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Darling Deli #11

Beef Brisket Murder

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Sometimes the answer to a mystery…
Is way too close to home.
Deli owner and amateur sleuth, Moira Darling, discovers something rather disturbing in her basement while she’s cleaning it out.

Intrigued, she begins an investigation and enlists the help of her hunky boyfriend, David, to find out what could possibly have happened in the house before she bought it.

When the strange trail of clues leads to the retirement home in Lake Marion, Moira realizes that it might not be too late for a decades-old crime to be solved.

Meanwhile, her daughter Candice hires her first employee at the candy shop, and Moira’s employees at the deli plan a surprise birthday party for her in this fast-paced Cozy Mystery!

176 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 13, 2016

70 people are currently reading
141 people want to read

About the author

Patti Benning

352 books219 followers
https://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.

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5 stars
228 (56%)
4 stars
111 (27%)
3 stars
45 (11%)
2 stars
14 (3%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Danielle (LilBookGremlin).
28 reviews16 followers
February 16, 2024
Title: Beef Brisket Murder
Author: Patti Benning
Series: Darling Deli, 11
Release Date: June 2016
Publisher: Summer Prescott Books
Rating: 3 stars

Favourite character: Candice
Least favourite character: N/A

Mini-Review: This was okay, figured out the murderer pretty early on. Wasn't a fan of Moira's temper tantrum, even if it was stress-related. Too many scenes relating to her being taught technology, felt out of place.

Fan Cast:
Moira Darling - Danica McKellar
Candice Darling - AnnaSophia Robb
David - Sharif Atkins
Darrin - Evan Roderick
Allison - Tiera Skovbye
Meg - Mina Sundwall
Dante - Noah Gray-Cabey
Detective Jefferson - Chris Zylka
Detective Wilson - Kether Donohue
Logan - Jaiven Natt
6,726 reviews5 followers
July 27, 2023
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰

Moira Darling is cleaning out her basement when she finds a dead body. It appears to be a victim from a serial killer. Eli grandfather give her a list of missing girls 👧. David is helping with the investigation. It all comes together at the home where Eli grandfather lives. I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic family and friends relationships mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀😡🏡
Profile Image for Lisa Ks Book Reviews.
842 reviews141 followers
July 19, 2016
Another appetizing serving in the Darling Deli Mysteries!

BEEF BRISKET MURDER is the second book for me in this well written series, and I already feel like friend with the characters. They’re so easy to “get to know”. I think you’ll enjoy them as well.

This installment of the Darling Deli Mysteries is every bit as good as book ten, HONEY BBQ MURDER. It did not disappoint. Author Patti Benning’s plotting is on point, giving the reader just the right amount of twist, turns, and clues.

If you’re looking to devour a new series, this is the way to go!
Profile Image for Kay Oliver.
Author 11 books198 followers
January 16, 2023
This, I believe, is the longest book in the series so far. I read Benning's books as a light and cozy break from the rest of my TBR pile. Like a palate cleanser. But this was on the heavy side. I did enjoy it though. The mystery was quite captivating--poor Mouse finds a skull in the crawlspace of her new home.
Profile Image for Dawn.
570 reviews12 followers
August 5, 2016
Moira is finally getting around to cleaning out the basement of items left by the previous owners. Broken dishes are surrounding boxes and piles of newspapers. After making the basement safe for her dogs to join her she gets to work. She begins to fill bags with garbage and separate out items to sell or donate. Before they head upstairs for the evening Maverick leads her to an item no one wants in their basement.
As things between Candice and Eli become more serious, the couple invites Moira to visit Eli’s grandfather at the retirement home in Lake Marion. As her business begins to pick up, Candice hires her first employee.
This is a great addition to the series. The books are become a bit more suspenseful as the series goes on, but maintain the cozy qualities. While the characters are well developed there are pieces of Moira and David’s lives that we are missing. The action is steady throughout the book. This is a must read series.
Profile Image for Bonnie Dale Keck.
4,677 reviews58 followers
March 25, 2017
Kindle Unlimited, used to cozies, and tend to cut them slack, BUT...These are all as bad, and will do with review what the 'writer' did with the books, copy/paste cookie cutter. Each of these books are beyond stupid, as in stupid plots stupid situations stupid obvious solutions/killers, and no idea about what is being written about. She keeps writing about 'cooking' and judging by her 'expert' descriptions, she can't boil water. There are major plot flaws and issues and other problems in every single overpriced very short 'book' that still managed to do in every one without fixing glaring problems, one being redundancy of previous unneeded descriptions.

There are 4 stupidly insipid books in the Killer Cookie Series
Killer Caramel Cookies #1 - Killer Halloween Cookies #2 - Killer Maple Cookies #3 - Crunchy Christmas Murder #4

There are 8 insipidly stupid book, in the Papa Pacelli's Pizzeria Series
Pall Bearers and Pepperoni - Book 1 - Bacon Cheddar Murder: Book 2 - Very Veggie Murder: Book 3 - Italian Wedding Murder: Book 4 - Smoked Gouda Murder: Book 5 - Gourmet Holiday Murder: Book 6 - Four Cheese Murder: Book 7 - Hand Tossed Murder Book 8

There are 19 equally bad The Darling Deli Series
Pastrami Murder: Book One - Corned Beef Murder: Book Two - Cold Cut Murder: Book Three - Grilled Cheese Murder: Book 4 - Chicken Pesto Murder: Book 5 - Thai Coconut Murder: Book 6- Tomato Basil Murder: Book 7 - Salami Murder: Book 8 - Hearty Homestyle Murder: Book 9 - Honey BBQ Murder: Book 10 - Beef Brisket Murder: Book 11 - Garden Vegetable Murder: Book 12 - Spicy Lasagna Murder: Book 13 - Curried Lobster Murder: Book 14 - Creamy Casserole Murder: Book 15 - Grilled Rye Murder: Book 16 - A Quiche To Die For: Book 17 - A Side of Murder: Book 18 -
Wrapped in Murder: Book 19)
3,092 reviews13 followers
July 6, 2024
“Beef Brisket Murder” sees Moira finally getting around to clearing out the basement in her new home. What could possibly go wrong?
Believe it or not there's a body in the crawlspace!
As she and David investigate there seems to be evidence that the corpse is that of a young woman, one of several, who disappeared, decades ago.
It's actually one of the better thought out plots in the series so far.
But of far more interest (to me at least) is that at the end of Chapter 15 Moira and David finally exchange more than a peck on the cheek:- “He gazed at her for a moment, then tilted her face up with a finger under her chin and pressed his lips against hers in a surprisingly slow, lingering kiss.” Wonder of wonders, there was “tingling” involved (this would be akin to a full on orgy in many other books!)
3 Stars.
1,052 reviews5 followers
March 13, 2017
Book 11, but I didn't feel lost not having read all the previous ones.
Moira finds a skeleton in her new basement as she's cleaning, and she takes it upon herself to try and help the police solve the mystery...at least the part about who it is. Turns out, the answer might be at the retirement home in Lake Marion, where her daughter's boyfriend's dad is staying and where Moira ends up with a catering gig due to her stellar reputation and ability to make food that takes into account all the residents' various dietary restrictions.
Profile Image for Gail.
1,545 reviews
November 14, 2016
This one is kind of creepy when Moira finds a body in her basement while trying to clean it out. What trouble will this cause her this time? Read the book to find out.
Question: If David picked up Moira to go to the Redwood Grill for dinner. Than how was her car in the parking lot when she receives a call and has to leave?
Profile Image for Anita Burkett.
Author 5 books70 followers
March 25, 2018
I wasn't surprised who the guilty were. I saw a sign pretty early. Good book just like the rest of them.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
1,445 reviews22 followers
September 15, 2020
Another good read

The books in this series have all been fun, quick reads. The characters are well developed, and the plot is well thought out. I've enjoyed the entire series so far, but the books do stand alone.
Profile Image for Sabine.
602 reviews90 followers
October 10, 2016
Very good mystery! It is right up there on my favourite list of this series with book 10. Moira is finding a skeleton in her basement - how creepy is that?!? Of course she has to find out more about it and solving the murder is the best way to do so....
Profile Image for Lauren D..
176 reviews5 followers
June 18, 2016
I loved every minute of Book 11. In the latest installment by Patti Benning, we see Moira has decided to use her day off to do a little spring cleaning in her basement. Now she never really had a chance to clean out her basement after she moved in but with hiring Darrin as manager, she has a little bit more time on her hands. Once she starts cleaning, she notices Maverick going a little bit crazy with the crawl space under her house so after a few minutes she decided to use the flashlight app on her cell phone to see what he is going crazy over and what does she see....a hand and skull buried under her house.

Now if that was me, I would have went screaming, put up a for sale sign on the house and moved into a hotel but not Moira. She decided to let the police handle this open case...or did she. Of course not, as my mother always says, "Curiosity killed the cat," so Moira will ask a few question but she is not getting involved.

I love every minute of this and you really had no idea who the murdered was until the very end. What I enjoyed most, besides the fact that Candice hired Logan to work at the candy shop, but her relationship with David seems to be blossoming nicely. Also the catering side of her business is doing so well she has set up a website. I seriously had a smile on my face when I was reading about Moira and David's relationship. You will be introduced to a character that I have been waiting to get to know a little bit about. But you will lose this book and your stomach will speak to you while your reading. I suggest reading this book after you have a full stomach. Great Job Patti and I can't wait for book 12!!!
Profile Image for Penny Marks.
363 reviews13 followers
June 24, 2016
Beef Brisket Murder is book eleven in the Darling Deli Series and is another WINNER! This series goes from great to amazing in 11 seconds flat. I love this series and all the characters. They have progressed throughout the series and feel like family. I also can't resist the Darling Deli's culinary perfection.
Moira has a lot going on again at the deli. So much for slowing down. She is now delving head first into the catering side of the business. The truck is ready and her manager Darrin has suggested a web designer to have greater exposure for the deli. She is one busy lady but finds herself at home for a few days off with a to do list a mile long. She decides to start in the basement so with Keeva and Maverick she gets to work. Moira is ready to call it a day when Maverick won't go upstairs and keeps going to the crawl space. She decides to take a look and finds that her house may hold a lot of secrets that she doesn't know. She found the skeleton of a young girl and immediately goes into investigation mode. She has already called the police to start their investigation but Moira feels that this is personal and wants Justice for this young girl. So with the help of an unlikely source and David they begin an investigation decades in the making. Will the past stay buried or will the killer strike again???
This is another fast paced, exciting mystery that will have you sleeping with the lights on. I can't wait for book twelve.
Profile Image for Karen Wright.
605 reviews4 followers
June 22, 2016
I just love when I can say Moira is back! Well she is. This time I kind of got the creeps. This installment does not disappoint. There is plenty of food to make you drool. Moira's deli is doing so well and her catering is certainly a big part of that. It was also fun to see her trying to get into technology to further advance her deli. She has a wonderful staff who really add a lot to the story and her business, as well as her daughter Candace and her boyfriend David. Kind of wish things would move along with her and David though but maybe this book is leading up to it. This time murder has taking place in her own backyard, sort of. She finds the remains of a long ago murder victim buried in the crawl space of her basement thanks to the dogs. Unknowingly, she puts herself in danger as well as Eli's grandfather when the killer overhears her tell about the find. Of course there are plenty of twists and turns as well as life as usual in Lake Marian. It's so nice to see Cabdace di si well too. This series has so much to offer and the characters truly seem like a caring family. Each of the stories have been exciting and original and I am always looking forward to the next round of excitement when each book ends. Keep up the good work Patti Benning!
Profile Image for Kristine .
1,803 reviews12 followers
June 22, 2016
This is another delightful installmentn of The Darling Deli Series. Moira finds a skeleton in the crawl space of her house when cleaning out the basement. She feels terrible that someone's life was cut short and wants to know what happened so she can reast easy knowing that justice will be served.

I've enjoyed watching the story evolve and the characters change and grow. The food mentioned in the story always sound so delicious and makes me hungry. The ending seemed a little rushed to me, but otherwise this is an enjoyable book. I look forward to reading what happens next in this terrific series!

I received a copy of this manuscript from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Anne G. Kasaba.
1,924 reviews9 followers
June 20, 2016
Small towns are murder!

I received this book for free in return for an honest review. When I began reading I was so enthralled that I stopped reading and bought the other ten books in the series! I read straight through them and each one gets better. I feel like Moira and David are my friends and the deli staff as well as Moira's friends and daughter are extended family. Moira and David get involved in numerous murder investigations oftentimes with Moira or her daughter being in danger but it's always interesting to try to figure out who did it. If you like cosies, murder, and food don't miss this series.
59 reviews4 followers
August 3, 2016
I just cant get enough

From the very beginning of this and the others in this series, you are hooked. I read this book in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. Moira and her luck is enough to make your heart flutter. She has a heart of gold, as well as a nosey streak. She should get paid to be a detective, like her boyfriend!

Thanks Patti Benning for your work and your vivid imagination! As long as you write, I am reading!

This book was gifted to me in honor of my honest opinion! It was fabulous!
Profile Image for Star ☔️.
503 reviews
June 24, 2019
This is a light, quick read! Moira has herself mixed up in yet another murder mystery. This one hits her a little too close to home, literally. The soups described in this book sound unique and interesting. The breakfast quiches sound amazing! I want one! Patti Benning's books are great for culinary cozy lovers! The publisher provided me with a complimentary ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.
363 reviews2 followers
June 22, 2016
**I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review**

This was a delicious little mystery. Parts of it struck me as a little darker than I would've liked, but I've been in a “the lighter and fluffier, the better” type of mood with my reading recently. But those parts were handled very well and didn't get overly dark. The mystery itself was great and I can't wait until the next one comes out.
816 reviews4 followers
February 6, 2017
Unexpected roommate

When Moira decides to do some cleaning in her basement her dog finds an unexpected roommate. The police won't tell her anything and now even her best employees are hiding things behind her back. She's not having a good week. Excellent read as always
Profile Image for Geneva.
676 reviews8 followers
July 3, 2016
Patti has written the best in the Darling Deli series, human bones found, of course Moira gets totally involved. Then there is the new catering business getting up and running, the Deli Website, amazing things going on. AND the best ending!! You will need to read to find out!! LOL!
I don't want to be a spoiler, but what a sweet ending! Tears, but happy tears.

Great job Patti.
486 reviews2 followers
July 30, 2016
Serial Killer

Deli owner, Moira Darling, decides to clean her basement, on one of her rare days off. With her two dogs for company, she gets most of the job done. Before quitting for the day, her dogs become fascinated with a crawlspace. Using her phone's flashlight app, she finds a body in the crawlspace. A decent little mystery!
Profile Image for CAROL VANATTA.
223 reviews4 followers
June 29, 2016
WOULD THE RECIPES BE ASKING TOO MUCH...PLEASE

At least Dante's MAPLE MINI QUICHE RECIPE?
These mouthwatering soups and sandwiches are as EXCITING as the mysteries.
I , for one, would eagerly buy the cookbook.
Justcva46@gmail.com
11 reviews
January 12, 2017
Awesome read!

This series just keeps getting better. Moira finds a body in the basement and the twists and turns begin. Each book has a different surprise. This series keeps me on the edge of my seat and I can't stop reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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