What do you think?
Rate this book
Southern Pasta Shop #3
Murder Al Fresco
Redemption never tasted so sweet…. Andy Buckland is no stronger to TV. The worst moment of her career happened when a live studio audience got food poisoning from one of her dishes. But when the pasta guru is given a slot in the televised cooking competition Diced Showdown, she sees her chance at redemption. In exchange for the shot at vindication Andy and her fiancé, Malcolm Jones, are tasked to find the identity of a mysterious blogger who has a nasty habit of revealing detrimental secrets of the show’s top celebrity chefs. A little undercover sleuthing is one thing, but when her hometown is taken over by the show’s production and one of the judges winds up dead, Andy’s afraid she’s bitten off more than she can chew, and she might just choke on a dish best served cold. **Recipes included!**
225 pages, Paperback
Published February 2, 2016
About the author
Jennifer L. Hart
75 books482 followersSign up for my author newsletter and never miss a new release at authorjenniferlhart.com
USA Today bestselling author Jennifer L. Hart writes about characters that cuss, get naked, and often make poor but hilarious life choices. A native New Yorker, Jenn now lives in the mountains of North Carolina with her imaginary friends. Her works to date include the Cougars and Cauldrons series, the Silver Sisters series and the upcoming Legcay Witches of Shadow Cove.
USA Today bestselling author Jennifer L. Hart writes about characters that cuss, get naked, and often make poor but hilarious life choices. A native New Yorker, Jenn now lives in the mountains of North Carolina with her imaginary friends. Her works to date include the Cougars and Cauldrons series, the Silver Sisters series and the upcoming Legcay Witches of Shadow Cove.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
February 24, 2025
4.5 stars. I thought this book was far better than the previous two books. Mystery was way better but I missed the occasional funny lines that the first book had. Wonderfully narrated.
It’s a shame there aren’t any more books in this series.
It’s a shame there aren’t any more books in this series.
November 22, 2016
A fitting conclusion to the Southern Pasta Shop Mystery series. All the loose threads from the earlier books are dealt with.
February 11, 2020
3.5 stars
February 2, 2016
I love this series and adore everything that Jennifer L. Hart writes. Each of the series is distinctly different from the others but that all have great characters and a solidly intriguing plot in common.
In the third of the Southern Pasta Shop books Andy's ex and his fiance have broken up and that is causing tension for everyone especially since she is Malcolm's half-sister. Her father who has just come into her life has married her prime rival who is close to Andy's age and now he wants to be accepted as her father. But worst of all, Malcolm is acting strange and boy does he have a surprise for her! All these stresses whirling around her couldn't come at a worse time; her old boss has arrange for a her town to be a last minute location change for a televised culinary competition in which she is competing. This is her chance to redeem her reputation as the Death Chef. Of course having one of the judges murdered isn't helping things.
In the third of the Southern Pasta Shop books Andy's ex and his fiance have broken up and that is causing tension for everyone especially since she is Malcolm's half-sister. Her father who has just come into her life has married her prime rival who is close to Andy's age and now he wants to be accepted as her father. But worst of all, Malcolm is acting strange and boy does he have a surprise for her! All these stresses whirling around her couldn't come at a worse time; her old boss has arrange for a her town to be a last minute location change for a televised culinary competition in which she is competing. This is her chance to redeem her reputation as the Death Chef. Of course having one of the judges murdered isn't helping things.
January 11, 2016
This was the first book I have read by this author and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed the read. Andy and Malcome were such real characters...nothing felt forced or fake. I actually could feel their emotions and found myself laughing on moment and sighing the next.
I really liked the premise of the book of a small town chef trying to pick up the pieces from a previous disaster...having not only her family's support, but also the town's, Andy could not go wrong in rebuilding her life, and her career in Beaverton.
I will now need to go back and read the first two books in the series to catch up on the back stories. Though the author did a fine job of interjecting a lot of those back stories, without making it confusing, or taking away from the current story itself.
This book was provided as a complimentary copy for my honest review. The above is my own opinion.
I really liked the premise of the book of a small town chef trying to pick up the pieces from a previous disaster...having not only her family's support, but also the town's, Andy could not go wrong in rebuilding her life, and her career in Beaverton.
I will now need to go back and read the first two books in the series to catch up on the back stories. Though the author did a fine job of interjecting a lot of those back stories, without making it confusing, or taking away from the current story itself.
This book was provided as a complimentary copy for my honest review. The above is my own opinion.
January 27, 2016
Andy & Jones are back in the saddle, often playing straight man to Sicilian Aunt Cecily & Eugene (Pop) Andy's grandfather. You get to know more about Kaylee, Andy's birth child, & Jacob, Andy's birth father. The notorious Death Chef rides again, seeking to overcome her sullied reputation. In true Andy fashion, everything she touches turns deadly. Can Malcolm protect her, rescue her, be her knight in shining armor? There are familiar names from her past culinary escapades: Rodrigo, Stu, Lacey and even a new guy to meet Clayton. Unraveling this mystery before her high school ex-boyfriend, sherif Kyle may be harder than she thinks. I received this book from the publisher, but the review is entirely my own. There are ramblings that the series is ending, but I certainly hope not. Please keep writing this series, Jennifer Hart. I love these Southern Pasta Shop Mysteries.
January 31, 2016
I really enjoy this series and this installment didn't disappoint. Andy is asked to be a contestant on a food competition show, the only caveat is they want to film the show in Andy's hometown. The producer wants Andy's fiance, Malcolm to investigate who the blogger is that is leaking detrimental information about some of the celebrity chefs that appear on the show. When someone turns up dead, Andy begins to wonder if she's bitten off more than she she can chew.
This story will quickly drew me in and kept me turning the pages. I didn't want the story to end, I was enjoying it so much. I love the characters and can't wait to see what happens nest!
I received an advanced reader's copy of this manuscript from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This story will quickly drew me in and kept me turning the pages. I didn't want the story to end, I was enjoying it so much. I love the characters and can't wait to see what happens nest!
I received an advanced reader's copy of this manuscript from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2016
A wonderful story, very deserving of its 5 star rating. Jones and Andy are back in the third book in this series. The author kept me guessing as to who the villain was in the story. I kept picking someone and changing my mind! I don't want to say too much and spoil the book for anyone, but be prepared for a few shockers! Everything seems to be tied up into a pretty little bow, leading me to believe this is also the last book in the series. Each book is a standalone; however, I feel it is best to read them in order.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 18, 2016
This has been a fun series. There is so much going in in this book. Andy is stretched in all directions. Lots of surprises, twists and turns. It was a delightful treat to see my last name for one of the characters. I cannot say much about the story as it would be too easy to include a spoiler. Read the book, especially if you have read the previous ones, but even if you have not. Family can be a wonderful support or a supreme challenge or both. The recipes are a nice bonus. I will have to try to eliminate nightshade foods from my diet to see if it helps my arthritis. Can't hurt!
January 20, 2016
"Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from the publisher. This review is my honest opinion, and is in no way influenced by the author or publisher.”
This story just keeps getting better and better. Not only is the storyline great the recipes are an added bonus. I can't wait try out many of the recipes in the books so far. I hope there are many more adventures ahead.
This story just keeps getting better and better. Not only is the storyline great the recipes are an added bonus. I can't wait try out many of the recipes in the books so far. I hope there are many more adventures ahead.
April 23, 2018
Lots of fun, as usual. If you like this series, this book won't disappoint. Once again, kudos to reader Suzanne Cerreta for her excellent narration.
December 31, 2017
Murder Al Fresco-Southern Pasta Shop 3
2.5 stars. Start with book one
A round of applause for this series. 👏🏾 Ms Hart has taken those of us who followed back to the beginning. And now we know. And if you want to know what we know, you need to get reading.
The series veers toward romance and family more so than a cosy murder mystery. Romance is not my usual genre, but this series captures the imagination and has readers investing in the characters. Clever writing.
PlotAndy is ready to again face the cameras as a TV chef. And once again her audience is poisoned! And if that is not enough her fiance also has a surprise in store for her, and there is a blast (whom I expected 🍎) from the past.
Andy Buckland is our protagonist. Andy's had a rocky start in life but has turned her life around and the family business. It is not thriving. I am enjoying Andy's grown-up approach to the problems presenting themselves. And how she and a former adversary have become friendly. It's good news because it is her fiance's sister.
The story is warm and fuzzy, and grammatically correct. So, I forgive the exaggerated plot. And yes it does slightly lean toward incredulity. But it's light, easy and fun.
Connect with me on Twitter and FB
See all my reviews
Check out my blog on imjussayin
Book Rating
Sexual Content: U
Language: U
Violent: U
Would I read the next oneor reread?: Yes
My rating system (* = star)
0* Could not finish this book (waste of time)
1* Finished the book but didn't like it.
2* Finished the book it was okay.
3* A good read worth your time.
4* An excellent read often with a novel concept or unusual plot.
5* A great read. A prominent example of the genre.
2.5 stars. Start with book one
A round of applause for this series. 👏🏾 Ms Hart has taken those of us who followed back to the beginning. And now we know. And if you want to know what we know, you need to get reading.
The series veers toward romance and family more so than a cosy murder mystery. Romance is not my usual genre, but this series captures the imagination and has readers investing in the characters. Clever writing.
PlotAndy is ready to again face the cameras as a TV chef. And once again her audience is poisoned! And if that is not enough her fiance also has a surprise in store for her, and there is a blast (whom I expected 🍎) from the past.
Andy Buckland is our protagonist. Andy's had a rocky start in life but has turned her life around and the family business. It is not thriving. I am enjoying Andy's grown-up approach to the problems presenting themselves. And how she and a former adversary have become friendly. It's good news because it is her fiance's sister.
The story is warm and fuzzy, and grammatically correct. So, I forgive the exaggerated plot. And yes it does slightly lean toward incredulity. But it's light, easy and fun.
Connect with me on Twitter and FB
See all my reviews
Check out my blog on imjussayin
Book Rating
Sexual Content: U
Language: U
Violent: U
Would I read the next one
My rating system (* = star)
0* Could not finish this book (waste of time)
1* Finished the book but didn't like it.
2* Finished the book it was okay.
3* A good read worth your time.
4* An excellent read often with a novel concept or unusual plot.
5* A great read. A prominent example of the genre.
April 30, 2021
Andy just wants the quiet life with her name restored and her sexy accented fiancé and a home. Life isn’t cooperating for though and this book is chaos personified. I absolutely adore these characters. They are so relatable and funny and Andy just burrows into your heart. You can’t help but love this crazy chef with a heart of gold. The calamity Jane of the pasta world Alex and her motley crew will keep you entertained and giggling for hours. Just absolutely loved this series. So many things I didn’t see coming! The narrator does so good with all the many accents. Her ability to help you get lost in the story was amazing.
March 8, 2022
I really enjoyed this third book in the "Southern Pasta Shop Mysteries". Jennifer L. Hart has written an elaborate mystery with a surprising ending that kept me guessing until the end. She created characters that were memorable and relatable. The one thing that I consider gold in an author's writing is humor and Jennifer's books are filled with humorous incidents. I recommend this series to others who enjoy creative and amusing books. Suzanne Cerreta's narration was magical, and her portrayal added enjoyment to the story. I was given a free copy of the audiobook and I have voluntarily posted this review.
October 15, 2020
This instalment offers a few new twists for the residents in Beaverton. Jones finds out he has a son, a son he's subsequently accused of kidnapping - and is arrested for said crime. During which Andrea agrees to host a new cooking show, hoping to redeem herself from the accidental food poisoning from her last TV performance.
Even the best laid plans has a tendency to go awry . The town is overrun by the TV crew, one of the judges ends up dead and a malicious blogger stirrs up even more trouble.
As usual a lot happens in this small town, and while it's entertaining for the momen, I'm also glad to leave it. Though I do want to listen to many more of Suzanne Ceretas narration in the future - I am partial to her Aussie accents.
Even the best laid plans has a tendency to go awry . The town is overrun by the TV crew, one of the judges ends up dead and a malicious blogger stirrs up even more trouble.
As usual a lot happens in this small town, and while it's entertaining for the momen, I'm also glad to leave it. Though I do want to listen to many more of Suzanne Ceretas narration in the future - I am partial to her Aussie accents.
October 14, 2021
The writing is phenomenal. There are many humorous moments accompanying a mystery that once again finds Andi Buckland and Malcolm Jones and the residents of Beaverton, N.C. encased in non-stop incidents that never end.
Narrator, Suzanne Cerreta is perfect for this series. She can voice accents of French, New Zealand, Italian and southern US.
Narrator, Suzanne Cerreta is perfect for this series. She can voice accents of French, New Zealand, Italian and southern US.
June 22, 2018
I’m super sad to see this series end. It’s been so much fun hanging out with Andy, Malcolm, and the gang. I loved watching Andy’s new family come together.
I’ll definitely try the author’s other series.
Highly recommend this one.
I’ll definitely try the author’s other series.
Highly recommend this one.
October 14, 2020
Andy dies a little sleuthing and soon is over her head when a body turns up. Delight and enjoyed. The authors books are always enjoyable as was the narration by Stephanie . Given audio for my voluntary review
January 16, 2026
What else could happen to Andy?
Andy enters a cooking show challenge to redeem her reputation but all heck breaks out.
Jones has major issues himself. All in all, a great plot, but it seemed a bit rushed at the end.
Andy enters a cooking show challenge to redeem her reputation but all heck breaks out.
Jones has major issues himself. All in all, a great plot, but it seemed a bit rushed at the end.
October 28, 2017
Really enjoying this series. Looking forward to more books.
May 3, 2021
You are in for a treat! U
Believable characters. Makes you want to race to get to the end of the story but you are sad when the story is over.
Believable characters. Makes you want to race to get to the end of the story but you are sad when the story is over.
January 18, 2023
I felt Andy wasn’t herself mostly in this one but still enjoyed the town and characters. The ending was good and I enjoyed the epilogue.
September 10, 2025
Fun listen. Food, family, and murder.
April 17, 2026
Fun and cute. Clever little twist. Something a little bit unusual. Really enjoyed it.
April 24, 2026
A fun reads with lots of twists.
March 18, 2026
Cute and fun read. Fluffy and just what I needed.
February 2, 2016
Great Series!
This is a great book; this is the third book in the Southern Pasta Shop Mysteries series by Jennifer Hart. This book can be read as a standalone but once you read this one you will want to go back and read the other books. Andy Buckland is now running her families Southern Pasta Shop, she moved back home after she appeared on national TV in front of a live studio audience when everyone got food poisoning from one of her dishes. When she gets the call to participate in a televised cooking competition Diced Showdown, she sees this as a way she can finally redeem herself. When she is asked if she and her fiancé Malcom Jones can investigate a blogger, who has been revealing secrets of the shows top celebrity judge. When the celebrity judge is found dead she is determined to find out what happened. If you are looking for a great book that has it all then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this author.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
This is a great book; this is the third book in the Southern Pasta Shop Mysteries series by Jennifer Hart. This book can be read as a standalone but once you read this one you will want to go back and read the other books. Andy Buckland is now running her families Southern Pasta Shop, she moved back home after she appeared on national TV in front of a live studio audience when everyone got food poisoning from one of her dishes. When she gets the call to participate in a televised cooking competition Diced Showdown, she sees this as a way she can finally redeem herself. When she is asked if she and her fiancé Malcom Jones can investigate a blogger, who has been revealing secrets of the shows top celebrity judge. When the celebrity judge is found dead she is determined to find out what happened. If you are looking for a great book that has it all then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this author.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
February 12, 2016
Murder comes looking for the Death Chef. That or some problems only get worse.
Andy but her life back together after being labeled the Death Chef. She was starting over with running the family pasta shop new boyfriend and her daughter back in her life. Ok having her biological father in the picture but otherwise good. When she gets the chance at being a TV chef she is ready. That is until the boyfriend returns with one heck of a surprise. This third in the series keeps the excitement going with lots of surprises along the way.
Andy but her life back together after being labeled the Death Chef. She was starting over with running the family pasta shop new boyfriend and her daughter back in her life. Ok having her biological father in the picture but otherwise good. When she gets the chance at being a TV chef she is ready. That is until the boyfriend returns with one heck of a surprise. This third in the series keeps the excitement going with lots of surprises along the way.
February 2, 2016
This book has "the sweet smell of success" to quote something the authoress wrote in this book. It really has!
The love affair between Andrea and her Jones has a very interesting twist to it. And of course, there is a mystery to be solved.
Jennifer L. Hart is maturing and improving with each book she writes - what an absolute delight her stories are proving to be!
I highly recommend you read it.
The love affair between Andrea and her Jones has a very interesting twist to it. And of course, there is a mystery to be solved.
Jennifer L. Hart is maturing and improving with each book she writes - what an absolute delight her stories are proving to be!
I highly recommend you read it.
February 3, 2016
Murder Al Fresco is the third book (and conclusion?) in the Southern Pasta Shop Mysteries series, which also includes a separately published short story. The series should be read in order. Eighteen recipes are included in this story, most of which are nightshade-free (no tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, or peppers). I haven't tried making any of them but they sound good. I have enjoyed reading this entire cozy mystery series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews