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A Della Cooks Mystery #1
Killer Mousse
Meet Della Carmichael, owner of a cooking school in Santa Monica, California, and, as of this week, star of a brand-new cable cooking show. But she's about to add another credit to her resume: suspect.
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
13 people are currently reading
1722 people want to read
About the author
Melinda Wells
8 books70 followersMelinda Wells is a pseudonym used by Linda Palmer.
Series:
* Della Cooks Mystery
Series:
* Della Cooks Mystery
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
January 27, 2012
I’m a huge fan of cozies and mysteries in general so I couldn’t wait to dig into this one, the covers look especially appetizing with all the colors and who can resist that adorable poodle? I also read the Hannah Swensen culinary series by Fluke (which I adore) and these are in a similar vein but a bit less naive, there is a lot more relationship drama going on, people acting like adults, they date and they even use cell phones and computers lol… I enjoy both but this series is a bit more realistic. There are recipes in the back for some delicious sweet and savory items. Some aren’t even mentioned or used in the book but I appreciate the author providing that little extra, I will actually make the food form these books, most of the time it turns out quite well! The food in this book is nicely entwined in the story and it all sounded truly delicious, I enjoyed the Food Network like aspects of the show, it was a nice change for the cozy food mysteries. After I finished this book I simply had to make some chocolate mousse that very same day, it sort of made me laugh; reading crime doesn’t usually make me this hungry!
Forty seven year old widow Della Carmichael owns a cooking school in Santa Monica, to top it off she just started shooting her own show on The Better Living Channel, cable tv never looked so delicious! Live audience adds a trill to her new job but when a women from the audience volunteers to taste her chocolate mousse she gets more than she bargains for, she drops dead after one bite! Della can’t even mention the name of her dish, it’s called Killer Mousse and it looks like it really did the job! The victim of that snack was Mimi whom Della replaced so some suspicion falls on the newest chef as she tries to figure out what has happened. The sleuthing is quite fun here, there is logic to the process and things start to heat up when another person connected to the station dies after Della’s visit, seems like she can’t get away from murder and mayhem. Supported by a wonderful cast of zany characters and possible new love interests, Della has to clear her name before she ends up dead herself, someone is after her when she gets too close and its up to her to figure out who the killer is before there are more fatalities!
I all ready read the second book “Death Takes the Cake” and it was even better than the first, I have really high hopes for this series because it’s intelligent, witty, well written and makes me want to read the next book in the series asap, which is always a good sign.
- Kasia S.
* book from 2011
Forty seven year old widow Della Carmichael owns a cooking school in Santa Monica, to top it off she just started shooting her own show on The Better Living Channel, cable tv never looked so delicious! Live audience adds a trill to her new job but when a women from the audience volunteers to taste her chocolate mousse she gets more than she bargains for, she drops dead after one bite! Della can’t even mention the name of her dish, it’s called Killer Mousse and it looks like it really did the job! The victim of that snack was Mimi whom Della replaced so some suspicion falls on the newest chef as she tries to figure out what has happened. The sleuthing is quite fun here, there is logic to the process and things start to heat up when another person connected to the station dies after Della’s visit, seems like she can’t get away from murder and mayhem. Supported by a wonderful cast of zany characters and possible new love interests, Della has to clear her name before she ends up dead herself, someone is after her when she gets too close and its up to her to figure out who the killer is before there are more fatalities!
I all ready read the second book “Death Takes the Cake” and it was even better than the first, I have really high hopes for this series because it’s intelligent, witty, well written and makes me want to read the next book in the series asap, which is always a good sign.
- Kasia S.
* book from 2011
November 1, 2012
First in the Della Cooks mystery series revolving around the widowed Della Carmichael stepping into her first cooking show.
My Take
I loved the homeyness of Wells' writing. Her descriptions of the exterior of Della's English cottage and the in-and outside of Lulu's---oh!!
She's got some great-sounding recipes that I can't wait to try out.
I had to sigh...gag?...a little at Della's decision to investigate the murder herself. Too cheesy...oops, guess I'm playing into this theme… Too soon. Too easy. It would have been more believable with more drama and tension if Wells had held off until there was a real threat such as the death caused by the use of her knife when Halls seems to think it's an open-and-shut case. Even if it is too lame for Halls to leap on her.
I do like Della raking D'Martino down for his ageism. And then the way she struck back at him! Oh, yeah! I loved it. Ooh and then her remark that "newspapers [are] the very best source of yesterday's news"...meow!
The premise for her cooking school is lovely. I like how homey, real, and practical Della is. Her pumpkin carving class with its tips and then cooking with the pulp and the seeds was perfect.
Why would the bomber think Della would drive a car with smashed windows?
On the whole, I like this series. Homey, loyal, with enough of a twist to keep it interesting. I'd like it even better if she'd get rid of the occasional sappy comments. I do love that Della is an older woman and I adore Della's attitude toward Nick and all the romance possibilities.
The Story
Desperate, her cooking school failing, Della jumps at the offer from Mickey to replace Mimi's cooking program on his cable channel. The premise for Della's show is good, practical cooking, but there is so much animosity on the set for her first show. Small sabotages and then murder.
The murder is news and so is Della. When Nicholas D'Martino arrives early for his interview with her, that and his attitude about women sets Della off.
The Characters
Della Carmichael's new TV show, In the Kitchen with Della, is built around her cooking school, The Happy Table, with its emphasis on family time, making do, and easy cooking. She was married to Mack, a police detective for twenty years. Now the closest she gets to him is when she drives Mack's beloved, carefully restored Mustang. Tuffy is her much-loved black standard poodle. Liddy Marshall is an even older friend now married to Bill, a dentist. She's been very encouraging of Della's plans.
Big John O'Hara was Mack's partner and best friend. He's married to Shannon, a paranoid schizophrenic. Rough waters are ahead as Big John has fallen in love with Della. Eileen is Big John and Shannon's daughter. She's attending UCLA and working at The Happy Table. She also lives with Della because it's too dangerous living with her mother.
Mickey Jordan owns the cable company, the Better Living Channel (BLC), and he's renowned for his business acumen as well as his restlessness. It's his wife Iva who takes lessons at The Happy Table who talked Mickey into signing on Della.
Quinn Tanner is the director and has it in for Della. Ernie Ramirez and Jada Powell are the camera operators. George Hopkins is the show's producer. Al Franklin is a night security guard at BLC. Stan Evans is daytime security who used to drive Mimi until she got him this job. Phil Logan is BLC's head of publicity. A bit of a ghoul with his 3 a.m. call on Della.
Mimi Bond is a drunken, bitchy diva who threatened and/or seduced everyone around her. She can't even cook! It's this truth that's behind the cancellation of her cooking show. Faye Bond is her troubled daughter. Really troubled in so many ways. Lulu is Faye's one support.
Lulu Owens is the host of All Things Crafty, a craft show on BLC. She was Mimi's stunt cooker. Lily Owens Robbins is Lulu's daughter and more concerned about her mother's jewelry. Gilmer York hosts That's Not Junk!, which transforms castoffs into treasure while Car Guy is the host for Car Guy.
Detective Hall is in charge of the case and is suspicious of everyone including Della.
Nicholas D'Martino is a crime reporter for the Los Angeles Chronicle with a preference for dating hot, young chicks. Fred Priestly's house is where Della sought refuge when she was being followed. Mr. and Mrs. Tran own the building which houses The Happy Table Cooking School.
The Cover
The cover is cute in its homey creams, orange, and brown. The television set duplicating Della's kitchen, a pool of batter spreading between the horizontal legs and their black stiletto heels and Tuffy, Della's black standard poodle.
The title reveals the initial murder weapon, the oh-so-delicious Killer Mousse.
My Take
I loved the homeyness of Wells' writing. Her descriptions of the exterior of Della's English cottage and the in-and outside of Lulu's---oh!!
She's got some great-sounding recipes that I can't wait to try out.
I had to sigh...gag?...a little at Della's decision to investigate the murder herself. Too cheesy...oops, guess I'm playing into this theme… Too soon. Too easy. It would have been more believable with more drama and tension if Wells had held off until there was a real threat such as the death caused by the use of her knife when Halls seems to think it's an open-and-shut case. Even if it is too lame for Halls to leap on her.
I do like Della raking D'Martino down for his ageism. And then the way she struck back at him! Oh, yeah! I loved it. Ooh and then her remark that "newspapers [are] the very best source of yesterday's news"...meow!
The premise for her cooking school is lovely. I like how homey, real, and practical Della is. Her pumpkin carving class with its tips and then cooking with the pulp and the seeds was perfect.
...before she turned prematurely blonde
Why would the bomber think Della would drive a car with smashed windows?
On the whole, I like this series. Homey, loyal, with enough of a twist to keep it interesting. I'd like it even better if she'd get rid of the occasional sappy comments. I do love that Della is an older woman and I adore Della's attitude toward Nick and all the romance possibilities.
The Story
Desperate, her cooking school failing, Della jumps at the offer from Mickey to replace Mimi's cooking program on his cable channel. The premise for Della's show is good, practical cooking, but there is so much animosity on the set for her first show. Small sabotages and then murder.
The murder is news and so is Della. When Nicholas D'Martino arrives early for his interview with her, that and his attitude about women sets Della off.
The Characters
Della Carmichael's new TV show, In the Kitchen with Della, is built around her cooking school, The Happy Table, with its emphasis on family time, making do, and easy cooking. She was married to Mack, a police detective for twenty years. Now the closest she gets to him is when she drives Mack's beloved, carefully restored Mustang. Tuffy is her much-loved black standard poodle. Liddy Marshall is an even older friend now married to Bill, a dentist. She's been very encouraging of Della's plans.
Big John O'Hara was Mack's partner and best friend. He's married to Shannon, a paranoid schizophrenic. Rough waters are ahead as Big John has fallen in love with Della. Eileen is Big John and Shannon's daughter. She's attending UCLA and working at The Happy Table. She also lives with Della because it's too dangerous living with her mother.
Mickey Jordan owns the cable company, the Better Living Channel (BLC), and he's renowned for his business acumen as well as his restlessness. It's his wife Iva who takes lessons at The Happy Table who talked Mickey into signing on Della.
Quinn Tanner is the director and has it in for Della. Ernie Ramirez and Jada Powell are the camera operators. George Hopkins is the show's producer. Al Franklin is a night security guard at BLC. Stan Evans is daytime security who used to drive Mimi until she got him this job. Phil Logan is BLC's head of publicity. A bit of a ghoul with his 3 a.m. call on Della.
Mimi Bond is a drunken, bitchy diva who threatened and/or seduced everyone around her. She can't even cook! It's this truth that's behind the cancellation of her cooking show. Faye Bond is her troubled daughter. Really troubled in so many ways. Lulu is Faye's one support.
Lulu Owens is the host of All Things Crafty, a craft show on BLC. She was Mimi's stunt cooker. Lily Owens Robbins is Lulu's daughter and more concerned about her mother's jewelry. Gilmer York hosts That's Not Junk!, which transforms castoffs into treasure while Car Guy is the host for Car Guy.
Detective Hall is in charge of the case and is suspicious of everyone including Della.
Nicholas D'Martino is a crime reporter for the Los Angeles Chronicle with a preference for dating hot, young chicks. Fred Priestly's house is where Della sought refuge when she was being followed. Mr. and Mrs. Tran own the building which houses The Happy Table Cooking School.
The Cover
The cover is cute in its homey creams, orange, and brown. The television set duplicating Della's kitchen, a pool of batter spreading between the horizontal legs and their black stiletto heels and Tuffy, Della's black standard poodle.
The title reveals the initial murder weapon, the oh-so-delicious Killer Mousse.
July 19, 2008
I’m honestly torn on how to rate this book, a three would imply that I liked the book, which I did not though I didn’t hate it as a whole because there does appear to be nuggets of potential. I was turned off by the stilted and unnatural dialogue, which proved incredibly distracting, making me almost OCD in my pursuit of other occurrences, which proved an easy task. Perhaps I’m out of the loop but I didn’t know that women actually waited at home any longer for men “to call on” them – Jane Austen’s Bennett sisters perhaps but 47-year-old widows in the 21st century. The book was almost soap opera in nature, almost as if the author, Miranda Wells/Linda Palmer, let the main character from her Daytime Mystery series, a soap opera writer, possess her body and write Killer Mousse. This book never seemed to take off, it never seemed to achieve a level of tension, suspense or even humor it simply was bland and boring. Aside from the antics and occurrences that made me roll my eyes or silently declare something or someone was idiotic there just wasn’t much to capture my attention. I think mostly it was the writing which makes sense since I found nothing particularly engaging about the author’s other series. I don’t want to say too much because then I would spoil aspects of the mystery and the resolution for others, though the solution was apparent to me before I reached the middle of the book without any effort at all to uncover the culprit. I think that while a three-star rating seems too much an endorsement, a two-star rating doesn’t give the writer enough credit for what she was attempting to do even if it failed me as a reader, so, we’ll call this a 2.5.
May 5, 2018
Couldn't do it. And I fear that I'm coming across as someone who gives up easily, but that's really not the case. In my (ahem) decades on this earth, I've learned that if I don't get into a book within the first 3 chapters, there is little hope that I will ever really like it. And there are SO MANY BOOKS in the world that are worth my time, its unfair to waste it on stuff I don't like. Perhaps you will have a better experience with this story, but for me, I'm moving on.
April 14, 2009
Pretty basic and very kindergarten as far as the "cooking classes". Come on, Halloween cupcakes step by step including red icing instructions? And tulips DO NOT bloom in October! If you are going to write, get the facts correct and write for an adult audience, please. Publishers are letting this stuff get through?
June 26, 2008
The remarkable thing about Killer Mousse is that it is Melinda Well's debut cozy. It is has much more depth in both writing and plot line that one would expect from a new author. It will be winner for readers who like a well written book with a deftly plotted mystery.
Cooking school owner, Della Carmichael, has been hired to star in a television cooking show. She is understandably nervous for her fist shoot, especially since they are going on the air live. She is afraid it is the beginning and end to her career when a taste of her mousse kills an audience member. The audience member is actually Mimi Bond who used to be the star of her own cooking show, before they hired Della to take her place. Mimi had first threatened her before the show but the police believe Della may be the one who made the final move. Della and her Killer Mousse are the prime suspects until they can prove otherwise.
Della, the widow of a policeman, has the utmost respect for the local police but events keep thrusting her back into the investigation. Her friend on the force, John and the reporter who will not stay away, the handsome Nicholas D’Martino, are the insider characters who allow her to see the case unfold. The mystery is tight enough to keep the attention of the reader until the end. The suspects are numerous, the possible scenarios are well laid out with the necessary red herrings abounding. The main character is nicely developed as a mature woman, one who is comfortable with her self, her past and her hopes for her future. The secondary characters all fill needed and well thought out roles.
We can only hope that her next entry into the "Della Cooks Mystery" series, Death Takes the Cake is as strong a cozy as this one. Even if one feels burned out on the culinary mystery market (there are so many series now) this is not one to miss. It is a fear that Well's writing ability will not get the appreciation it deserves on such a crowded culinary mystery shelves. Her future as a writer is a bright one for Wells.
Cooking school owner, Della Carmichael, has been hired to star in a television cooking show. She is understandably nervous for her fist shoot, especially since they are going on the air live. She is afraid it is the beginning and end to her career when a taste of her mousse kills an audience member. The audience member is actually Mimi Bond who used to be the star of her own cooking show, before they hired Della to take her place. Mimi had first threatened her before the show but the police believe Della may be the one who made the final move. Della and her Killer Mousse are the prime suspects until they can prove otherwise.
Della, the widow of a policeman, has the utmost respect for the local police but events keep thrusting her back into the investigation. Her friend on the force, John and the reporter who will not stay away, the handsome Nicholas D’Martino, are the insider characters who allow her to see the case unfold. The mystery is tight enough to keep the attention of the reader until the end. The suspects are numerous, the possible scenarios are well laid out with the necessary red herrings abounding. The main character is nicely developed as a mature woman, one who is comfortable with her self, her past and her hopes for her future. The secondary characters all fill needed and well thought out roles.
We can only hope that her next entry into the "Della Cooks Mystery" series, Death Takes the Cake is as strong a cozy as this one. Even if one feels burned out on the culinary mystery market (there are so many series now) this is not one to miss. It is a fear that Well's writing ability will not get the appreciation it deserves on such a crowded culinary mystery shelves. Her future as a writer is a bright one for Wells.
March 9, 2010
Yes, I confess I am trying to find a series to occupy me while I'm not up to date with the Hannah Swensen series. So don't be surprised when I begin reading multiple mystery books lol.
This is the first book in a series about a 47 year old woman named Della. She's a widow of an LAPD officer, she runs a cooking class and to supplement her income she has taken over a cooking show on a local network. Her first live show she is making a full meal with a chicken dish, a side and a desert. Ironically, the desert she's making is called Killer Mousse. When it comes time to do a taste test, Della is surprised when the former Cooking Diva (whom she replaced on the t.v show) steps up to the plate. She declares Della's cooking disgusting and then promptly falls on the floor dead. Now Della is the prime suspect, despite the fact that anyone could have altered her mousse recipe while it was sitting unattended in the refrigerator. So of course, she chooses to investigate, and the killer zeroes in on Della herself. There are also side stories that bind together the cast of characters. Men that have a role in Della's life, some kids, and friendships round out the story well.
I have the next book here already, so I will continue and see if the next book holds the same appeal as this first book did.
This is the first book in a series about a 47 year old woman named Della. She's a widow of an LAPD officer, she runs a cooking class and to supplement her income she has taken over a cooking show on a local network. Her first live show she is making a full meal with a chicken dish, a side and a desert. Ironically, the desert she's making is called Killer Mousse. When it comes time to do a taste test, Della is surprised when the former Cooking Diva (whom she replaced on the t.v show) steps up to the plate. She declares Della's cooking disgusting and then promptly falls on the floor dead. Now Della is the prime suspect, despite the fact that anyone could have altered her mousse recipe while it was sitting unattended in the refrigerator. So of course, she chooses to investigate, and the killer zeroes in on Della herself. There are also side stories that bind together the cast of characters. Men that have a role in Della's life, some kids, and friendships round out the story well.
I have the next book here already, so I will continue and see if the next book holds the same appeal as this first book did.
October 17, 2010
I read Killer Mouse after having read the second installment in this series - Death Takes the Cake. I was afraid that after having read the second book, it would spoil some of the plot of the first book, but it was quite the contrary. I loved every minute reading this wonderful book, Wells' character development and descriptions of the community surrounding Santa Monica and North Hollywood are spot on!
In Killer Mousse, Della Carmichael begins her "third" career as the host of a televised cooking show on the Better Living Channel. Having taught in the public education system for many years, before opening a cooking school in Santa Monica, Della is a natural in her role as an on-air chef. However, will the death of her predecessor on live TV during her debut broadcast cut short this career before its even started? The death of another Better Living Channel host a few days later, following a visit by Della, has everyone spooked...In an effort to get to the bottom of things, Della inadvertently puts her life in danger...the killer clearly isn't going to stop at two deaths, but can Della find the killer before its too late?
I'm quickly becoming a fan of the Della Cooks series and can't wait for her next installment to "come out of the oven."
Fans of Diane Mott Davidson, Laura Childs and Cleo Coyle will love this series!
In Killer Mousse, Della Carmichael begins her "third" career as the host of a televised cooking show on the Better Living Channel. Having taught in the public education system for many years, before opening a cooking school in Santa Monica, Della is a natural in her role as an on-air chef. However, will the death of her predecessor on live TV during her debut broadcast cut short this career before its even started? The death of another Better Living Channel host a few days later, following a visit by Della, has everyone spooked...In an effort to get to the bottom of things, Della inadvertently puts her life in danger...the killer clearly isn't going to stop at two deaths, but can Della find the killer before its too late?
I'm quickly becoming a fan of the Della Cooks series and can't wait for her next installment to "come out of the oven."
Fans of Diane Mott Davidson, Laura Childs and Cleo Coyle will love this series!
November 1, 2016
Absolutely one of my favorite beginning books to a cozy series yet! Della is everything you want in a heroine; she even says she'll never be one of those air headed characters heading into the attic when everyone else knows that's where the monster is, and I think she plays that part well. Add to the mix a hunky less than perfect love interest, a dog, a cat, baking and a hell of a lot of action, and this has the makings of a truly excellent series.
The action never stops, but it is no way unbelievable. I had a hunch of the murderer, and I was proven right once again, almost to a tee as to who had done it and why. There are some interesting relationships being set up for book number two, and I have to wonder where the author will go with it! My only complaint is I don't think I have book two, so I'll need to hunt down a copy.
A really excellent cozy mystery, highly recommended. Five stars.
The action never stops, but it is no way unbelievable. I had a hunch of the murderer, and I was proven right once again, almost to a tee as to who had done it and why. There are some interesting relationships being set up for book number two, and I have to wonder where the author will go with it! My only complaint is I don't think I have book two, so I'll need to hunt down a copy.
A really excellent cozy mystery, highly recommended. Five stars.
June 7, 2009
Title is intriguing. Della, main character, is seems so very nearly "perfect" and gives advice continually, cooking and otherwise. Gets to be a little too much. Realistic except why she would be investigating herself in the first place. Didn't seem quite relevant as the police and her policeman friend were doing their jobs sufficiently. Ending was good, but author seemed to add parts of the story here and there and sometimes just didn't seem right. Della's very sudden sexual encounter when she felt she was in love with her policeman friend seemed like it was just added for a little spice in the story. I would read another in this series if I didn't have anything else to read.
May 9, 2012
Uh wow...this was just terrible. The cute cover, title, and synopsis caught my attention but beyond that, the book was a sore disappointment! It was littered with weird and awkward dialogues. The mystery/crime was so amateur. Actually the writing was criminal!
I burst out laughing when Della received a threatening note with the following message, "U R NXT" ...seriously?! SERIOUSLY?!
Oh and the random sex plot with NDM was so unexpected and just what?!
There was so much ridiculousness to this book. I don't think I can attempt #2 of the series yet...if ever.
I burst out laughing when Della received a threatening note with the following message, "U R NXT" ...seriously?! SERIOUSLY?!
Oh and the random sex plot with NDM was so unexpected and just what?!
There was so much ridiculousness to this book. I don't think I can attempt #2 of the series yet...if ever.
November 25, 2020
*This review can also be found on my book review blog, The Never-Ending TBR Pile.
Food. Murder. Greed.
Della Carmichael owns and operates a small cooking school and has just landed an opportunity to appear in her own cooking show on TV. But her first episode turns deadly when her audience taster dies from sampling her 'Killer Mousse'. Worried that she's the prime suspect, Della delves into the murder and things quickly unravel as she's given insight into the behind the scenes relationships amongst her fellow co-workers and the not so great things they have to say about the dearly departed.
For a cozy mystery, this delivers the standard 'gotta prove I'm innocent because I don't have faith in the authorities' trope. It had an interesting look into the world of television show productions and some of the characters were quirky and charming. But the plot was tired and some of the situations Della found herself in were hard to swallow, especially her reactions to them.
I think this book could have been better, but what frustrated me most was the uncharacteristic responses and actions of the main character. She's a widow, she's strong-willed, and she has boundaries she won't cross. But suddenly she's jumping into bed with an almost complete stranger and that chemistry was never truly established to make that first sexual encounter even remotely believable. I don't mind sex scenes in novels; like them, in fact, when they're appropriate to the story line and believable. But this one fell flat for me, probably because there was never any build up to it. And for it to continue just made the whole situation of that relationship worse for me.
In all, I believe this book could have stood on it's own without romantic entanglements and probably would have been a far better book. I also think it could have been better if the motive for the original murder (there's more than one in this book) hadn't been so tired and overused. It ended up being a lukewarm climax for me and with the unnecessary romantic entanglement thrown in, I probably won't bother reading any more of these books.
Food. Murder. Greed.
Della Carmichael owns and operates a small cooking school and has just landed an opportunity to appear in her own cooking show on TV. But her first episode turns deadly when her audience taster dies from sampling her 'Killer Mousse'. Worried that she's the prime suspect, Della delves into the murder and things quickly unravel as she's given insight into the behind the scenes relationships amongst her fellow co-workers and the not so great things they have to say about the dearly departed.
For a cozy mystery, this delivers the standard 'gotta prove I'm innocent because I don't have faith in the authorities' trope. It had an interesting look into the world of television show productions and some of the characters were quirky and charming. But the plot was tired and some of the situations Della found herself in were hard to swallow, especially her reactions to them.
I think this book could have been better, but what frustrated me most was the uncharacteristic responses and actions of the main character. She's a widow, she's strong-willed, and she has boundaries she won't cross. But suddenly she's jumping into bed with an almost complete stranger and that chemistry was never truly established to make that first sexual encounter even remotely believable. I don't mind sex scenes in novels; like them, in fact, when they're appropriate to the story line and believable. But this one fell flat for me, probably because there was never any build up to it. And for it to continue just made the whole situation of that relationship worse for me.
In all, I believe this book could have stood on it's own without romantic entanglements and probably would have been a far better book. I also think it could have been better if the motive for the original murder (there's more than one in this book) hadn't been so tired and overused. It ended up being a lukewarm climax for me and with the unnecessary romantic entanglement thrown in, I probably won't bother reading any more of these books.
June 3, 2025
Della’s cooking school is doing okay, but she’s struggling to make ends meet. Therefore, she jumps at the chance to host a cooking show on a local cable channel. However, during the live airing of her first episode, the woman who volunteers to taste-test Della’s “killer mousse” drops dead. When it’s learned that Mimi died of an allergic reaction because the mousse contained peanuts, Della becomes a murder suspect. Her late husband was a police officer, so Della knows her way around the legal system. Soon, she is speaking to others involved with the cable station, trying to learn who may have had it in for Mimi. In the meantime, the TV station senses a PR opportunity and sends an investigative journalist to interview Della. She finds Nicholas D’Martino (or NDM, as she refers to him) to be arrogant and full of himself. When someone else connected with the studio is murdered and Della is attacked, she realizes she’s running out of time to find out who killed Mimi.
I enjoyed this story. I liked Della, and I appreciated that she was a mature woman. Other characters were three-dimensional and relatable, including the foul-mouthed owner of the station. When Della chose to indulge in a fling, I was both astonished and approving. It was refreshing to read about a woman who took what she wanted. Rowr! There really wasn’t much humor in the story, although Della was possessed of a dry wit. The plot moved at a good pace and didn’t meander.
Very good story, and I look forward to reading others in the series. Four stars.
I enjoyed this story. I liked Della, and I appreciated that she was a mature woman. Other characters were three-dimensional and relatable, including the foul-mouthed owner of the station. When Della chose to indulge in a fling, I was both astonished and approving. It was refreshing to read about a woman who took what she wanted. Rowr! There really wasn’t much humor in the story, although Della was possessed of a dry wit. The plot moved at a good pace and didn’t meander.
Very good story, and I look forward to reading others in the series. Four stars.
April 24, 2018
Ah, my obsession with food-themed cozy mysteries. Yes, there are similarities here to other series but there was also a special sparkle in the way it all comes together. Our heroine, Della, is bit older than the normal lead in these sorts of series, widowed, and just starting a new cable cooking show. The central mystery was a good one and the supporting characters pretty well written. But the element that really stood out for me was Della herself. With this more knowing and experienced lead, I felt like the romance elements, professional challenges, and even just the way she approached the various twists and turns were more realistic. Also, I know there is no competition for best pet side kick in a cozy, but I like Della’s poodle better than a certain other cozy-dwelling poodle. I may have added a star for the dog.
April 25, 2018
Quite a busy book, but there's a lot to introduce in the beginning of a series. Wells does a good job of filling in the reader without piling on too much at once. Della Carmichael is starting a new gig as host of a tv show on cooking...and it's live (that was a new one for me! Seen quite a few cooking shows, but I don't think any of them were live). She's also still running her cooking school, which should keep her set up financially if the show doesn't work out. But after a woman is killed during Della's first show and then another tv host from the same studio is killed, viewership is up and Della is a suspect. She knows a bit about detective work, though, and she has a friend who is a detective, so she comes out on top.
October 8, 2025
A fun who-done-it murder mystery, with multiple murders.
I stayed interested the whole way through, although I did have a mildly hard time trying to remember every possible suspect for a bit. A lot of characters introduced in one little mystery.
Alongside there being so many characters, I questioned how many possible love interests as well as murder suspects. I didn't realize there would be romantic drama throughout this, that even gets steamy at a couple of brief times. Good for her I guess, but who's the murderer? Lol
I didn't solve the mystery, which I love/hate. I thought it was great writing overall and would recommend to anyone who likes this style of adult cozy murder mystery. Plus recipes I can't wait to try some of!
I stayed interested the whole way through, although I did have a mildly hard time trying to remember every possible suspect for a bit. A lot of characters introduced in one little mystery.
Alongside there being so many characters, I questioned how many possible love interests as well as murder suspects. I didn't realize there would be romantic drama throughout this, that even gets steamy at a couple of brief times. Good for her I guess, but who's the murderer? Lol
I didn't solve the mystery, which I love/hate. I thought it was great writing overall and would recommend to anyone who likes this style of adult cozy murder mystery. Plus recipes I can't wait to try some of!
March 30, 2023
This is an excellent cozy mystery for those who like mysteries mixed with food. The main character, Della, has a cooking school and is currently starting a TV show about her cooking. When the woman whose show she replaced dies suddenly after tasting Della's food, and in front of a live audience, no less, Della has to investigate and try to find out who is framing her for the murder.
February 8, 2021
Just back away from the love triangle Melinda and nobody will get hurt, including you. A good mystery that I figured out fairly early. A fun cast of characters and a good back story. I will continue the series.
April 27, 2023
This was my first time reading anything by Melinda Wells and I am now hooked !!!
Della was accused of murdering a woman on live TV. She was able to solve the murder and I was totally blown away by who the 2 killers were as did not see that coming !
Della was accused of murdering a woman on live TV. She was able to solve the murder and I was totally blown away by who the 2 killers were as did not see that coming !
May 24, 2017
This cozy mystery has an interesting cast of characters, setting in southern California area, and an ending that will satisfy mystery readers.
April 12, 2018
This book was among others I had never unpacked in a major move! Loved it!
July 17, 2019
Love cozy mysteries and this one was very enjoyable.
September 22, 2020
A heroine who is set up from the beginning. Very simple cozy, with some delicious looking treats for those without a lot of time or money.
April 1, 2021
Start of a new cozy series. Fairly typical, lead character is a widow who also hosts a tv cooking program.
February 26, 2025
It's such a quirky, fun book that I finished it pretty fast. The characters are funny and charming. The killer was surprising and I really enjoyed the book
December 29, 2025
Really its 3.5. Nice easy read. Likeable characters, interesting recipes, and pets.
August 10, 2024
I thought I had this murder figured out but dismissed the person when the second murder happened. Never even thought about the accomplice.
November 22, 2010
This is a hard one to rate. Characterizations and plot were interesting. I thought the cooking part would add a little more spice (pun not intended). However, the whole book got off to a really rocky start. The opening sequence was packed with too much information. I love watching cooking shows and find the little hints and tidbits handed out worth paying attention to. But when you add in descriptions of Della's every step on set in addition to the steps of the recipe it becomes convoluted and hard to want to follow. What works well when your seeing it on television does not work well when described in this manner. Things evened out after that except whenever Lulu was talking. Tell me she speaks with a deep drawl, maybe even give me one example of her accented speach. Don't spell out every single ah instead of I and mah instead of my. It was torture to read through any scene involving Lulu. The other major problem for me was Della's actions in the final chapters of the book. Her reaction to a situation that happened in no way matched the reaction of a cop's widow. For more details see below the spoiler space. If I were basing my rating strictly on characterization and plot, I would give this 3 stars. I just can't though. In my book, 3 stars is a good solid read. Enjoyable, but not spectacular. 3 stars implies that I'm likely to read another book by the author at some future date. I'm not. The execution bothered me enough that I probably won't be trying any more.
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Della's become the target of the murderer. There is a possible suspect who is supposedly out of town. But nothing has been proven and no arrests have been made. Then Della finds her dog poisoned with snail bait inside balls of meat. She rushes him to the vet, determines he will be okay and then returns home. Does she call the police? No. Does she worry for her own safety now that her dog is temporarily out of the picture? No. Does she call a friend to stay with her or to stay with? No! At most she thinks maybe one of the neighbor kids was involved. These are not the actions of a smart peron, widow of a cop or not. This falls in the realm of TSTL.
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Della's become the target of the murderer. There is a possible suspect who is supposedly out of town. But nothing has been proven and no arrests have been made. Then Della finds her dog poisoned with snail bait inside balls of meat. She rushes him to the vet, determines he will be okay and then returns home. Does she call the police? No. Does she worry for her own safety now that her dog is temporarily out of the picture? No. Does she call a friend to stay with her or to stay with? No! At most she thinks maybe one of the neighbor kids was involved. These are not the actions of a smart peron, widow of a cop or not. This falls in the realm of TSTL.
October 30, 2011
I felt like the main character has really bad luck, the things that happen to/around her... The cast was wide and varied. I felt like there was stuff I still wanted to know about them when I finished this book, hopefully she'll reveal more about them in the next book. Della's love life seems complicated even though it's almost non-existant since the death of her husband a couple of years ago. I somehow like the men in her life, even if they are all alpha males who are well... alpha. I like that Della stands up for herself without crossing the line or going to an extreme of what I think someone, not in the police or a PI, should do when solving a crime. \
I'd like to note that I ordered this book from the library since it sounded interesting, but put off reading it because I disliked the cover. I have no regrets about reading this. :)
I'd like to note that I ordered this book from the library since it sounded interesting, but put off reading it because I disliked the cover. I have no regrets about reading this. :)
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