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Spice Shop Mystery #4
Curried Away
Piper Prescott, proprietor of Spice It Up!, has persuaded Doug Winters, the mild-mannered vet she’s been dating, to demonstrate Indian cuisine at her shop. But before Doug’s presentation of classic chicken curry is completed, Ned Feeney, local handyman, bursts in with news of a murder.Sandy Granger, the director of a local production of Steel Magnolias, was found strangled in the third-floor balcony of the Brandywine Creek Opera House. Sandy, it seems, had not endeared herself to cast or crew. Complaints about her ran the gamut from her management style to her lack of people skills. Everyone connected with the production falls under suspicion, including Piper Prescott’s BFF, Reba Mae Johnson, who made it well known how unhappy she is that she was cut from the cast.When the spotlight for the dastardly deed shines on Reba Mae, Piper rushes to her friend’s defense. Who among Sandy’s detractors was angry enough to wrap a silk scarf around her neck—and pull tight? Will Piper succeed in solving the case before she becomes the killer’s encore performance? And will she ever learn just how to prepare the perfect curry? As delicious as it is charming, this entry in Gail Oust’s mouth-watering Spice Shop Mysteries, Curried Away, is sure to delight both old fans and new.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 13, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
February 6, 2017
Dollycas Thoughts
This 4th installment of Gail Oust’s Spice Shop Mysteries finds the town in rehearsals for a production of Steel Magnolias. The director, Sandy Grainger, is pretty demanding and most of the cast and crew is ready to quit. When she tells them they will be rehearsing over the Thanksgiving weekend everyone was upset. But when she cut Reba Mae Johnson from the cast Reba Mae doesn’t hold back and really tells Sandy off in front of everyone. So when the overbearing director is found dead, Reba Mae is the prime suspect. Piper quickly goes into sleuth mode to prove her friend’s innocence and catch the real killer.
I have enjoyed this series from the start. All my favorite characters are back and there is plenty of drama over and above the murder mystery. Several characters are evolving in new and unexpected directions. One was very expected but I am so happy with the way the author is handling the whole situation.
As for the murder, there are so many suspects, we find Piper and Chief McBride get a pretty testy with each other. The town is also up in arms when the killer is not caught immediately. The sales of pepper spray increase and several woman demand Piper to convince the chief to hold a self-defense class. He has the investigation to conduct and tries to get out of holding the class by scheduling it at a time when thinks no one will show up. He was in for a big surprise. Guess who becomes his demonstration partner?
As always this author cooks us up a tasty mystery that I am pleased to recommend highly. I am not a big fan of curry, but I really loved this story.
There is some information about curry in the back of the book along with recipes for Spicy Chicken Curry, Cranberry Nut Mini Muffins and Gingerbread.
This 4th installment of Gail Oust’s Spice Shop Mysteries finds the town in rehearsals for a production of Steel Magnolias. The director, Sandy Grainger, is pretty demanding and most of the cast and crew is ready to quit. When she tells them they will be rehearsing over the Thanksgiving weekend everyone was upset. But when she cut Reba Mae Johnson from the cast Reba Mae doesn’t hold back and really tells Sandy off in front of everyone. So when the overbearing director is found dead, Reba Mae is the prime suspect. Piper quickly goes into sleuth mode to prove her friend’s innocence and catch the real killer.
I have enjoyed this series from the start. All my favorite characters are back and there is plenty of drama over and above the murder mystery. Several characters are evolving in new and unexpected directions. One was very expected but I am so happy with the way the author is handling the whole situation.
As for the murder, there are so many suspects, we find Piper and Chief McBride get a pretty testy with each other. The town is also up in arms when the killer is not caught immediately. The sales of pepper spray increase and several woman demand Piper to convince the chief to hold a self-defense class. He has the investigation to conduct and tries to get out of holding the class by scheduling it at a time when thinks no one will show up. He was in for a big surprise. Guess who becomes his demonstration partner?
As always this author cooks us up a tasty mystery that I am pleased to recommend highly. I am not a big fan of curry, but I really loved this story.
There is some information about curry in the back of the book along with recipes for Spicy Chicken Curry, Cranberry Nut Mini Muffins and Gingerbread.
October 31, 2017
This was NOT my favorite of the series, not by a long shot. I knew who the murderer was very early on, and I knew WHY the murderer murdered. THAT was very easy to see from almost the beginning. And the whole "Cot and Melly" story-line is SO NOT BELIEVABLE. There is no way in H E L L Melly would go off gallivanting with a man she was not married to. NO. FREAKING. WAY. I don't care if he WAS a judge.
Things I DID like:
**Getting rid of white-toast boring Doug. I know that Piper has been hurt from her divorce and that is why she is drawn to safe, boring Doug, but he was so not good for her. NOT even remotely. I am not sorry to see him and he daughter go [and what was with THAT totally inappropriate relationship? I get guilt at not being a present parent, but WOW. It was super creepy to me].
**Having a self-defense class. I wish they had talked more about this, but it was a good inclusion in the story. I hope that they talk about this again; it is am important topic today and always.
**Having McBride set down more permanent roots; in doing that he is basically telling the [dumb and obnoxious] Mayor that he cannot be controlled. And I really like the chemistry between him and Piper. Especially now that White Toast Man is out of the way.
I hope that the next book is better than this one was, but even if its a 3 starrer again, I will keep reading. I really like [most] of the characters and I am beginning to really enjoy the little town they live in. Murder and all.
Things I DID like:
**Getting rid of white-toast boring Doug. I know that Piper has been hurt from her divorce and that is why she is drawn to safe, boring Doug, but he was so not good for her. NOT even remotely. I am not sorry to see him and he daughter go [and what was with THAT totally inappropriate relationship? I get guilt at not being a present parent, but WOW. It was super creepy to me].
**Having a self-defense class. I wish they had talked more about this, but it was a good inclusion in the story. I hope that they talk about this again; it is am important topic today and always.
**Having McBride set down more permanent roots; in doing that he is basically telling the [dumb and obnoxious] Mayor that he cannot be controlled. And I really like the chemistry between him and Piper. Especially now that White Toast Man is out of the way.
I hope that the next book is better than this one was, but even if its a 3 starrer again, I will keep reading. I really like [most] of the characters and I am beginning to really enjoy the little town they live in. Murder and all.
February 3, 2020
4 stelle e mezza
Altro buon libro, anche se non l'ho apprezzato del tutto come i precedenti: non capisco come si possa uccidere una persona per una recita... In più, mi intriga il libro successivo, che è, purtroppo, anche l'ultimo della serie.
Altro buon libro, anche se non l'ho apprezzato del tutto come i precedenti: non capisco come si possa uccidere una persona per una recita... In più, mi intriga il libro successivo, che è, purtroppo, anche l'ultimo della serie.
January 4, 2017
This is another great installment in Spice Shop mysteries. I loved the character development in this installment and looking forward to next book in the series. This is turning into one of my new favorite series
May 14, 2021
10 good reasons not to get hooked on this series, like I did!
1. They are all exactly the same and filled with cliches.
2. Skip all the repetition, the book would have been 100 pages shorter.
3. Piper, stop with the tucking an errant curl behind your ear over and over.
4. Why is McBride’s job always on the line?
5. How can a small town have 5 murders in less than a year?
6. I get the idea Mc Bride has a dimple and is handsome, once is enough.
7. Stop referring to Piper as Nancy Drew - although she acts that age.
8. BFF at their age seems rather juvenile.
9. Every character is a classic stereotype.
10. The whole series should be under the Young Adult section.
In spite of all this and more I read the whole series, don’t know why????
1. They are all exactly the same and filled with cliches.
2. Skip all the repetition, the book would have been 100 pages shorter.
3. Piper, stop with the tucking an errant curl behind your ear over and over.
4. Why is McBride’s job always on the line?
5. How can a small town have 5 murders in less than a year?
6. I get the idea Mc Bride has a dimple and is handsome, once is enough.
7. Stop referring to Piper as Nancy Drew - although she acts that age.
8. BFF at their age seems rather juvenile.
9. Every character is a classic stereotype.
10. The whole series should be under the Young Adult section.
In spite of all this and more I read the whole series, don’t know why????
January 2, 2018
This is another great entry in this series. It kept me guessing right until the end. I loved it.
May 15, 2021
it's not that I don't like women authors there are many good ones, Kate Quinn, Alex Kava, Tana French, I just don't like silly ones who think they are clever.
March 10, 2025
#4 in this fun cozy mystery series! I love all the characters and wish I had a spice shop in my town!
January 22, 2018
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February 7, 2017
Full review posted 1/13/17 to Brooke Blogs.
Curried Away by Gail Oust is the fourth book in a Spice Shop Mystery Series. A local production of Steel Magnolias comes to a screeching halt when the body of the director is found in the balcony. Sandy Granger was strangled to death, and there appears to be no shortage of suspects. Piper's BFF, Reba Mae, is the prime suspect.
Piper ended up having to do some solo-sleuthing since Reba Mae is under suspicion. On the relationship front, Piper's relationship with Doug starts to cool down as he is focused on his daughter, Madison. Piper also has to deal with being alone on Thanksgiving, when her son stays at college and her daughter chooses to eat with her father. This was an enjoyable cozy mystery. I really like the characters in this one. Piper is easy to like and she is a pretty smart sleuth. There were several suspects so you are kept guessing throughout the story.
I received a copy of this book for free but I am voluntarily reviewing it. My opinion was not influenced in any way.
Curried Away by Gail Oust is the fourth book in a Spice Shop Mystery Series. A local production of Steel Magnolias comes to a screeching halt when the body of the director is found in the balcony. Sandy Granger was strangled to death, and there appears to be no shortage of suspects. Piper's BFF, Reba Mae, is the prime suspect.
Piper ended up having to do some solo-sleuthing since Reba Mae is under suspicion. On the relationship front, Piper's relationship with Doug starts to cool down as he is focused on his daughter, Madison. Piper also has to deal with being alone on Thanksgiving, when her son stays at college and her daughter chooses to eat with her father. This was an enjoyable cozy mystery. I really like the characters in this one. Piper is easy to like and she is a pretty smart sleuth. There were several suspects so you are kept guessing throughout the story.
I received a copy of this book for free but I am voluntarily reviewing it. My opinion was not influenced in any way.
September 13, 2017
couldn't get past the southern affects
March 23, 2025
"You're fired!"
This is our fourth visit to Brandywine Creek, Georgia and the Spice It Up! shop owned by Piper Prescott. The local theater is planning a production of Steel Magnolias and Piper's friend Reba Mae is slated to play Truvy. This is not a far stretch as Reba Mae owns the local beauty salon. Her feelings are hurt when Sandy Granger dumps her and replaces her with Mary Lou Lambert. Soon afterwards, Sandy is found murdered and Reba Mae is the prime suspect.
It's been a number of years since I read the last book in this series. I was a bit sad that Piper's relationship with Dr Doug has stalled due to the introduction of his teenage daughter, Madison. However, it does leave an open door for Piper to get involved with Police Chief Wyatt McBride. That is if McBride wasn't so dead set on arresting Reba Mae.
The victim was not well like by so many people that it was hard to figure out who would actually kill her. Of course, Piper pretty much runs through them all in her journey to clear Reba Mae.
The more I learn about Piper's ex the less I like him. Ditto for his soon to be wife. i was a bit surprised by the children's choices for Thanksgiving. it made me sad.
The mystery gets bit convoluted at times and takes a few tangents. I had thought of the character that ended up being the killer about midway through the book and then let it drop. The reveal is well done even with Piper and Reba Mae in danger.
I have the next book in the series which I believe is the last. I will read it at some point to see where the relationship between Piper and Wyatt goes.
This is our fourth visit to Brandywine Creek, Georgia and the Spice It Up! shop owned by Piper Prescott. The local theater is planning a production of Steel Magnolias and Piper's friend Reba Mae is slated to play Truvy. This is not a far stretch as Reba Mae owns the local beauty salon. Her feelings are hurt when Sandy Granger dumps her and replaces her with Mary Lou Lambert. Soon afterwards, Sandy is found murdered and Reba Mae is the prime suspect.
It's been a number of years since I read the last book in this series. I was a bit sad that Piper's relationship with Dr Doug has stalled due to the introduction of his teenage daughter, Madison. However, it does leave an open door for Piper to get involved with Police Chief Wyatt McBride. That is if McBride wasn't so dead set on arresting Reba Mae.
The victim was not well like by so many people that it was hard to figure out who would actually kill her. Of course, Piper pretty much runs through them all in her journey to clear Reba Mae.
The more I learn about Piper's ex the less I like him. Ditto for his soon to be wife. i was a bit surprised by the children's choices for Thanksgiving. it made me sad.
The mystery gets bit convoluted at times and takes a few tangents. I had thought of the character that ended up being the killer about midway through the book and then let it drop. The reveal is well done even with Piper and Reba Mae in danger.
I have the next book in the series which I believe is the last. I will read it at some point to see where the relationship between Piper and Wyatt goes.
May 16, 2017
I believe the best complement you could ever give a book is "I stayed up till 2am to finish it."
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I did have a few issues with some of the characters. For instance, Pipper seems to let her ex husband walk all over her still. Don't even get me started on Amber. (The hussy home wrecker.)
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I still dont understand why anyone talks to Dottie, the mayors wife. That woman has the biggest mouth and gossips like her life is on the line.
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Even though I read the previous book, I feel like there were too many names mentioned. There were a few times I had to stop and think if we had been introduced yet, or if they were even important to the story.
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I have a list of characters that I would love to be the victim or the murderer in the next book. (I might be a bit bloodthirsty.)
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However, when it comes down to it...the book kept me up till 2. I couldn't put it down. I found myself walking around doing tasks and reading. The only other time I've found myself doing that, was with the previous book in this series "Cinnamon Toasted".
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The author had me guessing until the very end when the groundbreaking clue was tossed out. (And at that point, does it even count if I guess correctly? Probably not.)
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I started Curried Away by Gail Oust Saturday afternoon, and was finished by 2am Sunday.
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I give this book a good 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5 stars (4.5)
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I highly recommend this author if you haven't read her yet
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I did have a few issues with some of the characters. For instance, Pipper seems to let her ex husband walk all over her still. Don't even get me started on Amber. (The hussy home wrecker.)
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I still dont understand why anyone talks to Dottie, the mayors wife. That woman has the biggest mouth and gossips like her life is on the line.
🍃
Even though I read the previous book, I feel like there were too many names mentioned. There were a few times I had to stop and think if we had been introduced yet, or if they were even important to the story.
🍃
I have a list of characters that I would love to be the victim or the murderer in the next book. (I might be a bit bloodthirsty.)
🍃
However, when it comes down to it...the book kept me up till 2. I couldn't put it down. I found myself walking around doing tasks and reading. The only other time I've found myself doing that, was with the previous book in this series "Cinnamon Toasted".
🍃
The author had me guessing until the very end when the groundbreaking clue was tossed out. (And at that point, does it even count if I guess correctly? Probably not.)
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I started Curried Away by Gail Oust Saturday afternoon, and was finished by 2am Sunday.
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I give this book a good 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5 stars (4.5)
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I highly recommend this author if you haven't read her yet
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May 22, 2023
** spoiler*** I really don’t like writing bad reviews but this really needed to be done. The blatant racial stereotypes, bias’ and the ridiculous over the top body shaming was just too much for me. It really confused me because I’m not sure if the author was intentionally making the characters be so ignorant because it’s set in the south or if the author just doesn’t have enough actual experience with different types of people that they didn’t know how to actually write them. One description of a POC was “her dark face” 😵💫 while she used multiple adjectives, multiple times to describe blue eyes. It was extremely painful. It’s ok if you’re not comfortable writing in characters that you’re not experienced with, just leave them out. Stick to what you know. Fat people were dumb in this book and so where the athletic women, they were just described as pretty and floozy 🙄. And multiple times we had to hear about the murder and her stapled stomach. I was excited about this book too, I had a whole post idea and curry dish planned. Well I’m still gonna make the curry just not the authors version lol 😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2018
This is the fourth outing for Piper and the gang and it well and truly holds its own in the series (and I really should try some of the recipes as they sound delicious!), this time we have the town of Brandywine Creek planning to put on a stage show of Steel Magnolias and Reba Mae has been cast (and then un-cast) in the part of Truvy Jones, the Beautician in the play. When Reba Mae was dumped from the cast she stated in front of witnesses that she would happily wrap her hands around the neck of Sandy Granger (the director/producer of the show), these words will come back and haunt her as a few days later, just as Doug the Vet is starting his demonstration on how to make a curry, the Police and Coroner's vehicles shoot past Spice It Up! and end at the Opera House, it turns out that Ned Feeney (the somewhat inept local handyman!) has discovered Sandy strangled with her own silk scarf.
Now Piper needs to look into what was going on with the cast and crew of the play otherwise Reba Mae will end up starring in a real life version of Orange is the new Black!
Now Piper needs to look into what was going on with the cast and crew of the play otherwise Reba Mae will end up starring in a real life version of Orange is the new Black!
September 16, 2017
"Steel Magnolias" seems like the ideal play for the amateurs of Brandywine Creek, but unfortunately rich, glamorous director Sandy Graham has antagonized most of the cast--and kicked out spice shop owner Piper Prescott's best friend, Reba Mae. So when Sandy is found dead, Reba Mae becomes a leading suspect, and is only one of the people who ask Piper to investigate. (The local chief of police, hunky Wyatt, is not one of them.) Meanwhile, the veterinarian Piper's been dating gets more enmeshed by his needy daughter, until he has no time for Piper. This book really benefits from a knowledge of the earlier volumes in this series, as it might be hard to understand some of the human complexities without the background provided earlier.
November 29, 2023
I liked the fourth book of the Spice Shop Mystery series, but it definitely was not my favorite. The usually fearless Piper Prescott feels a little wimpy when it comes to communicating with her own family. This book takes place around Thanksgiving when Piper takes it upon herself to defend her BFF Reba Mae who is the number one suspect for the latest Brandywine Creek murder. In this book it felt like there was A LOT of people that Piper interrogates and I had a hard time keeping all of them straight. The ending felt rushed with a lot of details shoved into a chapter with months passing, but it was still a cute enough book.
July 4, 2017
This installment was one of the best in the Spice it Up spice shop mysteries. Instead of hitting him with a brisket, The murder in the haunted theater was better. Piper and the rest of the gang are really picking up enough steam for me to wait until the next book. I am super excited for this series, and anticipate every December for the latest. Classic cozy hijinks, with a lighter side of life. The changing with Piper's love life were surprising and saddening. Though Chief Mcbride. is getting very comfy I so do love this series.
February 10, 2018
What is happening in the small town of Brandywine Creek, Ga? Instead of putting on a show in the Brandywine Creek Opera House, the director, Sandy granger, is found strangled with her own silk scarf...Seems like every one in the cast f Steel Magnolia's had a reason to want to kill her..but only one, Reba Mae Johnson, has uttered those words out loud and is the police chief's main suspect! Can lcal spice shop owner , Piper Prescott, use her detecting skills and find the true murderer? Fun read!
February 5, 2019
First I have read in this series, though not the first in the series. I like some of the characters, though there are two I did not care for and I was quite happy they will not be appearing in future books. The director of a community theater production of Steel Magnolias has been murdered. She had alienated almost the entire cast so there are lots of suspects, but Piper's best friend Reba Mae seems to be at the top of that list. Unfortunately, lots of circumstantial evidence is against her, but Piper is out to prove her friend is not a murderer.
February 2, 2017
Piper runs a spice shop and is having a Indian cuisine demonstration at her shop when the local handyman runs in saying there has been a murder. The director of a local theatre group has been murdered, since had bullied everyone on the set there is a wide range of people to pick from. Piper's best friend is the top suspect and runs away. Piper has to get through the holidays without her children, try to manage her love life, run the shop and figure out who the killer is.
March 7, 2017
nice read, but far too many cliches for my personal liking. if you can get past them, its a possible 4* read.
summary: piper's bff reba mae is the prime suspect in the murder of sandy granger, who is producing 'steel magnolias' at brandywine creeks opera house. sandy is such a piece of work that the list of suspects is 10 miles long. but all of the evidence points to reba mae? who actually killed sandy?
summary: piper's bff reba mae is the prime suspect in the murder of sandy granger, who is producing 'steel magnolias' at brandywine creeks opera house. sandy is such a piece of work that the list of suspects is 10 miles long. but all of the evidence points to reba mae? who actually killed sandy?
January 30, 2019
Things to like and dislike about this book. If you are a fan of the series, you will like it.
September 30, 2019
Piper is bit by the snooping bug and it's losing her friends but she can't seem to help herself. This time, her BFF is deemed the most likely suspect so Piper is more than ready to ignore common courtesy and find out who really did the dirty deed. Eventually, she stumbled onto the answer (so did I) and helped bring that person to the sheriff's attention. It was another fun, quick read in this series.
January 26, 2017
I'm bumping this review up from 3.5 stars because the series keeps getting better and because the Piper/McBride situation was pretty darn near perfect. A good mystery despite a few "dumb moves" by characters. People and relationships change, which is not always found in cozies, and which I greatly appreciate. Glad to be rid of a certain person.
June 5, 2017
Number 4 in the Spice Shop mysteries, this book continues the story of Piper Prescott, owner of a spice shop in the bucolic town of Brandywine. We have her love interests to captivate us and a nice little murder for her to solve, especially as her very best friend is the main person of interest. This was a very enjoyable read.
March 23, 2019
Ok but longer than needed
The murderer was obvious from 1st encounter with the character. The other plot lines of the relationship/non-relationship with Doug and McBride dragged. It seemed reaching in a few of the interactions with these 2 men. Still overall a decent story
The murderer was obvious from 1st encounter with the character. The other plot lines of the relationship/non-relationship with Doug and McBride dragged. It seemed reaching in a few of the interactions with these 2 men. Still overall a decent story
September 10, 2023
Fun series!
I am enjoying this series & getting to know the characters more with each book. This book reminded me of a small town I lived in as a young person & some of the local characters I knew.
I am enjoying this series & getting to know the characters more with each book. This book reminded me of a small town I lived in as a young person & some of the local characters I knew.
March 23, 2017
Fun series. The characters are interesting...various personalities will be identified as people you know...and the plot moves quickly. I'm learning a lot about spices used in cooking but I don't think I will ever be the "grind your own fresh" type of cook.
March 25, 2017
I love these books. Somehow Piper raised the most self absorbed kids but I guess we can blame that on C.J. And I hope them skipping ahead to the play in February doesn't mean we will miss hearing about the disaster that will be C.J and Amber's wedding in December!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews