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Undercover Dish Mystery #2
Cheddar Off Dead
From the author of The Big Chili comes her latest mystery about c aterer and cook Lilah Drake who is up to her elbows in deadly trouble during the Christmas holidays...
The Christmas holidays are one of Lilah’s favorite times of the year, filled with friends, family, and, of course, tons of food orders for her covered dish clients. But Lilah’s Yuletide cheer ends when she sees a most Grinch-like the murder of a Santa in a school parking lot.
It turns out the deceased Kris Kringle was a complicated tangle of naughty and nice, with a long list of people who might have wanted him dead. And whoever did the deed wants to make sure that Lilah keeps quiet. Now, Lilah will have to team up with her former fling, Detective Jay Parker, to unwrap the mysteries of a deadly Christmas killer and stay alive long enough to ring in the New Year...
The Christmas holidays are one of Lilah’s favorite times of the year, filled with friends, family, and, of course, tons of food orders for her covered dish clients. But Lilah’s Yuletide cheer ends when she sees a most Grinch-like the murder of a Santa in a school parking lot.
It turns out the deceased Kris Kringle was a complicated tangle of naughty and nice, with a long list of people who might have wanted him dead. And whoever did the deed wants to make sure that Lilah keeps quiet. Now, Lilah will have to team up with her former fling, Detective Jay Parker, to unwrap the mysteries of a deadly Christmas killer and stay alive long enough to ring in the New Year...
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 6, 2016
73 people are currently reading
1109 people want to read
About the author
Julia Buckley
31 books803 followersJulia Buckley is a Chicago-area writer. She has written three mystery series with Berkley Prime Crime, including the best-selling Writer's Apprentice Series, which Mystery Scene calls "engaging, enjoyable, and surprising," while Kirkus dubs it "pleasantly old-fashioned." The Library Journal called Buckley "a writer to watch."
Buckley is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and the Chicago Writers Association. She blogs about writing and mysteries at Mysterious Musings, where she has interviewed almost 200 other mystery writers about their work.
She teaches high school English and enjoys reading, playing Words With Friends, and spending time with her husband and two sons, along with their menagerie of animals.
Buckley is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and the Chicago Writers Association. She blogs about writing and mysteries at Mysterious Musings, where she has interviewed almost 200 other mystery writers about their work.
She teaches high school English and enjoys reading, playing Words With Friends, and spending time with her husband and two sons, along with their menagerie of animals.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
July 23, 2017
I have now read this series and feel this book is the best one.Lilah is taking her cheese and macaroni dishes to the grade school her friend is teaching at for the Christmas Party. While at the school parking lot she witnessed a shooting. This brings Jay Parker back in her life. He arranged police protection for her. Lilah goes to stay with her brother and his new wife, Serafina. They go to Serafina's beauty salon and meet the mobster boss who the victim owe money blowing Lilah's cover. Lilah is working for a catering outfit and has an appearance on her ex-wife boyfriend's TV show. The ending will surprise you. LIlah recipes are included in the book. I highly recommend this book and series.
December 11, 2022
Another enjoyable cozy mystery from Julia Buckley. So far, I'm finding Lilah Drake to be an engaging main character and I feel like I understand her. I haven't lived in a small town for many years, but I still remember how interconnected everyone was. It was difficult to get very much privacy. It seems like someone who knows who you are is always watching and is willing to share those observations. That's why Lilah's undercover food deliveries amuse me so much. The skulking about and the elaborate pseudo explanations are fun (and in a real small community would be pretty hard to conceal from nosey neighbours).
Lilah and Parker's on-again-off-again courtship seems to be on again. That's probably the safest situation for Lilah, who seems to have a talent for witnessing murders. However, Parker has to be running the investigation of this crime, so we get to meet Wendy, Lilah's police bodyguard. Wendy is a great character, the right balance of protective, professional, and friendly. Parker finally realizes that people open up to Lilah, a useful skill that he can benefit from. This is a big improvement in their interaction.
There really are too many books and too little time, but I hope to get to the next volume sooner, rather than later!
Lilah and Parker's on-again-off-again courtship seems to be on again. That's probably the safest situation for Lilah, who seems to have a talent for witnessing murders. However, Parker has to be running the investigation of this crime, so we get to meet Wendy, Lilah's police bodyguard. Wendy is a great character, the right balance of protective, professional, and friendly. Parker finally realizes that people open up to Lilah, a useful skill that he can benefit from. This is a big improvement in their interaction.
There really are too many books and too little time, but I hope to get to the next volume sooner, rather than later!
October 18, 2016
Rising star, Author Julia Buckley, creates a cozy plot that simmers with an intriguing mystery revolving around the death of a part-time Santa Claus and a family with mob connections. The brisk dialogue and plethora of clues make for an absorbing page-turner. 'Undercover chef' Lilah Drake, is a superb character with an interesting occupation; an entertaining and supportive family; and a hunky detective as a romantic interest. Don't miss this fantastic story!
September 17, 2016
Book Review/Giveaway
September 17
http://acozygirlreads.blogspot.ca/
I really needed to be in the Christmas spirit and Cheddar off Dead was just the book that made me feel all Christmasy inside if just for a brief time.
It's a surprising fact that people want credit for making food they didn't have or talent to make, well Pine Haven, Illinois is in luck, Caterer and "Undercover Dish" business owner, Lilah Drake is at their service.
Lilah is very busy with the Christmas season with everyone wanting "party food" for their Christmas parties and Lilah is busy cooking and baking on top of her catering job. "Santa" aka actor Brad Whitefield has been shot to death in an elementary school parking lot where Lilah is delivering an "undercover dish" to teacher and friend, Jenny.
Brad has a rep for being a "tool" and a "jerk" and a gambler who is in debt to the mob and he is a known for cheating on his wife. Jay Parker is a detective on the case but there's trouble when Lilah and Jay previously share a romantic kiss and Lilah is a witness to the murder but does not mean to be and Lilah sets off on a Christmas mission to find who could have done this to "Santa"
You could cut the drama between Lilah and Jay with a knife and it kept the story an engaging read that I loved and I would love to sink my teeth into Lilah's macaroni and cheese bake .
I love the premise, it's a foodie mystery but it's very different in a good way. "Mick" the dog now owns a piece of my heart. Thank you to Julia Buckley for getting me in the Christmas Spirit, and now craving macaroni and cheese but did you really have to kill off Santa even if he was a bad guy?
FTC Disclosure: Thank you to the publisher and/or author or Net Galley 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 are our own.
September 17
http://acozygirlreads.blogspot.ca/
I really needed to be in the Christmas spirit and Cheddar off Dead was just the book that made me feel all Christmasy inside if just for a brief time.
It's a surprising fact that people want credit for making food they didn't have or talent to make, well Pine Haven, Illinois is in luck, Caterer and "Undercover Dish" business owner, Lilah Drake is at their service.
Lilah is very busy with the Christmas season with everyone wanting "party food" for their Christmas parties and Lilah is busy cooking and baking on top of her catering job. "Santa" aka actor Brad Whitefield has been shot to death in an elementary school parking lot where Lilah is delivering an "undercover dish" to teacher and friend, Jenny.
Brad has a rep for being a "tool" and a "jerk" and a gambler who is in debt to the mob and he is a known for cheating on his wife. Jay Parker is a detective on the case but there's trouble when Lilah and Jay previously share a romantic kiss and Lilah is a witness to the murder but does not mean to be and Lilah sets off on a Christmas mission to find who could have done this to "Santa"
You could cut the drama between Lilah and Jay with a knife and it kept the story an engaging read that I loved and I would love to sink my teeth into Lilah's macaroni and cheese bake .
I love the premise, it's a foodie mystery but it's very different in a good way. "Mick" the dog now owns a piece of my heart. Thank you to Julia Buckley for getting me in the Christmas Spirit, and now craving macaroni and cheese but did you really have to kill off Santa even if he was a bad guy?
FTC Disclosure: Thank you to the publisher and/or author or Net Galley 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 are our own.
September 6, 2016
Even better than the first book in the Undercover Dish Mysteries, CHEDDAR OFF DEAD was a book I devoured!
I fell instantly in love with author Julia Buckley’s first book in this series, THE BIG CHILI so it came as no surprise to me that book two, CHEDDAR OFF DEAD was going to be brilliant.
Author Buckley has just the sort of writing I enjoy. Not cluttered with wasted words or scenes. Every word read is necessary to the plot, needed for the flow of the story.
The characters in this series are wonderful. It took me no time at all to warm up to them in book one. Mick the chocolate Lab has stolen my heart. Being with them in book two was like visiting with old friends.
CHEDDAR OFF DEAD was a delicious mystery. Ms. Buckley wasted no time getting right into it with the victim being discovered in the first chapter. From that moment on the story filled me with yummy plot twists, deception, humor, and incredible writing. By the time I reached the reveal, and then moved on to the conclusion, I was left completely sated.
When you have your own copy, cause I know you want one, take a peek in the back of the book for some tasty recipes!
I fell instantly in love with author Julia Buckley’s first book in this series, THE BIG CHILI so it came as no surprise to me that book two, CHEDDAR OFF DEAD was going to be brilliant.
Author Buckley has just the sort of writing I enjoy. Not cluttered with wasted words or scenes. Every word read is necessary to the plot, needed for the flow of the story.
The characters in this series are wonderful. It took me no time at all to warm up to them in book one. Mick the chocolate Lab has stolen my heart. Being with them in book two was like visiting with old friends.
CHEDDAR OFF DEAD was a delicious mystery. Ms. Buckley wasted no time getting right into it with the victim being discovered in the first chapter. From that moment on the story filled me with yummy plot twists, deception, humor, and incredible writing. By the time I reached the reveal, and then moved on to the conclusion, I was left completely sated.
When you have your own copy, cause I know you want one, take a peek in the back of the book for some tasty recipes!
December 6, 2017
I loved this book! Great mystery, an exciting ending and some romance thrown in there as well all at a Christmas setting. I like the characters and Lilah's food sounds amazing. Can't wait to read the next one!
December 31, 2017
Excellent! Fantastic!
February 7, 2017
Julia Buckley is by far one of the best new cozy authors to have been published in the last few years. Of the three books she's published through Berkley, all have been absolutely stellar! This book was by far one of my favorites so far this year, and I can't wait until her next releases, both coming up later this year!
I do have one question though:
I do have one question though:
November 24, 2017
2nd in this series and not as good as the first one. "Santa" is killed in a parking lot in this one. Who would kill "Santa"? Turns out I didn't really much care. These are just too "cute" for me. Won't bother going further.
August 31, 2016
I enjoyed this book so very much! Finishing it on a Hot August night and feeling that Christmas Feeling, was a delight! This is the second book in the Undercover Dish Mystery series and I love not only the concept behind the series but all the amazing characters in this book. The mystery is of course a key point of any great cozy and I love how this story and mystery unfold. I could so easily relate to Lilah's sudden case of holiday apprehension, the less then idealistic feelings one has at time of year and the feeling of being weighted down when the world is supposed to be swept up in holiday joy. On the flip side though I found this mystery to actually be quite up lifting and I did find that I had that old Christmas Spirit while I read. Lilah has a great family, dog, neighbors and job. Author Julia Buckley does a wonderful job with this book and wraps up the story as a perfectly wrapped gift, proving that good things come in small packages with Cheddar Off Dead.
June 19, 2025
THIS IS WHY WE ALWAYS GIVE A SERIES A SECOND CHANCE! I AM NOW IN LOVE WITH THIS SERIES!
SERIES PREMISE: In this series we follow Lilah Drake who runs a 'Undercover Dish' business where she annonymously makes dishes for her clients who pass them off as their own in Pine Haven, Illinois, along-side her Chocolate Lab Mick.
In this book: After delivering some food to a client at an Elementary School for a Christmas Celebration, Lilah runs into the man playing Santa himself. They have a lovely conversation however, moments later, Lilah hears a noise, sees a car racing off into the distance and finds santa... dead! What the heck? Who would do this to such a nice man? Lilah is determined to find out, even if she has to do it with a bodyguard by her side!
THOUGHTS: This was the reprieve I needed to ensure I will (when I can) continue on with this series! The culinary factor was amped up time a million (much appreciated!) and Lilah only seemed to be dramatic when the moment called for it! The mystery was intriguing from start to end and the reveal really surprised me! A must read for Culinary-Cozy fans!
5 Stars!
xoxo.
SERIES PREMISE: In this series we follow Lilah Drake who runs a 'Undercover Dish' business where she annonymously makes dishes for her clients who pass them off as their own in Pine Haven, Illinois, along-side her Chocolate Lab Mick.
In this book: After delivering some food to a client at an Elementary School for a Christmas Celebration, Lilah runs into the man playing Santa himself. They have a lovely conversation however, moments later, Lilah hears a noise, sees a car racing off into the distance and finds santa... dead! What the heck? Who would do this to such a nice man? Lilah is determined to find out, even if she has to do it with a bodyguard by her side!
THOUGHTS: This was the reprieve I needed to ensure I will (when I can) continue on with this series! The culinary factor was amped up time a million (much appreciated!) and Lilah only seemed to be dramatic when the moment called for it! The mystery was intriguing from start to end and the reveal really surprised me! A must read for Culinary-Cozy fans!
5 Stars!
xoxo.
December 6, 2022
I jumped into the Undercover Dish Mystery series with this second book because of it's Christmas theme and you can't get more festive than a Santa murder. :-) I didn't feel like I missed out by not reading the first book -- the author does a great job of sharing the important stuff without posting any spoilers (that I could tell, anyway) so it definitely won't ruin my armchair sleuthing enjoyment when I get around to reading first book.
Love the concept of Lilah's business -- creating homemade meals and treats that folks can pass off as their own. Leads to some fun cloak and dagger drop offs. Alas, Lilah witnesses the slaying of a Santa during the course of her day and, of course, she get tangled up in crime solving like any good amateur sleuth would do.
A fun and zippy read with all the chills and thrills I like to see in my mysteries -- plus some romance. And Christmas. :-)
Love the concept of Lilah's business -- creating homemade meals and treats that folks can pass off as their own. Leads to some fun cloak and dagger drop offs. Alas, Lilah witnesses the slaying of a Santa during the course of her day and, of course, she get tangled up in crime solving like any good amateur sleuth would do.
A fun and zippy read with all the chills and thrills I like to see in my mysteries -- plus some romance. And Christmas. :-)
May 31, 2022
I read this book mainly because it was set in IL and I could use it for the state challenge. I had read books in another series she wrote and liked them. I never got to read the first book i this series, not even sure how I ended up with tis book. After 3 or 4 chapters I decided to finish it. Not as good as the one I read, but doable.
September 15, 2024
Rated 3.5
February 15, 2017
Cheddar Off Dead runs in the opposite direction of many cozies with more of city/contemporary feel. Lilah is a chef with an interesting side gig as an undercover chef. She will deliver the goods secretly and her clients can pretend to have made them themselves. In this book, Lilah is present at the murder of Santa Claus, well not really Santa, but an actor set to perform in a Santa costume. The killer sees her and Lilah is pulled into the investigation, pretty much against her will. There is a Christmas theme, a loving family, a big dog side kick, a possible love interest, a victim with some enemies, and mobsters. All these together make for a fun, quick, holiday cozy read.
December 14, 2016
When I started seeing reviews this past September for CHEDDAR OFF DEAD, the second book in the Undercover Dish Mystery series by Julia Buckley, I knew I needed to add it to my reading list. And when I found out it was centered around Christmas I moved it up in my pile of books so I’d have it at the ready in early December to start reading. CHEDDAR OFF DEAD lived up to and even exceeded my expectations both for a riveting, well written plot and for the holiday setting!
Even though I have not read the first book in the series (it’s been sitting on my Kindle since its release and I somehow overlooked reading it!) CHEDDAR OFF DEAD was easy to jump in and get to know the characters. I loved the protagonist, Lilah Drake, and her very clever side job of providing clandestine dishes to those in town who don’t want anyone to know that they’re awful cooks or are too busy to cook themselves. It sets the stage for some humorous situations. There’s a strong undercurrent of romance between Lilah and Detective Jay Parker and I liked how Lilah remained feisty and true to herself when it appeared things weren’t going to work out. Plus she is very funny when she accidentally runs into him at the market and I found myself chuckling out loud. There’s a strong cast of supporting characters and each adds a nice element to the story and enhances Lilah’s character.
With so many delicious dishes mentioned in the book making me hungry, I was happy to find that the author includes some recipes at the back of the book. When I saw the recipe for Serafina’s Pizzelles (Italian Christmas Waffle Cookies) I knew I had to try them...and I think I've found a new cookie to add to my annual list of Christmas treats! Delicious and so easy to make!
Even though I have not read the first book in the series (it’s been sitting on my Kindle since its release and I somehow overlooked reading it!) CHEDDAR OFF DEAD was easy to jump in and get to know the characters. I loved the protagonist, Lilah Drake, and her very clever side job of providing clandestine dishes to those in town who don’t want anyone to know that they’re awful cooks or are too busy to cook themselves. It sets the stage for some humorous situations. There’s a strong undercurrent of romance between Lilah and Detective Jay Parker and I liked how Lilah remained feisty and true to herself when it appeared things weren’t going to work out. Plus she is very funny when she accidentally runs into him at the market and I found myself chuckling out loud. There’s a strong cast of supporting characters and each adds a nice element to the story and enhances Lilah’s character.
With so many delicious dishes mentioned in the book making me hungry, I was happy to find that the author includes some recipes at the back of the book. When I saw the recipe for Serafina’s Pizzelles (Italian Christmas Waffle Cookies) I knew I had to try them...and I think I've found a new cookie to add to my annual list of Christmas treats! Delicious and so easy to make!
September 6, 2016
Cheddar Off Dead is the second book in the An Undercover Dish Mystery series.
A wonderful follow-up to the first book, The Big Chili.
Lilah is waiting in a school’s parking lot delivering Macaroni and Cheese to her college days friend, Jenny, for a Christmas party where Jenny teaches. As Lilah is about to pull out of the parking lot, a car pulls in and shoots Brad Whitefield who is dressed in a Santa’s suit and was to entertain the children at school. The detective who arrives on the scene is none other than Jay Parker, someone she has been trying to avoid seeing after a disastrous earlier date. It is soon learned that Whitefield has some gambling debts that might have been owed to members of a mob. With a couple attempts on her life, Lilah has constant police protection when not staying at her brother's, which works to her advantage, as she does her sleuthing in front of the police.
Another well written and told story Buckley and provides the readers with an interesting look at the catering business. Mick, Lilah’s chocolate lab is back to help her keep herself centered.
Delicious recipes are also included.
I love this series and will definitely be looking for the next book.
A wonderful follow-up to the first book, The Big Chili.
Lilah is waiting in a school’s parking lot delivering Macaroni and Cheese to her college days friend, Jenny, for a Christmas party where Jenny teaches. As Lilah is about to pull out of the parking lot, a car pulls in and shoots Brad Whitefield who is dressed in a Santa’s suit and was to entertain the children at school. The detective who arrives on the scene is none other than Jay Parker, someone she has been trying to avoid seeing after a disastrous earlier date. It is soon learned that Whitefield has some gambling debts that might have been owed to members of a mob. With a couple attempts on her life, Lilah has constant police protection when not staying at her brother's, which works to her advantage, as she does her sleuthing in front of the police.
Another well written and told story Buckley and provides the readers with an interesting look at the catering business. Mick, Lilah’s chocolate lab is back to help her keep herself centered.
Delicious recipes are also included.
I love this series and will definitely be looking for the next book.
September 15, 2016
Registered on Bookcrossing: http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1...
Another fabulous book in the Undercover Dish mystery series. Lilah is a great main character. Her love life isn't so great since she had a disagreement with Detective Jay Parker. We'll see if they can get it together. I love Mick, the sweet chocolate lab who belongs to Lilah. Julia Buckley has become one of my favorite cozy mystery authors.
Another fabulous book in the Undercover Dish mystery series. Lilah is a great main character. Her love life isn't so great since she had a disagreement with Detective Jay Parker. We'll see if they can get it together. I love Mick, the sweet chocolate lab who belongs to Lilah. Julia Buckley has become one of my favorite cozy mystery authors.
February 25, 2017
I mean, sometimes the relationships were over the top, but it was a holiday theme!
November 6, 2024
This is a very good second mystery novel in Julia Buckley's Undercover Dish series. While it isn't my favorite in the 4-book series, it leads to the best ones.
Young protagonist Lilah Drake is a gifted cook with a number of interesting culinary jobs. The one that seems to get her into trouble is her undercover dish business. She makes secret dishes that others get to claim as their own creations.
When that happens, Lilah always seems to find herself where murder happens. In this case, she is at the scene of Santa Claus' murder.
To make matters worse, her boyfriend is the lead cop investigating the death. This wrecks havoc with their love life.
But in this well written book, all's well that ends well. She and Detective Jay Parker end up together and Jay solves the crime. Well done, Ms Buckley.
Young protagonist Lilah Drake is a gifted cook with a number of interesting culinary jobs. The one that seems to get her into trouble is her undercover dish business. She makes secret dishes that others get to claim as their own creations.
When that happens, Lilah always seems to find herself where murder happens. In this case, she is at the scene of Santa Claus' murder.
To make matters worse, her boyfriend is the lead cop investigating the death. This wrecks havoc with their love life.
But in this well written book, all's well that ends well. She and Detective Jay Parker end up together and Jay solves the crime. Well done, Ms Buckley.
August 9, 2020
2020 bk 268. A very successful sequal to the Big Chili. Again, she kept me guessing, the clues were there, but so well intertwined that I didn't guess correctly. In this book, Lilah has been hired as chef for a locally renowned catering firm, her ex boyfriend has invited her to do a guest spot on his daily cooking show, and the budding relationship she had with Pet's police detective son has fallen through. When delivering mac and cheese to a school Christmas Party (pretending she is delivering her college roommate now teacher's food from home), she witnesses the death of Santa Claus, gets involved with a group of actors, the mob, and is back in the relationship with the detective, who is a little jealous. I love her family, love the settings, and the mystery.
July 29, 2018
This series keeps getting better. Lilah sees "Santa" get killed when dropping off a dish for a friend.
What I enjoyed:
* I really like Lilah, she is a very nice person, doesn't usually do stupid things (although yelling at possible mob bosses might qualify) and is always feeding people.
* Lilah's friends and family are also awesome, and we got introduced to Wendy this time - I hope she sticks around in future books.
What could have been better:
* The are they/aren't they romance. I think Jay really overreacted at the end of the last book and he is bad at talking about important things
What I enjoyed:
* I really like Lilah, she is a very nice person, doesn't usually do stupid things (although yelling at possible mob bosses might qualify) and is always feeding people.
* Lilah's friends and family are also awesome, and we got introduced to Wendy this time - I hope she sticks around in future books.
What could have been better:
* The are they/aren't they romance. I think Jay really overreacted at the end of the last book and he is bad at talking about important things
March 19, 2022
I am really enjoying this series. I am so glad that I have more to look forward too. As someone who doesn't enjoy cooking, I love the idea of an undercover chef. This book had it all... mystery, romance, good food, & even a few mobsters. Julia Buckley is an amazing author and I am excited to read more of her cozies.
December 18, 2023
This was really good. Loved the christmas feel. Did not expect the ending though! I kept wondering who could be the killer. I was shocked. I kept thinking could be anyone!! Lol. Really love the cosy vibes of this series.
November 14, 2017
A caterer and a cop investigate the murder of a young actor in a Santa suit. This book is definitely not for those who prefer traditional romance
October 19, 2020
Charming addition to the series.
December 23, 2022
This was such a fun cozy! Probably one of the better ones I’ve read recently. It was actually hard to put down and I read it in nearly a day. Super fun and likable characters, well-written, and very Christmassy. I cannot wait to crack open the next in the series.
January 4, 2022
For a seasonal challenge, I needed to read a book that featured a Santa hat on the cover. This happened to be the only one I could find on my shelf so I jumped right into this series. I'm so happy I got the nudge to read it because this ended up being my favorite Christmas themed cozy mystery this year. It was full of humor, action, great characters and lots of intrigue.
The mystery was so well done and captured my attention instantly. The victim, who just so happens to be a paid Santa, is murdered in a drive by shooting right outside of the school he is about to visit. What follows is a fast paced case full of mob connections, secrets and nonstop accusations.
Lilah was a great lead. I really liked her personality. The attempts on her life definitely added some good suspense to the story-line. I loved the side characters, especially her new sister-in-law. I had no problem following along even though this was the first book I had read in the series. I felt the tension between the love interest detective and their botched interactions that obviously took place in the first book. I'm already invested in their relationship and look forward to catching up and seeing how it continues. Lilah's dog, Mick, was an adorable addition to the storyline.
Being a culinary mystery, there were plenty of tasty food descriptions as Lilah prepared dishes for her catering gig, the holidays or when she appeared on her ex's cooking show - interested to see how that progresses as well. The book does include several recipes at the end.
The mystery was so well done and captured my attention instantly. The victim, who just so happens to be a paid Santa, is murdered in a drive by shooting right outside of the school he is about to visit. What follows is a fast paced case full of mob connections, secrets and nonstop accusations.
Lilah was a great lead. I really liked her personality. The attempts on her life definitely added some good suspense to the story-line. I loved the side characters, especially her new sister-in-law. I had no problem following along even though this was the first book I had read in the series. I felt the tension between the love interest detective and their botched interactions that obviously took place in the first book. I'm already invested in their relationship and look forward to catching up and seeing how it continues. Lilah's dog, Mick, was an adorable addition to the storyline.
Being a culinary mystery, there were plenty of tasty food descriptions as Lilah prepared dishes for her catering gig, the holidays or when she appeared on her ex's cooking show - interested to see how that progresses as well. The book does include several recipes at the end.
January 14, 2017
Cheddar Off Dead
Undercover Dish Mystery, Book #2
Julia Buckley
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Caterer and cook Lilah Drake is up to her elbows in deadly trouble in the latest mystery from the author of The Big Chili...
The Christmas holidays are one of Lilah’s favorite times of the year, filled with friends, family, and, of course, tons of food orders for her Covered Dish clients. But Lilah’s Yuletide cheer ends when she sees a most Grinch-like crime: the murder of a Santa in a school parking lot.
It turns out the deceased Kris Kringle was a complicated tangle of naughty and nice, with a long list of people who might have wanted him dead. And whoever did the deed wants to make sure that Lilah keeps quiet. Now, Lilah will have to team up with her former fling, Detective Jay Parker, to unwrap the mysteries of a deadly Christmas killer and stay alive long enough to ring in the New Year... (Goodreads)
Review:
This is a great book and a great series. It has everything that I look for in a cozy: great characters, a great setting and a great premise. It also has humor, suspense, and a top notch mystery.
The characters are well rounded, well developed and three dimensional. Lilah is a hard worker who is very trustworthy (she has to be for her business). She is really close with her family and I enjoyed reading about all of their interactions. I especially enjoy spending time with her sister-in-law, Fina. She is so loud and friendly and I think she adds a lot to the story. I still have not decided if Jay is worthy of Lilah, the jury is still out on that one. But I am starting to like him better. Of course, my favorite character is Mick, Lilah’s labrador. I love the interaction between him and his humans, and I love the fact that he nods when he agrees.
The mystery is carried on well throughout the entire book. There are enough suspects to keep me guessing and enough clues and red herrings to make it difficult to determine the killer.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through most of the book I felt like I was right there watching all the action take place around me and listening in on conversations. As a reader, I really appreciate that.
I would recommend this book to anyone who who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I cannot wait for book number three to be released.
Undercover Dish Mystery, Book #2
Julia Buckley
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Caterer and cook Lilah Drake is up to her elbows in deadly trouble in the latest mystery from the author of The Big Chili...
The Christmas holidays are one of Lilah’s favorite times of the year, filled with friends, family, and, of course, tons of food orders for her Covered Dish clients. But Lilah’s Yuletide cheer ends when she sees a most Grinch-like crime: the murder of a Santa in a school parking lot.
It turns out the deceased Kris Kringle was a complicated tangle of naughty and nice, with a long list of people who might have wanted him dead. And whoever did the deed wants to make sure that Lilah keeps quiet. Now, Lilah will have to team up with her former fling, Detective Jay Parker, to unwrap the mysteries of a deadly Christmas killer and stay alive long enough to ring in the New Year... (Goodreads)
Review:
This is a great book and a great series. It has everything that I look for in a cozy: great characters, a great setting and a great premise. It also has humor, suspense, and a top notch mystery.
The characters are well rounded, well developed and three dimensional. Lilah is a hard worker who is very trustworthy (she has to be for her business). She is really close with her family and I enjoyed reading about all of their interactions. I especially enjoy spending time with her sister-in-law, Fina. She is so loud and friendly and I think she adds a lot to the story. I still have not decided if Jay is worthy of Lilah, the jury is still out on that one. But I am starting to like him better. Of course, my favorite character is Mick, Lilah’s labrador. I love the interaction between him and his humans, and I love the fact that he nods when he agrees.
The mystery is carried on well throughout the entire book. There are enough suspects to keep me guessing and enough clues and red herrings to make it difficult to determine the killer.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through most of the book I felt like I was right there watching all the action take place around me and listening in on conversations. As a reader, I really appreciate that.
I would recommend this book to anyone who who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I cannot wait for book number three to be released.
December 5, 2016
Last year, I read The Big Chili and immediately fell in love with the characters. I couldn’t wait for Cheddar Off Dead to come out. When I found out the book was going to have a Christmas theme, I was beyond excited. The only thing holding me back from reading the story in September when it came out was the fact that it revolved around Christmas. I wasn’t prepared to think about Christmas. Now, I am. While Cheddar Off Dead is the second book in the Undercover Dish Mystery series, it is a standalone read.
Cheddar of Dead starts out with the delivery of macaroni and cheese, the ultimate comfort food. It's interesting that food that brings comfort is an integral part of a story that also brings comfort. I’m one of those readers who loves to sit back and lose myself in a cozy mystery. I’m talking hot tea or hot chocolate with a cozy blanket and I’ve created my comfort zone.
This story hit on everything I love in a cozy mystery. There was enough to keep me invested in figuring out what happened. The secondary characters were great and provided enough misdirection to make you look in the wrong direction. The Christmas setting was one of my favorite parts. I loved the tug of war with the romance between Police Detective Jay Parker and Lilah Drake, caterer and amatuer slueth. There was a lot of back and forth of “are they or are they not a couple”. Surprisingly, this part was written in such a way that it didn’t become irritating.
One thing I didn’t like about the story was that it portrayed the Pine Haven police force as keystone cops. I’m not exactly sure what they were investigating. It’s like they never knew the right questions to ask and every lead they got was the result of Lilah doing her own investigating. The moment when Julia Buckley made an unexpected, surprising connection was shocking. I loved the reveal of the murderer and the fallout from it.
Julia Buckley’s Undercover Dish Mystery series is one I hope never ends. I’m looking forward to returning to Pine Haven and seeing what’s in store for Lilah, Jay, and the rest of the characters.
**Received a copy from Penguin Berkley and voluntarily reviewed the book.**
Cheddar of Dead starts out with the delivery of macaroni and cheese, the ultimate comfort food. It's interesting that food that brings comfort is an integral part of a story that also brings comfort. I’m one of those readers who loves to sit back and lose myself in a cozy mystery. I’m talking hot tea or hot chocolate with a cozy blanket and I’ve created my comfort zone.
This story hit on everything I love in a cozy mystery. There was enough to keep me invested in figuring out what happened. The secondary characters were great and provided enough misdirection to make you look in the wrong direction. The Christmas setting was one of my favorite parts. I loved the tug of war with the romance between Police Detective Jay Parker and Lilah Drake, caterer and amatuer slueth. There was a lot of back and forth of “are they or are they not a couple”. Surprisingly, this part was written in such a way that it didn’t become irritating.
One thing I didn’t like about the story was that it portrayed the Pine Haven police force as keystone cops. I’m not exactly sure what they were investigating. It’s like they never knew the right questions to ask and every lead they got was the result of Lilah doing her own investigating. The moment when Julia Buckley made an unexpected, surprising connection was shocking. I loved the reveal of the murderer and the fallout from it.
Julia Buckley’s Undercover Dish Mystery series is one I hope never ends. I’m looking forward to returning to Pine Haven and seeing what’s in store for Lilah, Jay, and the rest of the characters.
**Received a copy from Penguin Berkley and voluntarily reviewed the book.**
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