way of thinking is altered (for the good) by the people and experience's she is surrounded by. This makes this cozy a level above some that I have enjoyed. Linda Reilly has a gift that is similar to another great author, Maeve Binchy. So many characters in one story. BUT...they both introduce and blend these characters ( and their stories) in such a way that I don't lose track of who people are or what they are about. By the end of the book their lives come together into one very good, cohesive , entertaining, easy to read, steady paced story. Not all mysteries are Murder. I especially enjoy the mystery's behind a few of the characters and how we become enlightened . The romance is subtle, gentle and sweet. Growing in its own time. I do hope that Talia changes the name of her business. I agree with Martha (great character) Fry Me a Sliver is weird. Sliver just would not entice me into an eating establishment. Fry Me sounds too similar to BITE ME. (lol) A character in this story called it "The Ole Fish n Chips Shop" . THAT is a quaint , descriptive name, one that fits the establishment. Included into the story is a well balanced ratio of likable and not so likable characters. Just like life. I am on my way to get the next in this very entertaining easy to read cozy series.
I really enjoyed this book. When Talia finds a boutique owner dead with whom she discovers that she had a past with. Talia gets drawn in to asking questions about this woman. I loved that Talia didn't actually search out clues but she got dragged into things the clues seemed to come and lead her to them. I loved the characters, the mystery kept me guessing with an interesting storyline that made you want to learn more about this woman. I will continue on with this series. There is the bonus of some great sounding recipes in the back.
Very enjoyable. I need to read the first one. I am eager to read the third one, too. Fried food makes me cringe, but the story entertains me. Oh to be young and enjoy those guilty pleasures.
Out of the Dying Pan Deep Fried Mystery, Book #2 By Linda Reilly ISBN13: 9780425274149 Author website: http://www.lindasreilly.com/ Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
Revenge is set to sizzle in the tasty new Deep Fried Mystery from the author of Fillet of Murder.
For Talia Marby, the sweet smell of success is a lot like the pungent aroma of fried fish and vinegar. Her new business, Fry Me a Sliver, is rapidly expanding beyond fish and chips to become one of the best eateries in the Berkshires. But the nasty owner of a neighboring boutique is making a stink, baiting Talia in a very public fight at a community center fundraiser and nursing an inexplicable grudge.
When the boutique owner is strangled with Talia’s scarf knotted around her neck, our favorite fish fryer finds herself in hot oil. Needing to clear her name—and fast, Talia’s investigation soon yields some shocking surprises as well as a sizzling suspicion: someone had good reason to want the victim dead—and it’s frying Talia’s nerves…
Includes delicious recipes!
Review:
I cannot begin to describe how much I enjoyed Out of the Dying Pan. Linda Reilly writes in a manner that grabs your attention, holds it and feels like home. Talia is a truly fabulous protagonist. She is surrounded by great characters in her boyfriend Ryan, her young cook/skateboarder extraordinaire/ computer tech Lucas and surly Martha. The second installment of this super author’s “Deep Fried Mystery” series is a hit for sure with more sizzle than thick bacon frying in the pan.
As Talia is enjoying taking over the fish and chips restaurant she always loved, she is also busy getting ready for the big Wrensdale community center fundraiser. Unfortunately, while setting things up she and a new boutique owner get into a very loud and public argument. Ria seems abnormally angry and upset with Talia. Soon Talia realizes why and it is not good. A piece of her history is staring her in the face and this woman has held a serious grudge for a very long time. That only complicates things when Ria is found dead, murdered and the suspect list is familiar to Talia.
Out of the Dying Pan is enthralling, fun and satisfying. I loved the few new characters and how they fit perfectly in the storyline and the wonderful small town setting. One old character that was just briefly touched upon in the first book makes a big splash in this one. I love how author Linda Reilly drew that character into the main storyline with such finesse. Her writing style is so delightful. Talia is the type of character that truly feels real as is the rest of the wonderfully written cast.
I would recommend Out of the Dying Pan to any and all cozy lovers, especially those who enjoy cats (I love Bojangles) and foodies. I have to admit I am not a fan of frying anything but I so love fried foods (hey I am a southerner so it is required by law I think). Linda Reilly has once again written a tasty treat, sure to satisfy even the fussiest reader. I was so happy that Bea also made an appearance. I love these characters and so enjoy getting to visit with them. I cannot wait for the next installment. This is such a wonderful and entertaining series and this author has such a fabulous writing style, it is always a pleasure to read her books. If you have not read the first in this series (you should soon), you will have no trouble enjoying and following this book at all.
(On a personal note – I was very happy to see a minor character who has multiple sclerosis. The way author Linda Reilly showed how a person with m/s is not the only one dealing with it was exceptional. You do not see this issue in many books, nor handled with such care and sensitivity as this. As someone who has m/s, I have to say she did a great job. Thank you)
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Talia is now the owner of the fish and chips place, which she has named Fry Me A Sliver. A new shop owner has come to town and Talia finds her to be unpleasant. After an event at the community center, she finds the woman murdered. Talia becomes a suspect and decides to investigate to clear her name. It turns out that she knew the deceased woman from her childhood and the woman held a grudge against her all these years. A fun story with great deep-fried recipes. I look forward to seeing what is next for Talia and hope Talia and Ryan’s relationship deepens. I can’t wait to see what kind of things she decides to deep-fry next!
I'm really falling in love with this series. It's almost the perfect mixture of delicious food, engaging mystery (that isn't IMMEDIATELY obvious, at least--let's be real, cozies aren't exactly stumpers), appealing setting, and likable heroine. Not to mention the utterly superlative cover art. I mean, it's just fucking delightful.
A few things of note that detracted from my overall enjoyment:
Overall, if you're looking for a good food cozy, look no farther than the Deep Fried series. This is a great installment and I'm looking forward to the third book.
OUT OF THE DYING PAN is the second book in Linda Reilly's Deep Fried Mystery series and is easily read as a stand-alone. There is a certain sweetness to the book and in Talia’s character. No matter how nasty or unlovely some of the other characters were in the book, Talia would remind herself that she shouldn’t judge since she didn’t know what all the circumstances were with the person. And I find that to be a very true observation for real life and a good reminder to have more compassion for those we come in contact with. I enjoyed the interaction Talia has with those surrounding her and how she’s slowly progressing in her relationship with Ryan, giving herself time to grow as a person. OUT OF THE DYING PAN is a strong character driven book which pulled me in and made me feel like I had connected to them. The murder mystery was well thought out and had plenty of red herrings to keep me guessing. With several subplots woven into the theme, my interest was held and I kept turning pages for “just one more chapter”. The ending was especially touching…while the author could have skipped tying up one of the brief subplots, she chose to address it and left me with tears in my eyes. Linda Reilly has also included two deep-fried recipes in her book. I've never tried deep frying anything before but I made one of the recipes. Her directions were easy to follow and produced beautiful results! I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series!
I picked up Out of the Dying Pan because Fillet of Murder had been such a cute read. I feel like Reilly really hit her stride here. It's rare that I enjoy the second book in a series more than the first (sorta like with movies, right?) but that definitely happened here.
In the first book a couple of pacing issues through me out of the immersion. This did not happen this time around...okay it happened once, but I have to admit I'm being nit-picky about it. Sue me.
The story follows out heroine as she attempts to solve the sudden death of her childhood nemesis who was quickly working on becoming her adulthood nemesis. Unlike the first book where Talia happened to stumble across a dead body, she is invested in solving this crime because it kinda looks like she had a hand in it. I found it far easier to empathize with her situation and really rooted for her.
Also, whoever is designing these covers, please keep up the good work. They continue to be adorable.
I must admit I feel the only failing of this story is the romantic aspect. Maybe it's me being weird but I feel like it doesn't really hit the mark in my heart. I think that Talia likes her cat more. As a fellow cat lover I can empathize with that too.
Thanks Linda Reilly for the cozy rainy-day read that was just the right mix of death and cute. I hope each subsequent book gets better.
After having thoroughly enjoyed the first in the series, Fillet of Murder, I could not wait for this one!
I was lucky enough to win an advanced reading copy, and I am happy to say the second book in the series, Out Of The Dying Pan is even better than the first!
This book sees the return of Talia, now as the owner of the fish and chip restaurant, which she has given a new name. Talia has a public argument at a community fundraiser with a nasty boutique owner named Ria. Ria is nursing some kind of personal grudge against Talia, and is not well liked by most of the others it seems. Later, after the fundraiser is over, Talia discovers Ria has been murdered, and the investigation begins.
I was very glad to see the return of Ryan, and his father Arthur. All of the characters are well written, and the description of the neighbouring businesses, such as Sage and Seaweed, makes me want to shop there!
I could not put this book down, and it kept me guessing, and entertained until the end. You can imagine yourself sitting in Fry Me A Sliver, enjoying a meal, and perhaps trying out one of Talia’s new ideas. (There are recipes included at the end of the book!)
The mystery is first rate and I am now happily anticipating the next in the series!
Talia runs a cafe that sells fired fish and is expanding to other deep fried foods. The owner of a neighboring store is baiting her in public battles and when she is later found dead with Talia's scarf around her neck Talia has to clear her name. This has interesting sidelines of the business and the relationship between the workers. You do wonder though how she can eat so much deep fried foods and stay healthy, deep fried eggs, cake, bread etc.
Free copy courtesy of Berkley/NAL Penguin, who probably sent it on accident but haven't asked for it back yet. This in no way affects this review; I just thought it was funny and want to thank those responsible. :)
Fun series. I think I gained 5 pounds just reading about the foods that were batter fried at her restaurant. I like the characters and there is just enough action and danger without crossing out of cozy read.
A terrific followup to Fillet of Murder. Talia Marby is a very likeable, easy-to-root-for character and I enjoyed tagging along on her new sleuthing adventure. Wonderful descriptions-you'll develop a craving for deep-fried meatballs- and an intriguing mystery made this a fast, enjoyable read.
The only reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 was because I wanted to know why Andy was looking for Talia at the end. I’m sure he was hiding because he saw the killer at the cafe. What made him come back?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Linda Reilly has written another heartwarming and yet complex Cozy Mystery!
Talia Marby has bought her bungalow and has taken the lease over on the Fish and Chip shop, she has two employees a rather klutzy but keen 19 year old skateboarder (Lucas) and a somewhat grouchy more mature lady (Martha), when a new shop opens across the way Talia goes to welcome the new people only to get snubbed well and truly by the leaseholder! A few days later Talia and Martha are at the Christmas Fair, where they will be serving deep fried sweet treats, only to discover that Ria, the aforementioned leaseholder is at the next stall to them and she is NOT happy about the placing. Things become slightly heated when Ria accuses Talia and Martha of stealing from her stall, and Ria refuses to sell a second hand scarf to Talia (well she would but she was charging $400 for it! and this was a scarf that Talia had knitted for her late Nan), then Talia finds out that Ria is actually someone she knows, and this someone had stolen her best friends rabbit when they were children (which accounts for why Ria had gone white when Talia had said that she and Martha are not thieves!)
Things might have settled down, only at the end of the day Talia discovers Ria dead, and strangled with her Nan's scarf! Now Talia is suspect #1 in the Police's eyes, but she has found that Ria had upset quite a few people, so whilst Talia doesn't plan to discover whodunnit, she does plan on clearing her name!
Talia lives and works in such a cute little town. It’s the kind of place I’d love to visit if it wasn’t for all the murders. Lots of surprises. It was an enjoyable sequel to the first book.
Talia Marby has a new business in the Berkshires, Fry Me a Sliver. She's finally getting a new sign - even if it is on back order - and trying out new deep-fried recipes. One day she notices a new vintage clothing store has opened, and on the spur of the moment she decides to stop in and welcome them. She introduces herself to the clerk Kelsey, who seems pleasant enough. But a few seconds later a striking redhead emerges from the back room who ignores her and snaps at Kelsey. Talia leaves in a hurry, stunned by the rebuff from a woman she'd never met.
Only later does Talia realize she knew Ria - known then as Orianna Butterworth - as a child, for it seems Ria stole a rabbit from Talia's best friend's younger brother, and Talia discovered it. It seems Ria has held this grudge for thirty years (!). So when Ria is found dead later that week - with Talia's Nana's scarf tied around her neck, Talia appears to be the main suspect in the murder.
Even though neither of Talia's employees believe she's guilty - there's Lucas Bartolini, who rides a skateboard to work, is clumsy but nevertheless respectful and loyal; and Martha Hoelscher, who's older, grumpy, and won't talk about her past - it doesn't help her that the police keep interviewing her, hoping she'll trip up and incriminate herself.
Yet Talia knows she didn't commit the murder, but who did? There is no shortage of suspects, and although there are many people with grudges against Ria, it doesn't seem as if there are any clear winners in who wanted her dead, and that in itself is different. It was for this fact that I especially liked the book - plenty in the running, with no one in the lead.
Ms. Reilly weaves a wonderful story, with the words flowing off the page as easily as water running down a stream. The characters are interesting and well-rounded, and even Talia, who appears as capable as they come, has her own insecurities to deal with, which she does so admirably.
The story moved along at a lively pace, and there were enough twists and turns to the story to keep me reading it in one sitting. With the wonderful characters, Talia's cat Bojangles (I'm a sucker for cats), and the colorful setting in the Berkshires, how can one not like this book?
Although I had a few reservations about reading this book - I'm not enthusiastic about fried food - I was nevertheless surprised at how much I relished it. It was quite a fun read, and I liked the fact that the killer wasn't apparent within the first pages, as can happen with mysteries (and I read them a lot). When we finally do find out the killer, it comes as a complete surprise, and quite unexpected.
This is the second book in the series, the first being Fillet of Murder. However, this can be read as a stand alone, so no worries there. For myself, I'm greatly anticipating the next book. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review, but it in no way influenced my decision.
Out of the Dying Pan by Linda Reilly is the second book in A Deep Fried Mystery series. Talia Marby has taken over Lambert's Fish & Chips and has changed the name to Fry Me A Sliver (odd name). She has two new employees, Lucas Bartolini (an accident prone teenager who likes skateboarding) and Martha Hoelscher (cranky and quiet about her past). Talia is running a booth at the Santa Fund Raiser held every year at the Wrensdale Community Center (raises money for local families who are having difficulties). At the booth next to her is Oriana "Ria" Butterforth. Talia had an encounter with Ria when they were about seven. A bunny rabbit had been taken from a friend of Talia's (her little brother actually). Talia discovered that Ria had taken the bunny. Ria has held a grudge for about 30 years (can you imagine). Ria has just opened a new vintage clothing boutique. One of the items in her booth is a blue scarf that Talia had knitted for her grandmother who passed away this past spring. Talia asks Ria how she obtained the scarf, but Ria refuses to answer (gets nasty). After the benefit, Talia returns to the center to pick up a bowl she forgot and discovers Ria. Ria is stuffed in a closet with the blue scarf wrapped tightly about her neck (looks like she was strangled with it). Who killed Ria and why? And did they have to use that scarf? Talia sets out to find who murdered Talia so she can clear her name (she is a suspect). Will Talia be able to find the killer and stay out of harm’s way?
Out of the Dying Pan was a good book. I liked the characters, the setting, and the mystery. You have to pay attention to the clues and you will be able to solve the mystery (as well as who took the vintage Christmas ornaments from Ria's booth). Out of the Dying Pan can easily be read without having enjoyed the first book in the series (Fillet of Murder), but you will want to read it (trust me). I give Out of the Dying Pan 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). I look forward to reading the next book in A Deep Fried Mystery series (and I hope I do not have to wait too long).
I received a complimentary copy of Out of the Dying Pan from the author and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review of the book.
Out of the Dying Pan is book 2 of Linda Reilly’s A Deep Fried Mystery Series. Talia Marby is back again to solve her second murder. She’s not a police detective for her hometown of Wrensdale, but the owner of Fry Me a Sliver, a fish and chips fast food restaurant in Wrensdale Arcade, a cozy shopping plaza nestled in the heart of the Berkshires. She just happens to stumble on dead bodies and her inquisitive mind seeks out answers that may end up getting her killed for her efforts.
In book 2, Talia takes over proprietorship of Lambert’s Fish and Chips. She changes the shop’s name and makes an effort to get involved in community affairs by offering her services at the annual Christmas fundraiser. There she meets Ria, a girl she knew in grade school who has continued a grudge against Talia. During their childhood Ria stole Talia’s best friend’s rabbit. Talia figured out who the culprit was and returned the animal to its rightful owner. Ria never forgave her.
At the fundraiser, Talia encounters her old nemesis who treats her as icy as a New England winter. When Talia enquires about a scarf Ria is selling, her foe agrees to let her purchase it, but at a huge price. By day’s end, during cleanup, Talia sees the scarf she knitted for her grandmother years ago sticking out of a gym locker. When she investigates she uncovers Ria’s body, strangled by the neckwear.
Detective Patti Prescott of the Wrensdale Police suspects Talia of the murder due to the bad blood between the two women. However, since Talia solved the town’s last murder, people confide in the young sleuth, as she lives her life as the owner of the popular Fry Me a Sliver fast food joint.
Author Linda Reilly creates quirky characters in a beautiful small town setting as readers turn pages to uncover a mystery with many twists and turns. Out of the Dying Pan deserves the same five pops as book one, for A Deep Fried Mystery Series pushes readers to want more. This reviewer is looking forward to reading book 3 of the series, A Frying Shame.