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Darling Deli #3
Cold Cut Murder
The Winter Festival is in full swing as the town of Maple Creek prepares for Valentine's Day. Moira is chilled to the bone after discovering a body in her shop, and a frosty relationship develops between the deli owner and a new competitor in town, whose husband has a roving eye.
118 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 8, 2016
84 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Patti Benning
357 books220 followershttps://www.facebook.com/Patti-Bennin...
When Cozy Mystery author, Patti Benning, isn’t busy plotting the deaths of multiple fictitious characters, she loves to spend time hiking with her rescue dog, Max, who is her bestest writing buddy.
Patti loves to cook and the food in her books has been tried and tested in her very own kitchen. She’s technologically shy, and stays away from social media a great deal, because it makes her feel more awkward and introverted than meeting someone face to face.
Writing is the perfect job for her because in her books, she gets to explore all the topics she loves, food, animals, crafts and reading. She loves her readers dearly, and is thankful for the opportunity to share with them through her work.
When Cozy Mystery author, Patti Benning, isn’t busy plotting the deaths of multiple fictitious characters, she loves to spend time hiking with her rescue dog, Max, who is her bestest writing buddy.
Patti loves to cook and the food in her books has been tried and tested in her very own kitchen. She’s technologically shy, and stays away from social media a great deal, because it makes her feel more awkward and introverted than meeting someone face to face.
Writing is the perfect job for her because in her books, she gets to explore all the topics she loves, food, animals, crafts and reading. She loves her readers dearly, and is thankful for the opportunity to share with them through her work.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 12, 2022
A new restaurant has opened in town and the owners are causing poor Moira all kinds of problems. Including the dead body of a food critic found in her deli. That is, until her date to the Winter Festival Ball lands in the hospital, then everything tips on its head.
Yet again another great hit from Benning. I love this fun and cozy series.
Yet again another great hit from Benning. I love this fun and cozy series.
June 24, 2023
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
Moira Darling is getting ready for Valentine 💘 Day when she is asked to go to the Valentine dance 💃 by a man 🚹 she barely knows. She turns him down. The next day when she opens the deli there is a dead person in one of the booths. David the detective comes to help and install some security item. The next day he is attacked. A man 🚹 of a friend ask her to double date to the Valentine 💘 Day dance 💃 and she accepts. The man 🚹 is attacked. What is going on? The first man comes to the deli with a rose 🌹. Is he the killer? I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of family and friends relationships mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀😡🏡
Moira Darling is getting ready for Valentine 💘 Day when she is asked to go to the Valentine dance 💃 by a man 🚹 she barely knows. She turns him down. The next day when she opens the deli there is a dead person in one of the booths. David the detective comes to help and install some security item. The next day he is attacked. A man 🚹 of a friend ask her to double date to the Valentine 💘 Day dance 💃 and she accepts. The man 🚹 is attacked. What is going on? The first man comes to the deli with a rose 🌹. Is he the killer? I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of family and friends relationships mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀😡🏡
February 17, 2016
I'm enjoying the fast paced stories of this series. I think they're perfect for when you want to read something quick and fun. I'm enjoying the characters and watching them develop. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.
I received a copy of this manuscript from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this manuscript from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 9, 2016
I love this book, the love triangle was so good. I kind of knew who was hurting the guys that asked her out but I had no idea he killed someone and it clearly showed he did this in the past. I mean how could you love someone and you only seen them for a week and she didn't even know his name.
I didn't like the fact that it took her so long to look at the security camera in the store when the roses were left. The only thing that I didn't like was the fact that they never explained how the police got to the store so quickly. I know that David was suppose to come over so I assumed it was him that called the police or had a hunch as to who it was but then again you just never know.
I hope Moira will give David a chance and not wait too long to go out with him. I mean she didn't even pay for the security alarm in the store and he did that because he wanted to make sure she was safe. Oh man I think she just needs to go out on a date because once her daughter leaves, she will be on her own. I can not wait to see what the next story brings.
I didn't like the fact that it took her so long to look at the security camera in the store when the roses were left. The only thing that I didn't like was the fact that they never explained how the police got to the store so quickly. I know that David was suppose to come over so I assumed it was him that called the police or had a hunch as to who it was but then again you just never know.
I hope Moira will give David a chance and not wait too long to go out with him. I mean she didn't even pay for the security alarm in the store and he did that because he wanted to make sure she was safe. Oh man I think she just needs to go out on a date because once her daughter leaves, she will be on her own. I can not wait to see what the next story brings.
February 11, 2016
Valentine's Day
Another excellent novella by this wonderful author. Moira finds the dead body of a food critic in her deli. I can't say much more than this without giving too much away. The only thing I wish was different is that I would have loved this to have been a full-length book!
I received a copy of this novella in exchange for an honest review.
Another excellent novella by this wonderful author. Moira finds the dead body of a food critic in her deli. I can't say much more than this without giving too much away. The only thing I wish was different is that I would have loved this to have been a full-length book!
I received a copy of this novella in exchange for an honest review.
December 2, 2019
Riveting
Moria and her daughter Candice have been busy at the Deli preparing for the Winter Festival in town. A new restaurant has opened in town and Now is is anxious to support the new owner. A restaurant critic that had written a bad review is at the opening and is found dead in the De like the next morning.
Plenty of action and a strong plot.
Moria and her daughter Candice have been busy at the Deli preparing for the Winter Festival in town. A new restaurant has opened in town and Now is is anxious to support the new owner. A restaurant critic that had written a bad review is at the opening and is found dead in the De like the next morning.
Plenty of action and a strong plot.
September 28, 2016
Fun and fast paced once again. Seeing how the familiar characters evolve and new ones are getting introduced I am looking forward to more mysteries at the Deli in Maple Creek. Again the culprit was easy and early to figure out but that didn't bother me - recommended!
May 4, 2017
SPOILERS AHEAD
Moira's deli is a hotbed of crime, and this time around it's a food critic that becomes the victim. This third book in the series is as quick a read as the other two, and it has the same drawback as the others: lack of development.
In this book, we get a reference to a food critic who gave Moira's pea soup a bad review. The reference serves as little more than a way to set up Moira as a possible murderer. However, the police seem uninterested in Moira as a suspect, even given this circumstance.
Another underdeveloped thread is the plot involving the owners of the new steakhouse in town. Again, it's convenient that he evinces some interest in her so that the murderer can have another name to add to his list of men who shouldn't mess with Moira.
Characters enter and exit quickly, set up plot points and then disappear leaving even more questions. It's obvious from the get-go who the murderer is, and the author has to spend the book setting up the justification. It's almost like someone who can't tell a joke well and keeps adding in information to set up the punchline.
I like Moira. I like the alluring descriptions of the food she serves in her deli. I like a quick cozy read. What I don't particularly like is the skimpy plot development that allows the books to be the breezy distraction they are. I guess I want to think a little harder when I read a mystery.
Moira's deli is a hotbed of crime, and this time around it's a food critic that becomes the victim. This third book in the series is as quick a read as the other two, and it has the same drawback as the others: lack of development.
In this book, we get a reference to a food critic who gave Moira's pea soup a bad review. The reference serves as little more than a way to set up Moira as a possible murderer. However, the police seem uninterested in Moira as a suspect, even given this circumstance.
Another underdeveloped thread is the plot involving the owners of the new steakhouse in town. Again, it's convenient that he evinces some interest in her so that the murderer can have another name to add to his list of men who shouldn't mess with Moira.
Characters enter and exit quickly, set up plot points and then disappear leaving even more questions. It's obvious from the get-go who the murderer is, and the author has to spend the book setting up the justification. It's almost like someone who can't tell a joke well and keeps adding in information to set up the punchline.
I like Moira. I like the alluring descriptions of the food she serves in her deli. I like a quick cozy read. What I don't particularly like is the skimpy plot development that allows the books to be the breezy distraction they are. I guess I want to think a little harder when I read a mystery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2020
I've now read the first 3 books in the series. The same problems persist through all of them. The plot has promise but falls flat. The characters aren't well-developed. I still don't know anything about the setting--the deli or the town. The title had nothing to do with the story. Moira is still able to make a homemade soup in a very short time span. Getting to work at 10 am and having everything ready for lunch--typically by herself--is not realistic. And no, she doesn't start the soup the day before and finish it that morning. The murderer was once again the only logical person. However, in this case, he appears to be a serial killer from the things he says but that is never explained. I only read all 3 books because I bought the box set. I won't be reading any more of the series.
July 5, 2024
Reading “Cold Cut Murder” is a bit like watching an old episode of “House” - it's all very familiar but you can't quite remember whether you've watched it before.
Three books into the 'Darling Deli' series there's a sense of familiarity, all that really changes is the crime.
The books are long novella length and just as you are settling in the finale is around the corner.
Moira gets asked to a Valentine's dance by a new customer. She's still getting to know P.I. Dave Morris and, to be honest, she doesn't want to go.
Shortly afterwards bad things start happening to men even peripherally associated with the Darling Deli owner.
There's no great sense of mystery, all the reader is lacking is a 'why?'
2.5 Stars raised to 3 Stars.
Three books into the 'Darling Deli' series there's a sense of familiarity, all that really changes is the crime.
The books are long novella length and just as you are settling in the finale is around the corner.
Moira gets asked to a Valentine's dance by a new customer. She's still getting to know P.I. Dave Morris and, to be honest, she doesn't want to go.
Shortly afterwards bad things start happening to men even peripherally associated with the Darling Deli owner.
There's no great sense of mystery, all the reader is lacking is a 'why?'
2.5 Stars raised to 3 Stars.
June 3, 2018
The mystery was very obvious, however, really fun. I found it interesting that Moira wasn’t even investigating anything this book yet she still found herself in the middle of everything. She does think through the murder, without doing any legwork. I don’t know if David did any investigating as it wasn’t in the main storyline, however, I do believe that he must have.
October 23, 2016
I am really loving this series and can't wait to read the other books in the series. A fast paced, fun loving cozy mystery. I love all the characters and I feel as if I am drawn into the story with them. Seems like murder follows Moira wherever she is.
August 29, 2020
Fun, Suspenseful
I enjoyed the first 2 books in this series. This one didn't disappoint either. A little romance, a little suspense, great characters. I look forward to reading the rest of the series!!
I enjoyed the first 2 books in this series. This one didn't disappoint either. A little romance, a little suspense, great characters. I look forward to reading the rest of the series!!
October 27, 2017
Great story
I loved this mystery and the characters. I like the way David is slowly caring for her. It's an easy and great read
I loved this mystery and the characters. I like the way David is slowly caring for her. It's an easy and great read
June 13, 2018
A quick but engaging cozy mystery. Loved it. Planning to binge read this series.
March 17, 2017
Cute story
I enjoyed this quick read. First time I've read this author. Even though I knew who murderer was early on it kept me interested enough and since it was a short story I was able to find the time.
I enjoyed this quick read. First time I've read this author. Even though I knew who murderer was early on it kept me interested enough and since it was a short story I was able to find the time.
February 17, 2016
I am hooked on this series. It is well written and fast paced. Packed full of mystery, good food, and murder.
Moira is preparing for The Winter Festival in Maple Creek and is busy, busy, busy! She and her friend Martha notice a man that seems to becoming a regular. Moira has a feeling about this guy that has her unnerved. Especially after he asks her to the Valentines dance and she turns him down. Creepy!!!
She is excited when Denise Donovan from The Redwood Grill comes in to introduce herself and invites she and Candice to the grand opening. They go and love the food! After her busy day and evening she goes to bed only to wake up the next day to a dead food critic in her deli. And things go from bad to worse when two more attacks occur and the common denominator is Moira! Thank goodness David installed a security system. But was it soon enough to save the next victim???
These books are so much fun to read. I love how each of the characters are evolving throughout the series. I can't wait to read the next adventure in The Darling Deli series.
Moira is preparing for The Winter Festival in Maple Creek and is busy, busy, busy! She and her friend Martha notice a man that seems to becoming a regular. Moira has a feeling about this guy that has her unnerved. Especially after he asks her to the Valentines dance and she turns him down. Creepy!!!
She is excited when Denise Donovan from The Redwood Grill comes in to introduce herself and invites she and Candice to the grand opening. They go and love the food! After her busy day and evening she goes to bed only to wake up the next day to a dead food critic in her deli. And things go from bad to worse when two more attacks occur and the common denominator is Moira! Thank goodness David installed a security system. But was it soon enough to save the next victim???
These books are so much fun to read. I love how each of the characters are evolving throughout the series. I can't wait to read the next adventure in The Darling Deli series.
February 16, 2016
So now I am hooked on the Darling Deli series while I am waiting for the Frosted Love series new editions to come out. That's how I found this new series. Moira owns a deli and runs it along with the help of her daughter Candace, Darrin and Dante. The dreary cold winter is being interrupted by the Winter Festival as well as the Valentine's dance. Moira is a divorcee that hasn't dated while focusing on her daughter and building her business but suddenly finds herself being asked to the dance twice. Not only that but now Moira finds a dead body of a food critic in her deli and after several attcks, seems to be the object of a dangerous admirer. With the help of a private detective friend David, Moira has to stop procrastinating and step up security for the deli which may save her life. These books are well written, the characters are likable and I am always left wanting to read the next book as soon as it comes out.
July 3, 2016
Patti is still writing a great mystery with her 3rd Darling Deli book. Even though the books are short, they are very interesting, and get the
thought across. we had a few culprits to look at in Cold Cut Murder & a new couple on the scene, hopefully Denise will see how creepy her
husband is. Candace, Moira's daughter, is beginning a relationship that may be heartbreaking if he takes advantage of both Candace and
Moira. Will be interesting to see Candace open her new store, such a great way to continue the series. AND the romance that may be brewing
with Moira and David, if they could only see what the other was thinking.
I have come to look forward to each installment of Darling Deli, give me more!
Thanks for such interesting reading.
thought across. we had a few culprits to look at in Cold Cut Murder & a new couple on the scene, hopefully Denise will see how creepy her
husband is. Candace, Moira's daughter, is beginning a relationship that may be heartbreaking if he takes advantage of both Candace and
Moira. Will be interesting to see Candace open her new store, such a great way to continue the series. AND the romance that may be brewing
with Moira and David, if they could only see what the other was thinking.
I have come to look forward to each installment of Darling Deli, give me more!
Thanks for such interesting reading.
February 14, 2016
Loved it.
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.
I enjoyed this book. I am looking forward to the new Candy shop. I had narrowed it down to two suspects this time. I can't to see what comes in book 4.
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.
I enjoyed this book. I am looking forward to the new Candy shop. I had narrowed it down to two suspects this time. I can't to see what comes in book 4.
March 11, 2016
Awesome
I now know I've read this series before, but that's okay because I did forget how it went along. I was right about her not learning her lessons thou until the last minutes. Again though the criminal was obvious upon meeting him. Just saying and reorganizing a stocker is kind of easy. Great story, now on to the next one.
I now know I've read this series before, but that's okay because I did forget how it went along. I was right about her not learning her lessons thou until the last minutes. Again though the criminal was obvious upon meeting him. Just saying and reorganizing a stocker is kind of easy. Great story, now on to the next one.
March 18, 2016
Cold cuts and strange mysteries
Another great installment in this series. The characters continue to grow and develop as well as the plot just gets better with each new book. This one had several nice surprises in it as well as a possible new romance in the making. Looking forward to reading more from this author
Another great installment in this series. The characters continue to grow and develop as well as the plot just gets better with each new book. This one had several nice surprises in it as well as a possible new romance in the making. Looking forward to reading more from this author
May 5, 2016
I enjoyed this book. Moira is just trying to run her shop and find the money to help her daughter try her dream of having a candy store. Now she has a couple of men interested in her and next thing you know one shows up dead in her shop. She hope to figure it out before someone else gets hurt or even worse, she ends up dead. Great fast moving story.
June 28, 2016
I know these are cheesy and the killer is obvious but it's still a fun quick read and I find myself wanting to know more about these characters so I pick up the next book and the next... plus if you have kindle unlimited it's free :)
July 27, 2016
Getting better
Such a nice easy read. Love the suspense. The story was good and again I like all the characters. Of course it is nice to have men chasing after you. Hope David tells how he feels in the next book.
Such a nice easy read. Love the suspense. The story was good and again I like all the characters. Of course it is nice to have men chasing after you. Hope David tells how he feels in the next book.
January 18, 2018
pretty good. this is the 3rd book looking forward to the next one
March 16, 2016
Fast cozy mystery
Very fast read. Totally clean non offensive story. Had the bad guy picked from the beginning. Still a nice quick story for a cold rainy afternoon.
Very fast read. Totally clean non offensive story. Had the bad guy picked from the beginning. Still a nice quick story for a cold rainy afternoon.
February 27, 2016
Boring
I was looking for a cozy fun mystery. This is not it. Fortunately I did not pay for this book.
I was looking for a cozy fun mystery. This is not it. Fortunately I did not pay for this book.
February 27, 2016
Nice
Enjoyed reading this series. The characters are likeable and realistic. The mystery is a pretty easy solve but that is okay.
Enjoyed reading this series. The characters are likeable and realistic. The mystery is a pretty easy solve but that is okay.
June 16, 2016
Loved this one...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews