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A Nutrition Mafia Mystery #1
One Good Eclair
Ivy is determined to make her living as a nutritionist, but her family has other plans. When that family is the mafia, and one of them has gone missing, all other jobs are summarily pushed aside. Or else.
Ivy can’t trust anyone outside of the family, but Slate is not only willing to help, he’s the last person to have seen her uncle alive. It only makes sense to keep her eye and gun on Slate while they hunt for clues. Watching him is easy because Slate is more than happy to keep her close, but is he leading her away from her uncle or truly helping?
Ivy can’t cook her way out of this mess, but she has a recipe or two for dealing with disaster—if she can just put the fires out before she gets burned!
Ivy can’t trust anyone outside of the family, but Slate is not only willing to help, he’s the last person to have seen her uncle alive. It only makes sense to keep her eye and gun on Slate while they hunt for clues. Watching him is easy because Slate is more than happy to keep her close, but is he leading her away from her uncle or truly helping?
Ivy can’t cook her way out of this mess, but she has a recipe or two for dealing with disaster—if she can just put the fires out before she gets burned!
- GenresMystery
176 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2016
4 people are currently reading
390 people want to read
About the author
Maria E. Schneider
36 books161 followersIf you were a character from a book, who would you be??
I'd be a dream catcher, the mystic woven spheres of the American Indian, catching the bad dreams and letting through only the good.
I'd be a dream weaver, she who tells stories woven from bits of dust and starlight.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 10, 2016
4.5 Stars!
ven though I read and love a lot of mysteries and thrillers, I don't read a lot of cozy mysteries for some reason but I knew when I saw the description of One Good Eclair it was something that I had to try (the book, not the eclair).
I'm so very glad I did. I was hooked after the first chapter, it was just so much darn fun to read and actually reminded me a whole lot of the Stephanie Plum series with Ivy's crazy relatives and ability to get herself caught up in crazy situations, with the added bonus of no love triangle!
In fact the romance in this was sweet and slow building and I loved every minute of it, not to mention the mystery that was a lot of fun to decipher along the way too.
All in all, this was an entertaining read that I was quickly swept up in and couldn't get enough of. I will be eagerly awaiting the next installment.
ven though I read and love a lot of mysteries and thrillers, I don't read a lot of cozy mysteries for some reason but I knew when I saw the description of One Good Eclair it was something that I had to try (the book, not the eclair).
I'm so very glad I did. I was hooked after the first chapter, it was just so much darn fun to read and actually reminded me a whole lot of the Stephanie Plum series with Ivy's crazy relatives and ability to get herself caught up in crazy situations, with the added bonus of no love triangle!
In fact the romance in this was sweet and slow building and I loved every minute of it, not to mention the mystery that was a lot of fun to decipher along the way too.
All in all, this was an entertaining read that I was quickly swept up in and couldn't get enough of. I will be eagerly awaiting the next installment.
February 7, 2017
From the very first page the author takes you on a madcap wild adventure. As soon as Ivy and Slate appeared, I saw the sparks flying between them. They take you on a crazy ride to find Ivy’s missing mafia uncle. Slate is the last person to have seen her uncle, and although she’s suspicious, Ivy has no choice but to work with him in finding her uncle. She’s a member of an experienced mafia family and she can handle this.
Slate is a bit taken aback by Ivy’s whacky family, but he’s determined to help Ivy no matter what it takes. They get themselves in some harrowing situations, but they manage to handle themselves just fine.
This is the first book in a brand new series and it’s off to a rip-roaring start. Maria E. Schneider gives readers a cast of the zaniest characters I’ve seen in a long time. They will not only make you smile, but they will keep you laughing.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Slate is a bit taken aback by Ivy’s whacky family, but he’s determined to help Ivy no matter what it takes. They get themselves in some harrowing situations, but they manage to handle themselves just fine.
This is the first book in a brand new series and it’s off to a rip-roaring start. Maria E. Schneider gives readers a cast of the zaniest characters I’ve seen in a long time. They will not only make you smile, but they will keep you laughing.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 28, 2018
When Ivy isn’t working to become a nutritionist she is helping her Uncle Tom doing jobs. Trouble seems to find her where ever she goes as now she has to find out if if her uncle has anything to do with gunshots, murder down the street and someone trying to pick the lock on her uncle’s door.
The man trying to break in is the last one to see her uncle before he has disappeared. She wants answers and she wants them now.
What a wonderful and fun read the characters are great and not to mention a K-9 German Shepard and other things going on. This is the first book I have read by the author but it won’t be the last.
March 16, 2017
One Good Eclair: A Nutrition Mafia Mystery by Maria Schneider
I have read several of Ms. Schneider’s fantasy novels and enjoyed them. I don’t believe I have read any of her cozy mysteries though. Fact is, I haven’t read many mysteries at all. However, I am enjoying the genre.
Ivy is trying to establish herself as a nutritionist. However, she moonlights for her Uncle Tom doing odd jobs when she isn’t working. She is probably the most stable person in her family, but trouble seems to follow her. When her uncle goes missing Ivy is left to figure out if there is a connection between her uncle, a bleeding man trying to pick the lock on her uncle’s patio door, gun shots shattering the same sliding patio door, and a murder down the street all in the same evening.
Ivy isn’t sure she can trust anyone but close family, but she keeps bleeding man at gun point as they escape uncle’s house after the gun shots are fired. She’s suspects bleeding man was the last one to see Uncle Tom before he disappeared and she wants answers. It’s a suspenseful captivating story that involves crooked cops, a loan shark, and a computer genius. Ms. Schneider doesn’t miss a beat weaving the tale as Ivy flounders while trying to connect the dots. There are twists which involve an unscrupulous cousin, a mixed breed terrier, a K-9 German Shepard, marijuana-laden chocolate cake batter, an adorable bloodhound puppy, a cat, and a surprising ally.
“One Good Eclair” is the first book of Ms. Schneider’s Nutrition Mafia Mystery series. You’ll find intrigue, suspense, humor, and a little romance. I can’t wait to see more escapades involving Ivy and her family.
FYI: “One Good Eclair” is the first book of Ms. Schneider’s Nutrition Mafia Mystery series. As a bonus there are a couple of Ivy’s recipes at the end of the book. **Originally written for "BigAl’s Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. ** March 8, 2017
Format/Typo Issues: No significant proofing or formatting issues.
I have read several of Ms. Schneider’s fantasy novels and enjoyed them. I don’t believe I have read any of her cozy mysteries though. Fact is, I haven’t read many mysteries at all. However, I am enjoying the genre.
Ivy is trying to establish herself as a nutritionist. However, she moonlights for her Uncle Tom doing odd jobs when she isn’t working. She is probably the most stable person in her family, but trouble seems to follow her. When her uncle goes missing Ivy is left to figure out if there is a connection between her uncle, a bleeding man trying to pick the lock on her uncle’s patio door, gun shots shattering the same sliding patio door, and a murder down the street all in the same evening.
Ivy isn’t sure she can trust anyone but close family, but she keeps bleeding man at gun point as they escape uncle’s house after the gun shots are fired. She’s suspects bleeding man was the last one to see Uncle Tom before he disappeared and she wants answers. It’s a suspenseful captivating story that involves crooked cops, a loan shark, and a computer genius. Ms. Schneider doesn’t miss a beat weaving the tale as Ivy flounders while trying to connect the dots. There are twists which involve an unscrupulous cousin, a mixed breed terrier, a K-9 German Shepard, marijuana-laden chocolate cake batter, an adorable bloodhound puppy, a cat, and a surprising ally.
“One Good Eclair” is the first book of Ms. Schneider’s Nutrition Mafia Mystery series. You’ll find intrigue, suspense, humor, and a little romance. I can’t wait to see more escapades involving Ivy and her family.
FYI: “One Good Eclair” is the first book of Ms. Schneider’s Nutrition Mafia Mystery series. As a bonus there are a couple of Ivy’s recipes at the end of the book. **Originally written for "BigAl’s Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. ** March 8, 2017
Format/Typo Issues: No significant proofing or formatting issues.
October 8, 2016
Despite having a weakness for éclairs, Ivy really just wants to cook good, healthy food. Doing so, however, doesn’t always pay the bills, so she fills the financial gap by working for her uncle whose business is, shall we say, on the shady side. While at her uncle’s house performing a harmless errand, Slate shows up on the doorstep wounded, shots are fired upon them, and bada bing bada boom, Ivy’s adventure is born. I’m already a fan of Maria Schneider’s Sedona O’Hala books, and now I’m thrilled with this first in her new Nutrition Mafia Mystery series. The mystery is enticing, the characters are fun and a bit crazy at times, and the little dash of romance tops it off nicely. It was a thoroughly entertaining read.
October 5, 2016
Very fun and cute read. Ivy has quite a family!
April 7, 2018
i liked this book. it was funny and mysterious as well as challenging. It made me think about who the killer might be, but when Momma shot someone in the buttock for mooning her, i cracked up. This was a fun story which i did not want to put down. No animal was harmed in this story. It took me a few hours to read it. recipes at the end.
February 26, 2020
Mafia, dogs, overpowering family
A great read with well planned breakins, hidden rooms, a bit of computer magic, chases and dogs and a cat. A wild romp on a dull rainy day! Can’t wait to read the next in the series.
A great read with well planned breakins, hidden rooms, a bit of computer magic, chases and dogs and a cat. A wild romp on a dull rainy day! Can’t wait to read the next in the series.
July 21, 2023
Screwball Cozy
This was fun and light hearted with great badinage, quips flying and eccentric relatives locked and loaded. Plus plenty of dog and cat love.
This reminded me of Janet Evanovich's writing (but more of her romances than mysteries). Very enjoyable read.
This was fun and light hearted with great badinage, quips flying and eccentric relatives locked and loaded. Plus plenty of dog and cat love.
This reminded me of Janet Evanovich's writing (but more of her romances than mysteries). Very enjoyable read.
February 5, 2024
Enough trouble for two
I by and Slate meeting the most unusual way. But team up to find Uncle and solve the mystery all the while of having adventure after adventure. This was so funny I was laughing out loud.
I by and Slate meeting the most unusual way. But team up to find Uncle and solve the mystery all the while of having adventure after adventure. This was so funny I was laughing out loud.
October 1, 2016
One Good Eclair
A Nutrition Mafia Mystery, Book 1
Maria E. Schneider
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Ivy is determined to make her living as a nutritionist, but her family has other plans. When that family is the mafia, and one of them has gone missing, all other jobs are summarily pushed aside. Or else.
Ivy can’t trust anyone outside of the family, but Slate is not only willing to help, he’s the last person to have seen her uncle alive. It only makes sense to keep her eye and gun on Slate while they hunt for clues. Watching him is easy because Slate is more than happy to keep her close, but is he leading her away from her uncle or truly helping?
Ivy can’t cook her way out of this mess, but she has a recipe or two for dealing with disaster—if she can just put the fires out before she gets burned! (Goodreads)
Review:
This is the first book in a new series for author Maria E. Schneider and it is a great read. This book has everything that I look for in a cozy mystery: great characters, mystery, suspense, and humor. You can never go wrong reading a book by this author.
The characters are well developed and well rounded. Ivy is loyal to her family, even when she wants to just live a simple normal life. But in her family, that is a difficult thing to accomplish because her family is crazy. But she loves them anyway. Her mom and aunt are whacky, her dad tries, without much luck, to keep the family under control, and her uncle, well, he is missing.
And Slate is mysterious enough to have his own television series. With all of these people in her life, it is no wonder that Ivy’s life is out of control. It was so much fun reading about her family and getting to know them better.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is well paced. The author is very talented in her character development, her descriptive writing and her ability to pull a reader in with her written words. In my opinion, all these things come together to make an excellent author and book.
There was a lot of humor in this book and laugh out loud moments. But there is also a good mystery, with enough twists and turns to keep this reader guessing. That is a big plus in my book when I am reading a mystery.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading a humorous cozy mystery. I am looking forward to reading more books in this series. I have read other books by this author and I have enjoyed all of the books that I have read.
A Nutrition Mafia Mystery, Book 1
Maria E. Schneider
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Ivy is determined to make her living as a nutritionist, but her family has other plans. When that family is the mafia, and one of them has gone missing, all other jobs are summarily pushed aside. Or else.
Ivy can’t trust anyone outside of the family, but Slate is not only willing to help, he’s the last person to have seen her uncle alive. It only makes sense to keep her eye and gun on Slate while they hunt for clues. Watching him is easy because Slate is more than happy to keep her close, but is he leading her away from her uncle or truly helping?
Ivy can’t cook her way out of this mess, but she has a recipe or two for dealing with disaster—if she can just put the fires out before she gets burned! (Goodreads)
Review:
This is the first book in a new series for author Maria E. Schneider and it is a great read. This book has everything that I look for in a cozy mystery: great characters, mystery, suspense, and humor. You can never go wrong reading a book by this author.
The characters are well developed and well rounded. Ivy is loyal to her family, even when she wants to just live a simple normal life. But in her family, that is a difficult thing to accomplish because her family is crazy. But she loves them anyway. Her mom and aunt are whacky, her dad tries, without much luck, to keep the family under control, and her uncle, well, he is missing.
And Slate is mysterious enough to have his own television series. With all of these people in her life, it is no wonder that Ivy’s life is out of control. It was so much fun reading about her family and getting to know them better.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is well paced. The author is very talented in her character development, her descriptive writing and her ability to pull a reader in with her written words. In my opinion, all these things come together to make an excellent author and book.
There was a lot of humor in this book and laugh out loud moments. But there is also a good mystery, with enough twists and turns to keep this reader guessing. That is a big plus in my book when I am reading a mystery.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading a humorous cozy mystery. I am looking forward to reading more books in this series. I have read other books by this author and I have enjoyed all of the books that I have read.
September 30, 2016
I love Maria Schneider's writing! And One Good Eclair does not disappoint.
I mistrust reviews when they say a book is "laugh out loud" funny. But I found myself doing just that with One Good Eclair. There is one scene (you'll recognize it when you get there) that starts with a happy smile, progresses through a guffaw or two, then sneeks up on true out loud laughter. Just when you think it's over, Maria surprises you with another unexpected vision, which resulted in more true laughter on my part. This is a humorous mystery, not a joke book, so there is good character development, a plot that keeps finding interesting places to go, pacing that keeps you involved, and a locale with a realistic south western feel that contributes to the story.
Maria Schneider is a marvelous writer and I for one am grateful for any writing she cares to do. Whatever the genre, cozy mystery, urban fantasy, paranormal, dragons, or something else, anything else, Ms Schneider's books are a joy to read. Mysteries are my favorite, and I happily welcome Maria back to my home genre. I loved One Good Eclair. But I can honestly say I've loved every book with her name on the cover, regardless of whether I normally read the genre or not.
I mistrust reviews when they say a book is "laugh out loud" funny. But I found myself doing just that with One Good Eclair. There is one scene (you'll recognize it when you get there) that starts with a happy smile, progresses through a guffaw or two, then sneeks up on true out loud laughter. Just when you think it's over, Maria surprises you with another unexpected vision, which resulted in more true laughter on my part. This is a humorous mystery, not a joke book, so there is good character development, a plot that keeps finding interesting places to go, pacing that keeps you involved, and a locale with a realistic south western feel that contributes to the story.
Maria Schneider is a marvelous writer and I for one am grateful for any writing she cares to do. Whatever the genre, cozy mystery, urban fantasy, paranormal, dragons, or something else, anything else, Ms Schneider's books are a joy to read. Mysteries are my favorite, and I happily welcome Maria back to my home genre. I loved One Good Eclair. But I can honestly say I've loved every book with her name on the cover, regardless of whether I normally read the genre or not.
October 4, 2016
One Good Eclair is great
I love Maria Schneider's writing! And One Good Eclair does not disappoint.
I mistrust reviews when they say a book is "laugh out loud" funny. But I found myself doing just that. There is one scene (you'll recognize it when you get there) that starts with a happy smile, progresses through a guffaw or two, then sneeks up on true out loud laughter. Just when you think it's over, Maria surprises you with another unexpected vision, which resulted in more true laughter on my part. This is a humorous mystery, not a joke book, so there is good character development, a plot that keeps finding interesting places to go, pacing that keeps you involved, and a locale with a realistic south western feel that contributes to the story.
Maria Schneider is a marvelous writer and I for one am grateful for any writing she cares to do. Whatever the genre, cozy mystery, urban fantasy, paranormal, dragons, or something else, anything else, Ms Schneider's books are a joy to read. Mysteries are my favorite, and I happily welcome Maria back to my home genre. I loved One Good Eclair. But I can honestly say I've loved every book with her name on the cover, regardless of whether I normally read the genre or not.
I love Maria Schneider's writing! And One Good Eclair does not disappoint.
I mistrust reviews when they say a book is "laugh out loud" funny. But I found myself doing just that. There is one scene (you'll recognize it when you get there) that starts with a happy smile, progresses through a guffaw or two, then sneeks up on true out loud laughter. Just when you think it's over, Maria surprises you with another unexpected vision, which resulted in more true laughter on my part. This is a humorous mystery, not a joke book, so there is good character development, a plot that keeps finding interesting places to go, pacing that keeps you involved, and a locale with a realistic south western feel that contributes to the story.
Maria Schneider is a marvelous writer and I for one am grateful for any writing she cares to do. Whatever the genre, cozy mystery, urban fantasy, paranormal, dragons, or something else, anything else, Ms Schneider's books are a joy to read. Mysteries are my favorite, and I happily welcome Maria back to my home genre. I loved One Good Eclair. But I can honestly say I've loved every book with her name on the cover, regardless of whether I normally read the genre or not.
November 13, 2016
Just finished reading this very enjoyable book. The main characters were well developed and lots of fun. The plot kept me turning pages and I did not guess the killer until the reveal. Always a plus for me. I am looking forward to seeing what happens to Ivy and Slate next! This was my first Maria Schneider book and I will definitely be reading more!
September 6, 2018
I absolutely loved this book and hope Maria continues with additional stories with these characters.
The writing is great, the story is fun/wacky - always a plus for me - fast moving and entertaining - you just want to read it straight through without stopping.
The writing is great, the story is fun/wacky - always a plus for me - fast moving and entertaining - you just want to read it straight through without stopping.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews