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A Recipe For Disaster Cozy Mystery #1
Murder On The Menu
Lizzie Carter desperately needed to escape from the disaster of her old life but her new one is shaping up to be even worse!
After Lizzie's new boss, celebrity chef Armand, is stabbed in his own kitchen, Lizzie finds herself at the top of the suspect list.
Determined to clear her name she’s forced to enlist the services of her new neighbour, Celebrity Crimes Investigation Agency (CCIA) special agent Jack Mathis, who’s been suspended from his duties for reasons unknown.
Given his reputation, Lizzie figures it’s best not to ask too many questions of him; she only needs the rogue agent to help her catch Armand’s real killer. The fact that Jack is a good-looking guy is not lost on her, but he’s clearly also trouble. And Lizzie’s got more than enough of that in her life already.
Can Lizzie save herself from getting arrested and manage to resist her special agent sidekick’s considerable charms and gorgeous smile? Will they solve the culinary murder mystery or will her new life land her in a prison cell?
If you love fun cozy murder mysteries, with plenty of romance, comedy, intrigue and adventure, then don't miss out - grab your copy of Murder On The Menu today. Join Lizzie as she becomes an amateur sleuth battling to keep her freedom and her sanity - all while attempting to bake a cake that’s actually edible!
After Lizzie's new boss, celebrity chef Armand, is stabbed in his own kitchen, Lizzie finds herself at the top of the suspect list.
Determined to clear her name she’s forced to enlist the services of her new neighbour, Celebrity Crimes Investigation Agency (CCIA) special agent Jack Mathis, who’s been suspended from his duties for reasons unknown.
Given his reputation, Lizzie figures it’s best not to ask too many questions of him; she only needs the rogue agent to help her catch Armand’s real killer. The fact that Jack is a good-looking guy is not lost on her, but he’s clearly also trouble. And Lizzie’s got more than enough of that in her life already.
Can Lizzie save herself from getting arrested and manage to resist her special agent sidekick’s considerable charms and gorgeous smile? Will they solve the culinary murder mystery or will her new life land her in a prison cell?
If you love fun cozy murder mysteries, with plenty of romance, comedy, intrigue and adventure, then don't miss out - grab your copy of Murder On The Menu today. Join Lizzie as she becomes an amateur sleuth battling to keep her freedom and her sanity - all while attempting to bake a cake that’s actually edible!
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2015
621 people are currently reading
749 people want to read
About the author
Zanna Mackenzie
40 books153 followersZanna Mackenzie lives in the UK with her husband, 3 dogs, a vegetable patch that’s home to far too many weeds and an ever expanding library of books waiting to be read.
Being a freelance writer and editor of business publications is her ‘day job’ but, at every opportunity, she can be found scribbling down notes on scenes for whatever novel she’s working on. She loves it when the characters in her novels take on minds of their own and start deviating from the original plot!
Formerly a travel agent and therapist (she has qualifications in clinical aromatherapy, crystal healing, naturopathic nutrition and herbalism) she loves walking the dogs and gardening – that’s when she’s not writing or reading!
Being a freelance writer and editor of business publications is her ‘day job’ but, at every opportunity, she can be found scribbling down notes on scenes for whatever novel she’s working on. She loves it when the characters in her novels take on minds of their own and start deviating from the original plot!
Formerly a travel agent and therapist (she has qualifications in clinical aromatherapy, crystal healing, naturopathic nutrition and herbalism) she loves walking the dogs and gardening – that’s when she’s not writing or reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
September 23, 2018
Lizzie Carter has left her old life in London behind for the wilds of Cumbria where she runs her late uncle's farm and waitresses to keep the farm going. When Lizzie reports for work one morning she discovers the police outside the restaurant. It seems her boss, celebrity chef Armand Seville has been murdered! Lizzie was the last person to see Armand alive and she is apparently the #1 suspect! Lizzie is in a panic. Sure Armand was a tyrant in the kitchen and had a wandering eye (and hands) but Lizzie did not kill him. She's not sure who did but she is determined to bring the killer to justice. First she has to learn to trust her sexy new neighbor, Jack, who claims to be a special agent of the Celebrity Crimes Investigation Unit. Jack is also on "sabbatical" from his job and Lizzie is dying to know why but as the local constabulary seem out of their depth, Lizzie will have no choice but to accept help from Jack-on a strictly professional basis of course.
I just didn't feel this mystery. I didn't care who the killer was. Armand was such a smarmy, nasty man. He should have been reported for sexual harassment and lost everything long ago and not opening up a fancy restaurant the locals can't afford. Some information revealed at the end indicates Armand may not have been all he seemed but I don't buy that. I really think he was a horrible human being. The killer's motivation is completely bizarre and the killer is psychotic. I never guessed why. I figured it wasn't obvious but I thought I had it figured out, so plotwise this mystery is a good one. It was the cozy factor that didn't appeal to me. Rural farm life could be OK if there were plenty of cute animals and no veggies. There could have been quirky locals too to make the story appealing, not to mention likable main characters. This book lacked the charm that appeals to me.
Lizzie has serious trust issues after her last boyfriend turned out to be a massive egomaniac. I don't understand why he was with her unless he was using her and in which case why was she with him? What happened to her is slowly teased and finally revealed at the end. It was horrific and her ex should have been more sympathetic but I admire his journalistic integrity. They should have left it to the police. Lizzie has trust issues which I totally understand. I wouldn't trust Jack at all either. CCIA? Really? Come on. Apparently there is such a thing in the world of the story but I still didn't trust Jack. He's reckless and is fond of bending the rules. I think he comes on a little too strong to Lizzie and never bothers to ask what she wants before he makes his move. They have a little chemistry but mostly the relationship feels uninspired to me. I liked Stella and David much better. They're so cute together.
Lizzie did not appeal to me mainly because she is not a baker. The cover image shows a cupcake. There are no cupcakes in this book whatsoever. Lizzie eats a lot of cake and attempts to make an edible carrot cake. I don't like carrot cake. The book doesn't even have cake recipes so strike out for me.
The secondary characters are not all that well rounded. Frazer and Emma seem like nice people but we don't get to know Frazer much. Emma is earth mother, farmer's wife and very pregnant yet doesn't seem stressed by any of it. Is she human? The other locals include Brenda and George, owners of the village store. Brenda seems like the gossipy intrusive type but I wouldn't want them to lose their store and admired how they decided to fight. Lizzie's car Daisy is as much a character as any of the humans. I liked Daisy the best of all the characters and I don't even like cars. Daisy was charming like an animal sidekick.
In the restaurant world there's Marla and Vanessa, waitresses who kept silent while their boss made them unhappy and uncomfortable because they needed their jobs. No job is worth that much. Neither is really in the story so I don't know their personalities. Then there's Katya who farms the kitchen garden for the restaurant. She's a little odd. I was surprised at the direction her story took. Armand's wife Bryony seems like a typical wealthy socialite but she's actually an astute businesswoman in charge of Armand's business. I admire the way her brain works. Armand's rival Carl Silvers sounds like he's just as arrogant as Armand yet I think he has more depth to him and is maybe not quite as horrid personally. Armand's manager sounds just as egotistical, horrid and smarmy as Armand. They deserve to annoy each other.
I can see why some people might find this story charming and cute but it didn't appeal to me. The writing was OK but not fabulous and the characters don't appeal to me enough to want to read more about them.
I just didn't feel this mystery. I didn't care who the killer was. Armand was such a smarmy, nasty man. He should have been reported for sexual harassment and lost everything long ago and not opening up a fancy restaurant the locals can't afford. Some information revealed at the end indicates Armand may not have been all he seemed but I don't buy that. I really think he was a horrible human being. The killer's motivation is completely bizarre and the killer is psychotic. I never guessed why. I figured it wasn't obvious but I thought I had it figured out, so plotwise this mystery is a good one. It was the cozy factor that didn't appeal to me. Rural farm life could be OK if there were plenty of cute animals and no veggies. There could have been quirky locals too to make the story appealing, not to mention likable main characters. This book lacked the charm that appeals to me.
Lizzie has serious trust issues after her last boyfriend turned out to be a massive egomaniac. I don't understand why he was with her unless he was using her and in which case why was she with him? What happened to her is slowly teased and finally revealed at the end. It was horrific and her ex should have been more sympathetic but I admire his journalistic integrity. They should have left it to the police. Lizzie has trust issues which I totally understand. I wouldn't trust Jack at all either. CCIA? Really? Come on. Apparently there is such a thing in the world of the story but I still didn't trust Jack. He's reckless and is fond of bending the rules. I think he comes on a little too strong to Lizzie and never bothers to ask what she wants before he makes his move. They have a little chemistry but mostly the relationship feels uninspired to me. I liked Stella and David much better. They're so cute together.
Lizzie did not appeal to me mainly because she is not a baker. The cover image shows a cupcake. There are no cupcakes in this book whatsoever. Lizzie eats a lot of cake and attempts to make an edible carrot cake. I don't like carrot cake. The book doesn't even have cake recipes so strike out for me.
The secondary characters are not all that well rounded. Frazer and Emma seem like nice people but we don't get to know Frazer much. Emma is earth mother, farmer's wife and very pregnant yet doesn't seem stressed by any of it. Is she human? The other locals include Brenda and George, owners of the village store. Brenda seems like the gossipy intrusive type but I wouldn't want them to lose their store and admired how they decided to fight. Lizzie's car Daisy is as much a character as any of the humans. I liked Daisy the best of all the characters and I don't even like cars. Daisy was charming like an animal sidekick.
In the restaurant world there's Marla and Vanessa, waitresses who kept silent while their boss made them unhappy and uncomfortable because they needed their jobs. No job is worth that much. Neither is really in the story so I don't know their personalities. Then there's Katya who farms the kitchen garden for the restaurant. She's a little odd. I was surprised at the direction her story took. Armand's wife Bryony seems like a typical wealthy socialite but she's actually an astute businesswoman in charge of Armand's business. I admire the way her brain works. Armand's rival Carl Silvers sounds like he's just as arrogant as Armand yet I think he has more depth to him and is maybe not quite as horrid personally. Armand's manager sounds just as egotistical, horrid and smarmy as Armand. They deserve to annoy each other.
I can see why some people might find this story charming and cute but it didn't appeal to me. The writing was OK but not fabulous and the characters don't appeal to me enough to want to read more about them.
Read
April 4, 2016This is the first book I have read by Zanna McKenzie and I enjoyed this book. If you like fast reading romance mystery books with a strong female character, then this book is for you. Lizzie leaves her journalist boyfriend in London and moves into the farmhouse in Cumbria that was left to her by her aunt and uncle. She takes a job at Veggies as a waitress until she can make enough money from the farm. When Celebrity Chef Armand is murdered, Lizzie finds herself on the top of the suspect list. Lizzie meets her neighbors brother Jack who is a suspended Special Agent. Together they work to solve they mystery of who killed Armand while slowly falling in love. There are several twist and turns that keep you guessing. I am looking forward to more stories with Lizzie and Jack. I was given this book in return for an honest review.
January 6, 2020
After Lizzie Carter's new boss, celebrity chef Armand, is stabbed in his own kitchen, Lizzie finds herself at the top of the suspect list.
Lizzie meets Jack Mathis who has been helping his brother at the farm next to where Lizzie lives. Jack tells Lizzie he will help clear her name from the suspect list because is has worked as special agent for the Celebrity Crimes Investigation Agency (CCIA) who’s been suspended from his duties for reasons unknown. Lizzie does not know if that is a real agency but accepts Jack's help.
This is very entertaining and I read the last 7 chapters this morning after breakfast because I couldn't put the story down.
Lizzie meets Jack Mathis who has been helping his brother at the farm next to where Lizzie lives. Jack tells Lizzie he will help clear her name from the suspect list because is has worked as special agent for the Celebrity Crimes Investigation Agency (CCIA) who’s been suspended from his duties for reasons unknown. Lizzie does not know if that is a real agency but accepts Jack's help.
This is very entertaining and I read the last 7 chapters this morning after breakfast because I couldn't put the story down.
June 14, 2022
A former London -er moved to Cumbria to take over a farm after a traumatic event and a break up. To help ends meet, she is waitstaff at a restaurant run by a handsy celebrity chef.
The chef is murdered, of course, and our sleuth is the last one to see him alive, and thus is the primary suspect. While trying to clear her name, she meets a handsome neighbor, also from London, who just happens to be a policeman who specializes in celebrity crimes.
They skulk around, and ask questions, and make nuisances of themselves until they solve the crime.
Not bad, but the fight sequences at the end need some work.
The chef is murdered, of course, and our sleuth is the last one to see him alive, and thus is the primary suspect. While trying to clear her name, she meets a handsome neighbor, also from London, who just happens to be a policeman who specializes in celebrity crimes.
They skulk around, and ask questions, and make nuisances of themselves until they solve the crime.
Not bad, but the fight sequences at the end need some work.
April 24, 2016
In Murder On The Menu, the first book in the Celebrity Mystery Series, author Zanna Mackenzie weaves an entertaining cozy mystery tale that will keep the reader engaged and wanting more.
Lizzie Carter leaves London after breaking up with her journalist boyfriend to restart her life at a farmhouse that she inherited from her aunt and uncle in the scenic English countryside of Cumbria. She gets a job as a waitress at a local restaurant called The Veggies, but when her new boss and celebrity Chef Armand is found stabbed in the kitchen, Lizzie finds herself on top of the murder suspect list. Lizzie is determined to clear her name, and with the help of neighbor and suspended special agent Jack Mathis, they work together to investigate the murder in order to find the real killer.
I have always been a fan of cozy mystery stories, and Murder On The Menu is a fun whodunit tale that did not disappoint me. This is an exciting and fast-paced tale that has enough mystery, suspense, humor, romance, intriguing twists and turns, and a list of suspects that will easily keep the reader engaged and guessing who the real killer is until the end. I enjoyed following Lizzie and Jack's investigative adventure, their witty banter, humorous trials and tribulations, and subtle romantic scenes easily kept my interest and wanting more. I look forward to reading their adventure in the series.
If you want to pass the weekend reading an enjoyable cozy mystery, then look no further, Murder On The Menu is the book for you!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a book review program hosted by Chick Lit Plus.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Lizzie Carter leaves London after breaking up with her journalist boyfriend to restart her life at a farmhouse that she inherited from her aunt and uncle in the scenic English countryside of Cumbria. She gets a job as a waitress at a local restaurant called The Veggies, but when her new boss and celebrity Chef Armand is found stabbed in the kitchen, Lizzie finds herself on top of the murder suspect list. Lizzie is determined to clear her name, and with the help of neighbor and suspended special agent Jack Mathis, they work together to investigate the murder in order to find the real killer.
I have always been a fan of cozy mystery stories, and Murder On The Menu is a fun whodunit tale that did not disappoint me. This is an exciting and fast-paced tale that has enough mystery, suspense, humor, romance, intriguing twists and turns, and a list of suspects that will easily keep the reader engaged and guessing who the real killer is until the end. I enjoyed following Lizzie and Jack's investigative adventure, their witty banter, humorous trials and tribulations, and subtle romantic scenes easily kept my interest and wanting more. I look forward to reading their adventure in the series.
If you want to pass the weekend reading an enjoyable cozy mystery, then look no further, Murder On The Menu is the book for you!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a book review program hosted by Chick Lit Plus.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
July 11, 2016
Lizzie has left her job in London after calling it quits with her journalist boyfriend. Her uncle has passed away and left her the farm in Cumbria. Struggling to make ends meet, she is working part time as a waitress at the local restaurant with Celebrity Chef Armand. Chef Armand is a bit of a creepy perv, and one evening Lizzie is forced to stay late after her shift to work on a special assignment. As she is leaving to head home that evening, she sees a dark figure darting across the parking lot. The next day as she returns to work, she learns her Celebrity boss has been murdered. Because she was technically the last person to see her boss, she instantly gets put on the top of the list of suspects. Meanwhile, her neighbor, Frazier, is busy on his farm. His wife is having a difficult pregnancy and his brother has come to help out around the farm. The brother, Jack, has been suspended from his regular job as a special agent for celebrity crimes.
Jack and Lizzie work together trying to clear her name.
The story line is entertaining and it is well-written. A great read!
Jack and Lizzie work together trying to clear her name.
The story line is entertaining and it is well-written. A great read!
November 11, 2015
Lizzie Carter is hiding away from her old life and I think we can all relate to that. I found it easy to jump into this characters shoes and ride along with her during the stress of discovering she was the main suspect in the murder of a celebrity chef she was working for in a small farming community. Luckily, Jack Mathis, a CCIA (Celebrity Crimes Investigation Agency) agent is helping out his brother in a neighboring farm. He has the know how to assist Lizzie during her time of need.
This was no easy mystery to figure out. You had to stay with it until the end to find the true culprit.
I thought it was a great mystery that really set the stage for the mysteries to come. I understand that this will just be book one in a series of novels. Cozy lovers definitely need to pick this one up.
4 Stars.
I received this ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from the author. I thank Zanna Mackenzie for allowing me to read this novel.
This was no easy mystery to figure out. You had to stay with it until the end to find the true culprit.
I thought it was a great mystery that really set the stage for the mysteries to come. I understand that this will just be book one in a series of novels. Cozy lovers definitely need to pick this one up.
4 Stars.
I received this ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from the author. I thank Zanna Mackenzie for allowing me to read this novel.
October 26, 2015
This was really good. A mystery and a romance all rolled into one. I loved the two main characters, Lizzie and Jack. It's Lizzie's sleezy and obnoxious boss, Chef Armond who is murdered - in his own restaurant late at night, after Lizzie is the last to leave, and the last person (other than the killer) to see him alive. Of course the cops suspect her, but Jack, a suspended agent with the CCIA, comes to her rescue and helps her solve the mystery while they begin to fall in love. A really good mystery and love story. Read it, you can't go wrong!
March 31, 2016
A fantastic start to a great new series!
I was very pleased to find a new series by Zanna Mackenzie. I love her Amber Reed series, and this one didn't disappoint. Murder on the Menu is fun and romantic--I love the new team of Lizzie and Jack. This book has everything you want in a cozy--a great mystery that left me guessing until the end, a hunky leading man, a straight-talking heroine, and a cast of memorable characters. The descriptions of the area left me wanting to plan a vacation there. I can't wait for the next installment!
I was very pleased to find a new series by Zanna Mackenzie. I love her Amber Reed series, and this one didn't disappoint. Murder on the Menu is fun and romantic--I love the new team of Lizzie and Jack. This book has everything you want in a cozy--a great mystery that left me guessing until the end, a hunky leading man, a straight-talking heroine, and a cast of memorable characters. The descriptions of the area left me wanting to plan a vacation there. I can't wait for the next installment!
April 23, 2016
What a fun read! I loved this book. I liked the story with all it's complexities. I loved the characters. The reading was easy and the book kept you reading until the end! Great who done it! Given copy for honest review.
June 8, 2016
Another book set in England in a little village. It was a cute easy read with some romance and a murder. If you like those cozy mysteries I recommend this one for you.
April 1, 2020
Lizzie Carter worked as a journalist in London and was going through a difficult time in her personal life when she became heir to her uncle’s farm in Cumbria. She decided to relocate. Running a farm was hard work and didn’t pay much so she took a job in a nearby restaurant, the only one in the area, helping with marketing as well as doing other tasks as needed..
The chef, Armand, had been the winner of a TV show culinary cookoff. He was “full of his own importance, pretentious, loud, obnoxious, and a bully.” She avoided him as much as she could especially since he was constantly making passes at all the women on staff. One night he asked her to stay late to help him with the marketing task. She refused his invitation to go up to his apartment with him afterwards and headed home.
When she got home she was greeted by two cows. It turned out they belonged to the farm next door. Jack, the brother of the owner of the farm, drove up, introduced himself, and collected the cows. He said he was on a sabbatical that was a Special Agent, specializing in celebrity crime. Lizzie was curious but not impressed.
When she arrived at the restaurant the next day, the parking lot was surrounded by crime scene tape. Armand had been killed and since she was the last one to have seen him alive, she became the number one suspect, especially when she said she didn’t have an alibi.
The rest of the book deals with the relationship between Lizzie and Jack and how they try to prove her innocence. It also involves her trying to find out exactly why he was on sabbatical.
Lizzie saying she did not have an alibi was a turnoff for me immediately. That was repeated frequently. She did have an alibi: Jack had seen her when she got home. He could vouch for the time, how she acted, and what she looked like. Later on she states “I was the last one to leave the restaurant the night he was…” She said that on the following day.
While she is being interviewed by the police and talking with other people, she repeats “Armand is gone and it seems disrespectful to drag up his mistakes and bad behavior” about nine times.
At one point, it sexistly describes “My girly squeal piercing the night air.”
MURDER ON THE MENU has some interesting characters and situations. It’s too bad it wasn’t written
The chef, Armand, had been the winner of a TV show culinary cookoff. He was “full of his own importance, pretentious, loud, obnoxious, and a bully.” She avoided him as much as she could especially since he was constantly making passes at all the women on staff. One night he asked her to stay late to help him with the marketing task. She refused his invitation to go up to his apartment with him afterwards and headed home.
When she got home she was greeted by two cows. It turned out they belonged to the farm next door. Jack, the brother of the owner of the farm, drove up, introduced himself, and collected the cows. He said he was on a sabbatical that was a Special Agent, specializing in celebrity crime. Lizzie was curious but not impressed.
When she arrived at the restaurant the next day, the parking lot was surrounded by crime scene tape. Armand had been killed and since she was the last one to have seen him alive, she became the number one suspect, especially when she said she didn’t have an alibi.
The rest of the book deals with the relationship between Lizzie and Jack and how they try to prove her innocence. It also involves her trying to find out exactly why he was on sabbatical.
Lizzie saying she did not have an alibi was a turnoff for me immediately. That was repeated frequently. She did have an alibi: Jack had seen her when she got home. He could vouch for the time, how she acted, and what she looked like. Later on she states “I was the last one to leave the restaurant the night he was…” She said that on the following day.
While she is being interviewed by the police and talking with other people, she repeats “Armand is gone and it seems disrespectful to drag up his mistakes and bad behavior” about nine times.
At one point, it sexistly describes “My girly squeal piercing the night air.”
MURDER ON THE MENU has some interesting characters and situations. It’s too bad it wasn’t written
June 20, 2017
Unlucky in love, Lizzie Carter left her high-powered PR job in London for small town life when her uncle died and left her his farm. Now, she spends her days trying to learn to bake, tending the farm, and working as a waitress for a celebrity chef who is a bit too hands-on with the female employees.
Then the grabby chef ends up stabbed in the kitchen of his restaurant, and Lizzie, the last known person to see him alive, is suspect number one. Jack Mathis, brother of a neighbor, a suspended special agent for a celebrity crimes investigation organization, swoops in and offers to help her clear her name—the last thing she needs is a man around, and a good-looking one at that, but she also doesn’t want to end up in jail, or worse, end up dead, as someone seems to be trying to kill her.
Murder on the Menu by Zanna Mackenzie is funny and frightening by turns—but, mostly funny, as you’d expect of a book classified as a humorous, romantic, cozy mystery. Clues are skillfully planted, alongside the red herrings that’ll send you off chasing wild geese (or other unfortunate puns and metaphors). But, in the end, you’ll have been thoroughly entertained. Mackenzie is a mystery author to watch out for.
Then the grabby chef ends up stabbed in the kitchen of his restaurant, and Lizzie, the last known person to see him alive, is suspect number one. Jack Mathis, brother of a neighbor, a suspended special agent for a celebrity crimes investigation organization, swoops in and offers to help her clear her name—the last thing she needs is a man around, and a good-looking one at that, but she also doesn’t want to end up in jail, or worse, end up dead, as someone seems to be trying to kill her.
Murder on the Menu by Zanna Mackenzie is funny and frightening by turns—but, mostly funny, as you’d expect of a book classified as a humorous, romantic, cozy mystery. Clues are skillfully planted, alongside the red herrings that’ll send you off chasing wild geese (or other unfortunate puns and metaphors). But, in the end, you’ll have been thoroughly entertained. Mackenzie is a mystery author to watch out for.
May 18, 2018
BACK OF THE BOOK BLURB
(copied from Amazon.com)
A dead celebrity chef boss. A sexy spy living next door. Lizzie's in big trouble...
Waitress Lizzie's horrible and much hated celebrity chef boss is dead; stabbed with a knife in his own restaurant kitchen. When the police discover she was officially the last person to see him alive, they put Lizzie right at the top of their suspect list.
Now, panicked and fighting to clear er name, she's forced to team up with her handsome and intriguing new neighbor, Jack Mathis. Okay, so Jack claims he's a former special agent on suspension from his investigative duties for reasons unknown, but Lizzie doesn't have time to ask questions.
Can she save herself from getting arrested and manage to resist Jack's considerable charms and gorgeous smile? Will they solve the mystery and track down the murderer before it's too late? Will Lizzie have to put her dreams of making cakes she can sell at the village store on hold as she languishes in a prison cell?
MY REVIEW
I had a lot going on when I started this so it took me a while to get into the story, but when I did it was really good. I will read more in the series so I would recommend this as a good cozy to grab and take a break.
(copied from Amazon.com)
A dead celebrity chef boss. A sexy spy living next door. Lizzie's in big trouble...
Waitress Lizzie's horrible and much hated celebrity chef boss is dead; stabbed with a knife in his own restaurant kitchen. When the police discover she was officially the last person to see him alive, they put Lizzie right at the top of their suspect list.
Now, panicked and fighting to clear er name, she's forced to team up with her handsome and intriguing new neighbor, Jack Mathis. Okay, so Jack claims he's a former special agent on suspension from his investigative duties for reasons unknown, but Lizzie doesn't have time to ask questions.
Can she save herself from getting arrested and manage to resist Jack's considerable charms and gorgeous smile? Will they solve the mystery and track down the murderer before it's too late? Will Lizzie have to put her dreams of making cakes she can sell at the village store on hold as she languishes in a prison cell?
MY REVIEW
I had a lot going on when I started this so it took me a while to get into the story, but when I did it was really good. I will read more in the series so I would recommend this as a good cozy to grab and take a break.
June 15, 2019
Murder On The Menu is a fun cozy/romance mystery by Zanna Mackenzie. Lizzie Carter left London and her ex-boy friend to start a new life. She now runs Eskdale Top, the farm she inherited from her Uncle Joe. She also works as a waitress at The Veggies, a fancy gastro pub. Her persnickety boss, Armand Seville, is a celebrity chef who is a former winner of TV's Culinary Cook Off. One morning, Lizzie is told that Armand was found knifed to death and left at the restaurant in a pool of blood. She then becomes the prime suspect since she was actually the last one to see him alive--besides the killer, that is. Her closet neighbor has his hands full with kids and a pregnant wife, and has his brother, Jack Mathis, helping him out. Jack comes to Lizzie's rescue and helps investigate the murder. He has experience since he works for CCIA, Celebrity Crimes Investigation Agency in London. I loved the description of Lizzie driving around in her little yellow VW Beetle named Daisy! This book has lots of possible suspects and likable characters. I look forward to seeing what Lizzie gets up to next!
August 14, 2017
Murder of a top chef
My boss is terrible. He cannot keep his hands off not only me but every female within arms length. When I go to work after the boss keeps her after work and makes another pass at her, I find that I am the last known person to see him before he is found dead with a knife in back. I am now first on the list of murder suspects. Mark, the neighbor's brother is a detective, etc, on leave, and he jumps in to prove her innocent. Well developed mystery with well-developed characterization. Adult and older teens due violent crime.
My boss is terrible. He cannot keep his hands off not only me but every female within arms length. When I go to work after the boss keeps her after work and makes another pass at her, I find that I am the last known person to see him before he is found dead with a knife in back. I am now first on the list of murder suspects. Mark, the neighbor's brother is a detective, etc, on leave, and he jumps in to prove her innocent. Well developed mystery with well-developed characterization. Adult and older teens due violent crime.
October 21, 2018
4 Stars
I purchased a copy of the novella Murder On The Menu: A Humorous Romantic Cozy Mystery (A Recipe For Disaster Cozy Mystery Book 1) by Zanna Mackenzie and this review was given freely.
Written in the British style, this is well rounded and easy flowing with great characters. Zanna provides you with glimpses into a rural Cumbria village, main characters with mysterious backgrounds, a suspenseful and complex murder mystery, and romance between Farm neighbors Lizzie and Celebrity Investigative Agent Jack.
I purchased a copy of the novella Murder On The Menu: A Humorous Romantic Cozy Mystery (A Recipe For Disaster Cozy Mystery Book 1) by Zanna Mackenzie and this review was given freely.
Written in the British style, this is well rounded and easy flowing with great characters. Zanna provides you with glimpses into a rural Cumbria village, main characters with mysterious backgrounds, a suspenseful and complex murder mystery, and romance between Farm neighbors Lizzie and Celebrity Investigative Agent Jack.
February 20, 2023
"After Lizzie's new boss, celebrity chef Armand, is stabbed in his own kitchen, Lizzie finds herself at the top of the suspect list.
Determined to clear her name she’s forced to enlist the services of her new neighbour, Celebrity Crimes Investigation Agency (CCIA) special agent Jack Mathis, who’s been suspended from his duties for reasons unknown."
Will they catch the culprit?
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Determined to clear her name she’s forced to enlist the services of her new neighbour, Celebrity Crimes Investigation Agency (CCIA) special agent Jack Mathis, who’s been suspended from his duties for reasons unknown."
Will they catch the culprit?
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
December 8, 2017
This is the first in the series and first time reading this author. The main character is Lizzie and she is the last person to see her boss alive. After he is murdered , The cops start looking at her as the main suspect. She ends up teaming up with her neighbors brother Jack, who solves celebrity crimes for real. They have a heck of a time figuring out who did it and almost get killed doing it. I loved it. Look forward to many more adventures.
June 24, 2017
A Dead Chef. A Mysterious Neighbor. An Innocent Suspect.
Lizzie escapes her lecherous boss late one night, only to find that he's been killed when she returns to work the next day. Help comes in the form of her new neighbor. With his mysterious past can she trust him, especially with the miserable past she is escaping. Suspect after suspect pass through their investigation. Who will be proven to be the knife wielding murderer?
Lizzie escapes her lecherous boss late one night, only to find that he's been killed when she returns to work the next day. Help comes in the form of her new neighbor. With his mysterious past can she trust him, especially with the miserable past she is escaping. Suspect after suspect pass through their investigation. Who will be proven to be the knife wielding murderer?
November 19, 2018
Great start.
Slow and steady wins the race, must be Jack's mantra. No matter the obstacle, Jack is determined to keep Lizzie out of jail. Just not really sure how he's going to do it. Although she is totally petrified, Lizzie believes Jack can help her, or he is completely delusional. The crazy weather, treacherous roads, and threats from the police just add to the drama of finding 'whodunit'.
Great start of the new series.
Slow and steady wins the race, must be Jack's mantra. No matter the obstacle, Jack is determined to keep Lizzie out of jail. Just not really sure how he's going to do it. Although she is totally petrified, Lizzie believes Jack can help her, or he is completely delusional. The crazy weather, treacherous roads, and threats from the police just add to the drama of finding 'whodunit'.
Great start of the new series.
March 12, 2019
Really
This is a mystery you can sink your teeth into while smiling the whole way through. How do you solve a murder when each time you think you know who did it you have to scratch them off the short list of suspects leaving you more desperate and dreading your small town cop is going to place the murder on you. If you enjoy your cozey mystery with a challenging twists , complex motives and humorous exchanges you can't miss "Murder On The Menu " Kat
This is a mystery you can sink your teeth into while smiling the whole way through. How do you solve a murder when each time you think you know who did it you have to scratch them off the short list of suspects leaving you more desperate and dreading your small town cop is going to place the murder on you. If you enjoy your cozey mystery with a challenging twists , complex motives and humorous exchanges you can't miss "Murder On The Menu " Kat
February 28, 2022
Cute but predictable
This is a good book for readers who enjoy a story with a bit of romance and a basic mystery but I it was too much formula writing for me. I like the location and the English essence although I found the main character one dimensional. I guess this is typical for a cozy mystery but I prefer more intrigue rather than a 2 page confession dump at the end to wrap up the whole story.
This is a good book for readers who enjoy a story with a bit of romance and a basic mystery but I it was too much formula writing for me. I like the location and the English essence although I found the main character one dimensional. I guess this is typical for a cozy mystery but I prefer more intrigue rather than a 2 page confession dump at the end to wrap up the whole story.
June 20, 2017
So Enjoyed This Book!
The descriptions were great of the town, people and they are detailed! It was so good I felt like I was in the town and riding around in Daisy and the crazy back roads with all the twist and turns. What was really great was i had in my mind who the killer was! NOT! Really enjoyable snd worth the read!
The descriptions were great of the town, people and they are detailed! It was so good I felt like I was in the town and riding around in Daisy and the crazy back roads with all the twist and turns. What was really great was i had in my mind who the killer was! NOT! Really enjoyable snd worth the read!
March 21, 2020
Lizzie leaves London to get away from a man she loves but whose career was more important than she. Now she lives on a farm and has to wait tables to help pay the bills. Her boss - head chef and owner of the restaurant - is murdered and she's the prime suspect. Enter Jack, a celebrity P.I. He helps her find the real murderer but you won't guess who it is. A surprise, and fun along the way.
April 23, 2020
Great story to introduce a new series!
This book has everything you need for a great cozy mystery… Wonderful characters, the possibility of romance, and an engaging whodunit with plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing until the big reveal.
A fun, light, and easy read. Perfect start to a new series.
This book has everything you need for a great cozy mystery… Wonderful characters, the possibility of romance, and an engaging whodunit with plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing until the big reveal.
A fun, light, and easy read. Perfect start to a new series.
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May 4, 2020Great start to a new series
Great story full of twists and turns. Even when you think you know the ending, you don't. I loved the romance and the stories behind the stories. I would love to read more in this series, and I would recommend this book! This book is NOT filled with bad language or sex!
Great story full of twists and turns. Even when you think you know the ending, you don't. I loved the romance and the stories behind the stories. I would love to read more in this series, and I would recommend this book! This book is NOT filled with bad language or sex!
January 19, 2021
That 2* rating (rare, for me) is due to the poor editing and writing that felt like it was more aimed at a not so very sophisticated teen reader. The story was good, but the book should have been better edited prior to publication even as a free book...and someone should have had the writer re-work some of those repetitive sentences!
March 9, 2018
A Romantic Mystery
If you ignore the misspellings and the left out words, this book is a way to relax for an hour or two in a lightly veined romantic mystery. The description of the countryside is well done and most of the characters are well defined.
If you ignore the misspellings and the left out words, this book is a way to relax for an hour or two in a lightly veined romantic mystery. The description of the countryside is well done and most of the characters are well defined.
August 25, 2018
This is a cute mystery that has the potential to become a really good series. The characters are really well done and the locale is interesting. The plot is well-crafted. I enjoyed this story, and look forward to the next adventures of Lizzie and Jack.
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