What do you think?
Rate this book
A Callie's Kitchen Mystery #2
Spiced and Iced
The holidays can be murder! Greek-American restaurateur Callie Costas finds herself on thin ice when a colleague is killed. Recipes included!
The season is bright when Calliope “Callie” Costas agrees to contribute her Greek snowball cookies to a December bridal shower at The English Country Inn in the scenic waterfront town of Crystal Bay, WI. But when Callie finds a colleague dead, she's sucked into another murder investigation -- all while juggling her growing business and staggering holiday workload.
As she reluctantly agrees to help the Inn’s owner track the killer, Callie is soon up to her spiced Greek biscotti in difficulties. For one thing, the hotel staff is freezing her out as she tries to uncover information, helped by her feisty Grandma Viv and her sweet but nosy aunt who’s visiting from Greece. And then there’s her deepening relationship with the suave and mysterious Detective Sands, a British expat now living in Wisconsin, who seems to have a few secrets of his own.
The icing on the cake is a host of simultaneous family mayhem including her father's surprising fixation on a real estate agent and her ex’s plans to move back to Crystal Bay. As the Inn’s annual Christmas Tea approaches, things are heating up in Callie’s Kitchen, but she’s on thin ice! Will Christmas be a festive celebration this year – or will it be murder?
Turn to the end of the book for six delicious recipes, including Greek cookies and savories, plus traditional Midwestern holiday favorites!
The season is bright when Calliope “Callie” Costas agrees to contribute her Greek snowball cookies to a December bridal shower at The English Country Inn in the scenic waterfront town of Crystal Bay, WI. But when Callie finds a colleague dead, she's sucked into another murder investigation -- all while juggling her growing business and staggering holiday workload.
As she reluctantly agrees to help the Inn’s owner track the killer, Callie is soon up to her spiced Greek biscotti in difficulties. For one thing, the hotel staff is freezing her out as she tries to uncover information, helped by her feisty Grandma Viv and her sweet but nosy aunt who’s visiting from Greece. And then there’s her deepening relationship with the suave and mysterious Detective Sands, a British expat now living in Wisconsin, who seems to have a few secrets of his own.
The icing on the cake is a host of simultaneous family mayhem including her father's surprising fixation on a real estate agent and her ex’s plans to move back to Crystal Bay. As the Inn’s annual Christmas Tea approaches, things are heating up in Callie’s Kitchen, but she’s on thin ice! Will Christmas be a festive celebration this year – or will it be murder?
Turn to the end of the book for six delicious recipes, including Greek cookies and savories, plus traditional Midwestern holiday favorites!
239 pages, ebook
First published December 4, 2016
162 people are currently reading
982 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Kales
8 books284 followersJenny Kales is the author of The Callie's Kitchen Mystery series.
Kales is an avid reader, cook and baker and she's addicted to mystery TV, especially anything on Masterpiece Mystery or BBC America. She lives in the Midwest, is the mother of two beautiful daughters, and is hard at work on her next book, including a new mystery series and other projects.
You can follow her on Facebook at Jenny Kales Author and on Instagram at Jenny Kales_Author.
Kales is an avid reader, cook and baker and she's addicted to mystery TV, especially anything on Masterpiece Mystery or BBC America. She lives in the Midwest, is the mother of two beautiful daughters, and is hard at work on her next book, including a new mystery series and other projects.
You can follow her on Facebook at Jenny Kales Author and on Instagram at Jenny Kales_Author.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
October 21, 2017
Dollycas’s Thoughts
It’s December in Crystal Bay, Wisconsin. The snow if falling, frigid temps are setting in and Callie’s Kitchen is busy baking and making delicious things for the holiday season. She has agreed to provide her Greek snowball cookies for a bridal shower at The English Country Inn but before the shower begins Callie finds the party planner dead in the water. Her relationship with Detective Sands may hit the skids because she just can’t help investigating the death. Her aunt and grandma even get involved. As if she doesn’t have enough on her plate, her ex may be moving back to Crystal Bay and her father appears to be dating. Christmas may be drawing near but Callie is determined to ice the killer just like he iced his victim.
I started reading this story and it felt like home. The author really describes everything about Wisconsin perfectly. The weather, the people, the food, the little language quirks, it warmed by heart.
Callie is a lovable character, she has a huge heart and is a hard worker determined to make her business a success. Her friendship with Samantha struggled a bit in this installment and their interactions were spot on. Her relationship with Detective Sands struggles as well but we learn more about this character as they work to turn things around. Max and Callie work together in the kitchen like a well oiled machine and he is a great friend to her. Callie’s aunt, “Sweetie” is visiting from Greece and she teams up with Grandma Viv for some laugh out loud moments. Her father’s life is in a period of change too. Callie is unsure if it is the situation or the woman that he is seeing that gives her concern. All these characters are well crafted, engaging and true to life.
The murder mystery itself was complicated. There were more suspects that I imagined at first and I was totally wrong about the murderer. Things got really exciting as Callie thought she too had it all figured out. We were both surprised, she actually found herself in what could have been a life or death situation. She was livid by the time she was able to literally track the culprit down. Wow Callie! You Go Girl!
I can’t finish this review without talking about the food. Good gracious, I was practically drooling every time Callie or Max were in the kitchen. I could almost smell the food cooking. I can’t wait to try the recipes in the back of the book.
Christmas in Wisconsin is delightful, (sans murders, of course), the temperatures may be dropping and the snow may be falling, but the food and friendships will warm you right up. Thank you Jenny Kales for this wonderful story.
It’s December in Crystal Bay, Wisconsin. The snow if falling, frigid temps are setting in and Callie’s Kitchen is busy baking and making delicious things for the holiday season. She has agreed to provide her Greek snowball cookies for a bridal shower at The English Country Inn but before the shower begins Callie finds the party planner dead in the water. Her relationship with Detective Sands may hit the skids because she just can’t help investigating the death. Her aunt and grandma even get involved. As if she doesn’t have enough on her plate, her ex may be moving back to Crystal Bay and her father appears to be dating. Christmas may be drawing near but Callie is determined to ice the killer just like he iced his victim.
I started reading this story and it felt like home. The author really describes everything about Wisconsin perfectly. The weather, the people, the food, the little language quirks, it warmed by heart.
Callie is a lovable character, she has a huge heart and is a hard worker determined to make her business a success. Her friendship with Samantha struggled a bit in this installment and their interactions were spot on. Her relationship with Detective Sands struggles as well but we learn more about this character as they work to turn things around. Max and Callie work together in the kitchen like a well oiled machine and he is a great friend to her. Callie’s aunt, “Sweetie” is visiting from Greece and she teams up with Grandma Viv for some laugh out loud moments. Her father’s life is in a period of change too. Callie is unsure if it is the situation or the woman that he is seeing that gives her concern. All these characters are well crafted, engaging and true to life.
The murder mystery itself was complicated. There were more suspects that I imagined at first and I was totally wrong about the murderer. Things got really exciting as Callie thought she too had it all figured out. We were both surprised, she actually found herself in what could have been a life or death situation. She was livid by the time she was able to literally track the culprit down. Wow Callie! You Go Girl!
I can’t finish this review without talking about the food. Good gracious, I was practically drooling every time Callie or Max were in the kitchen. I could almost smell the food cooking. I can’t wait to try the recipes in the back of the book.
Christmas in Wisconsin is delightful, (sans murders, of course), the temperatures may be dropping and the snow may be falling, but the food and friendships will warm you right up. Thank you Jenny Kales for this wonderful story.
June 15, 2018
I loved this Christmas themed mystery, maybe even more since where I live it's warm and sunny today and looking outside, I don't have to see snow lol. I enjoy Christmas themes anyway and reading about it in this awesome Greek family was just a lot of fun. The first book was set a few months before this one and since then, Callie had started seeing the police detective, Ian Sands. Her dad got a new love interest in this story which was interesting and comical at times.
Callie was supplying the cookies for a bridal shower held at the local English Country Inn. The events planner had arranged for her to do that but Callie didn't have to worry about staying and serving. Later when Callie found that her colleague had been murdered, of course her dad and Ian were worried for her safety and she was actually worried too. It didn't stop her from wanting to get to the bottom of things. During her investigation, she found a couple of secrets about other inn employees as well. It was pretty funny reading how her Grandma Viv and her cousin/aunt from Greece known as Sweetie had tried to snoop into the case as well. Callie worried about their safety, but as Max said, Viv could probably give Jessica Fletcher some pointers.
Callie's ex-husband and his new wife, Hugh and Raine are a small part of this book. I like that Callie has been able to deal with their marriage but she was having some issues with them coming to Crystal Bay to live even though she realized that Olivia would love having her dad live close by. Everything worked out in the end, which by the way, was pretty epic since Callie got to chase someone down with a snowplow. I can somehow picture that happening in a mystery on TV.
I still just love the character of Grandma Viv. She's just everything a family would want in a grandma. She's got their best interests and safety at heart without thinking about her own. And Sweetie was a hoot too! She enjoyed coming to Wisconsin for a real white Christmas but was glad to be returning to Greece by New Year's since she missed the warm weather. It would be fun if she turned up in another book. I can see her with Viv doing more investigating for Callie lol.
I'll be moving on to the third book soon! I really enjoy this series and also the yummy recipes found at the end of the book!
Callie was supplying the cookies for a bridal shower held at the local English Country Inn. The events planner had arranged for her to do that but Callie didn't have to worry about staying and serving. Later when Callie found that her colleague had been murdered, of course her dad and Ian were worried for her safety and she was actually worried too. It didn't stop her from wanting to get to the bottom of things. During her investigation, she found a couple of secrets about other inn employees as well. It was pretty funny reading how her Grandma Viv and her cousin/aunt from Greece known as Sweetie had tried to snoop into the case as well. Callie worried about their safety, but as Max said, Viv could probably give Jessica Fletcher some pointers.
Callie's ex-husband and his new wife, Hugh and Raine are a small part of this book. I like that Callie has been able to deal with their marriage but she was having some issues with them coming to Crystal Bay to live even though she realized that Olivia would love having her dad live close by. Everything worked out in the end, which by the way, was pretty epic since Callie got to chase someone down with a snowplow. I can somehow picture that happening in a mystery on TV.
I still just love the character of Grandma Viv. She's just everything a family would want in a grandma. She's got their best interests and safety at heart without thinking about her own. And Sweetie was a hoot too! She enjoyed coming to Wisconsin for a real white Christmas but was glad to be returning to Greece by New Year's since she missed the warm weather. It would be fun if she turned up in another book. I can see her with Viv doing more investigating for Callie lol.
I'll be moving on to the third book soon! I really enjoy this series and also the yummy recipes found at the end of the book!
December 4, 2016
I finished Spiced and Iced by Jenny Kales, the second in her Callie's Kitchen Mystery Series. This book is out on Amazon December 5th! I so enjoyed this mystery! Holiday themed, exciting small town murder and a twist of romance. Perfect for a holiday evening in and I would love to see this on the small screen! Main character Callie is a strong willed, single mom who has a knack for cooking and baking with a Greek flair and some amazing sleuthing skills too. A quirky family and a bit of bad news don't slow her down. Callie is definatly someone who keeps getting knocked down but always gets up on her own two feet. I did not have it figured out until the reveal and I never saw it coming. Lots of fun in this mystery too. I particularly enjoyed a new character in the book as well, but wont spoil it for you! The food mentions and the recipes included had my attention for sure, I can not wait to make each of them.
February 6, 2017
Decisamente questa autrice si legge proprio bene... In questo secondo libro la storia gialla mi ha preso di meno, mentre apprezzo l'evolversi della vita personale della protagonista. Proprio in quest'ultima ottica aspetto quasi con ansia il prossimo libro, sperando che ci sia: con questi chiari di luna riguardo al genere "cozy mystery" non si sa mai, purtroppo...
January 16, 2018
Spiced and Iced is the second book in Jenny Kales' Callie's Kitchen Mystery series, and was quite fun to read. It's Christmas, and Callie's engrossed in the running of her shop, Callie's Kitchen, and also with her outside catering events, but she's not too busy to investigate the murder of Natalie Underwood, head of events at the English Country Inn in Crystal Bay, Wisconsin. Throw in her ex-husband's impending move to Crystal Bay, Aunt Sweetie's visit from Greece, and her continuing relationship with Detective Ian Sands, and Callie has her hands full. Nice story with lots of twists and turns, and I highly recommend it. A+
December 5, 2016
Ever since Jenny Kales debuted her first cozy mystery, ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK, earlier this year I’ve been looking forward to the second installment in her Callie’s Kitchen Mystery series! Fortunately, Jenny didn’t disappoint and is celebrating the holidays with her new release SPICED AND ICED! First off, the cover is whimsically festive and invites a reader in for some Christmas cheer, cookies, and murder. Callie is an enjoyable protagonist and I would dearly love to spend some time with her in her kitchen baking up some of the delectable treats she serves at her restaurant. In addition to being a wonderful cook, Callie has a caring personality. She treats her employees, friends, and family with equal respect and love and is a good role model to her ten-year-old daughter. I so enjoy her relationship with her Greek father and especially her “Aunt” Sweetie, visiting from Greece. It provides an opportunity to learn some bits and pieces of Greek words, culture, and customs which adds character to a terrific story.
The murder mystery provided suspense and kept me turning pages wanting to find out what happens next, while there were plenty of suspects to keep me guessing. Callie’s Grandma Viv and Aunt Sweetie also join in the sleuthing with humorous results as does the scenes where Callie finds out about the woman her father may or may not be dating. Callie is dating Detective Sands, who is in charge of the investigation. They are in the early stages of their romance but the author gives them room to grow, to learn to trust each other. I look forward to what is in store for them in future books.
And then there are the recipes the author includes with her book…so many yummy ones! I tried the recipe for her Paximathia, Spiced Greek Biscotti. My friends and family were impressed with how wonderful it was and I loved the fact that it's the author's family recipe passed down through the generations!
I provided a review after receiving an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The murder mystery provided suspense and kept me turning pages wanting to find out what happens next, while there were plenty of suspects to keep me guessing. Callie’s Grandma Viv and Aunt Sweetie also join in the sleuthing with humorous results as does the scenes where Callie finds out about the woman her father may or may not be dating. Callie is dating Detective Sands, who is in charge of the investigation. They are in the early stages of their romance but the author gives them room to grow, to learn to trust each other. I look forward to what is in store for them in future books.
And then there are the recipes the author includes with her book…so many yummy ones! I tried the recipe for her Paximathia, Spiced Greek Biscotti. My friends and family were impressed with how wonderful it was and I loved the fact that it's the author's family recipe passed down through the generations!
I provided a review after receiving an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 3, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it constantly kept moving. Between Callie's business growing, Det. Sands acting standoffish, her father dating her ex's aunt, her ex moving to town and of course finding the body of a colleague Callie is kept busy. I love the interaction of the characters, it is kept real and not over the top. Her Granny and aunt together was so fun, I loved when they were around. The mystery was good and kept me guessing, I didn't figure it out, I might have missed some clues. I will definitely continue on with this series.
There is the added bonus of some yummy sounding Greek recipes in the back.
There is the added bonus of some yummy sounding Greek recipes in the back.
October 9, 2024
Callie is back and my poor friend can’t catch a break. She’s found another body. 🫣 This time she has Grandma Viv and Aunt Sweetie to help do some detective work.
I loved the Christmas vibe in this one and adored the new characters we got to meet. Sweetie was such a fun character to have visiting. I hope we’ll see more of her.
I adored this book just as much, if not more, than the first book. I was invested in the mystery and all the side plots. Looking forward to the next one!
I loved the Christmas vibe in this one and adored the new characters we got to meet. Sweetie was such a fun character to have visiting. I hope we’ll see more of her.
I adored this book just as much, if not more, than the first book. I was invested in the mystery and all the side plots. Looking forward to the next one!
September 21, 2018
Another fun read in the Callie's Kitchen series! I love that this book is set at Christmastime, and I'd love to get a bite to eat at Callie's. This book has a great plot, and I was completely surprised by the ending. Callie makes some foolish mistakes that put her in risky situations, but isn't that what helps make a mystery so intriguing? Can't wait to get started on book #3!
June 28, 2017
Loved this second book as much as the first
I was almost in tears with the incident with Callie and Sands. I'm not normally into the romance side of books but for some reason I'm rooting for this one.
I was almost in tears with the incident with Callie and Sands. I'm not normally into the romance side of books but for some reason I'm rooting for this one.
December 15, 2016
“Spiced and Iced” earns 5/5 Kourabiethes, Greek Snowball Cookies!
Calliope ‘Callie’ Costas, owner of Callie’s Kitchen in Crystal Bay, Wisconsin, is delighted to be asked to furnish her delicious Greek Snowball cookies, aka kourabiethes, for the Dalton/Hawkins wedding shower. Natalie Underwood, the event planner for The English Country Inn, is a bit frazzled by the affair. The first shower ended in a disastrous family squabble, so this ‘redux’ must be a hit or Bridezilla will have her job… But, squabbles, are the least of the worries. How about the body floating in the freezing waters?
Shaken by having found the body face down in the waters, Callie still agrees to be an ‘unofficial spy’ for Emma Cayden, the owner of The Inn. However, she finds herself preoccupied by the prospect of her ex-husband and his new wife moving to Crystal Bay, her father’s interest in a woman connected to her ex-husband, and juggling a relationship with the very handsome ex-Pat Detective Sands. Aunt “Sweetie” arrives from the ‘old country’ for a visit, and with Callie’s Grandmother Viv, they also try to help undercover important evidence. All of this and a major winter storm could derail Callie’s sanity, as well as put her in jeopardy.
Opa! Jenny Kales has written another delicious mystery for the second book in the Callie’s Kitchen series. She had me drooling each time Callie tried to clear her head by making avgolemono (delicate egg-lemon and chicken soup) or brought spiced paxemathia (Greek biscotti) to a friendly interrogation. Jenny used realistic descriptions to tickle all of my senses from the honey and fragrant spices to the icy-cold snowstorm. The mystery was not too quick to be revealed offering a few plausible conclusions to ponder, turning each page until the final “Oh my!” Several of the delicious Greek recipes from Callie’s Kitchen are offered including the Spiced Greek Biscotti, Snowball Cookies, Sweetie’s Lazy Spanakopita, and the Spiced and Iced Gingerbread. All perfect for a Sunday afternoon tea!
Calliope ‘Callie’ Costas, owner of Callie’s Kitchen in Crystal Bay, Wisconsin, is delighted to be asked to furnish her delicious Greek Snowball cookies, aka kourabiethes, for the Dalton/Hawkins wedding shower. Natalie Underwood, the event planner for The English Country Inn, is a bit frazzled by the affair. The first shower ended in a disastrous family squabble, so this ‘redux’ must be a hit or Bridezilla will have her job… But, squabbles, are the least of the worries. How about the body floating in the freezing waters?
Shaken by having found the body face down in the waters, Callie still agrees to be an ‘unofficial spy’ for Emma Cayden, the owner of The Inn. However, she finds herself preoccupied by the prospect of her ex-husband and his new wife moving to Crystal Bay, her father’s interest in a woman connected to her ex-husband, and juggling a relationship with the very handsome ex-Pat Detective Sands. Aunt “Sweetie” arrives from the ‘old country’ for a visit, and with Callie’s Grandmother Viv, they also try to help undercover important evidence. All of this and a major winter storm could derail Callie’s sanity, as well as put her in jeopardy.
Opa! Jenny Kales has written another delicious mystery for the second book in the Callie’s Kitchen series. She had me drooling each time Callie tried to clear her head by making avgolemono (delicate egg-lemon and chicken soup) or brought spiced paxemathia (Greek biscotti) to a friendly interrogation. Jenny used realistic descriptions to tickle all of my senses from the honey and fragrant spices to the icy-cold snowstorm. The mystery was not too quick to be revealed offering a few plausible conclusions to ponder, turning each page until the final “Oh my!” Several of the delicious Greek recipes from Callie’s Kitchen are offered including the Spiced Greek Biscotti, Snowball Cookies, Sweetie’s Lazy Spanakopita, and the Spiced and Iced Gingerbread. All perfect for a Sunday afternoon tea!
April 26, 2017
Not the best
This book got 5 stars on amazon so I figured it would be great. Right? But unfortunately I didn't connect with the characters. I felt the story was too long. Too many side tracks and the use of superfluous adjectives was bothersome. It was an average story that I wouldn't really recommend.
This book got 5 stars on amazon so I figured it would be great. Right? But unfortunately I didn't connect with the characters. I felt the story was too long. Too many side tracks and the use of superfluous adjectives was bothersome. It was an average story that I wouldn't really recommend.
March 28, 2019
Calliope (Callie) Costas lives in Crystal
Bay, Wisconsin with her ten year old
daughter, Olivia and their Yorkie, Koukla.
Callie owns and runs Callie’s Kitchen.
It is a Mediterranean-Midwestern
restaurant with bake goods and meals
made from scratch.
Callie’s has just delivered her Greek
Snowball Cookies (Kourabiethes) to
The English Country Inn for a wedding
shower.
Upon leaving the Inn, she discovers a
dead body..... face down by the
boathouse in the icy water.
And so her adventure begins........
The reader will be reacquainted with
Max(Callie’s Kitchen assistant), Piper
who does her social media, Samantha
(Callie’s best friend and lawyer, Sweetie
(Callie’s Aunt visiting from Greece),
George(Callie’s father), Detective Sands
(the attractive detective who is attracted
to Callie), Grandma Viv plus many other
well written characters such as: the
Inn staff, the wedding shower participants,
Callie’s ex-husband’s new wife’s relative
who is a real estate agent.
Callie gets involved in trying to identify the
murder.
Fast paced, intriguing plot with many twists
and turns to hold the reader on the edge of
their seat.
Lots of delicious Greek food introduced with
recipes included at the end of the story.
Bay, Wisconsin with her ten year old
daughter, Olivia and their Yorkie, Koukla.
Callie owns and runs Callie’s Kitchen.
It is a Mediterranean-Midwestern
restaurant with bake goods and meals
made from scratch.
Callie’s has just delivered her Greek
Snowball Cookies (Kourabiethes) to
The English Country Inn for a wedding
shower.
Upon leaving the Inn, she discovers a
dead body..... face down by the
boathouse in the icy water.
And so her adventure begins........
The reader will be reacquainted with
Max(Callie’s Kitchen assistant), Piper
who does her social media, Samantha
(Callie’s best friend and lawyer, Sweetie
(Callie’s Aunt visiting from Greece),
George(Callie’s father), Detective Sands
(the attractive detective who is attracted
to Callie), Grandma Viv plus many other
well written characters such as: the
Inn staff, the wedding shower participants,
Callie’s ex-husband’s new wife’s relative
who is a real estate agent.
Callie gets involved in trying to identify the
murder.
Fast paced, intriguing plot with many twists
and turns to hold the reader on the edge of
their seat.
Lots of delicious Greek food introduced with
recipes included at the end of the story.
February 20, 2019
This is the second installment in the Callie[s Kitchen Mystery series, and I must say, it was just as good, if not better than the first. In the weeks leading up to the Christmas holiday, another resident of Crystal Bay is killed, This time, it is Natalie, who worked at the local inn and restaurant. Callie finds her floating in the water at the inn, and begins to work on who would kill her and, more to the point, why?
As Callie investigates, there are several clues, but there are also some red herrings, and some characters who may or may not have something to do with the murder. I also enjoyed further getting to know Callie, her family, and Ian Sands, the local detective, and perhaps the man destined to become Callie's significant other?
All in all, a good read! If you enjoy cozy mysteries, and good food, give this book a look!
As Callie investigates, there are several clues, but there are also some red herrings, and some characters who may or may not have something to do with the murder. I also enjoyed further getting to know Callie, her family, and Ian Sands, the local detective, and perhaps the man destined to become Callie's significant other?
All in all, a good read! If you enjoy cozy mysteries, and good food, give this book a look!
May 24, 2025
Callie's kitchen
Is where I'd like to be with all those yummy sweets! But she definitely needs to stay away from the murders since she manages to get caught in the middle of it or nearly come to her own death. Well secrets don't always stay hidden especially when it's just too much worked to keep it that way and when a murder is added into it. I'd rather have to sweets and a cozy place to enjoy it. 😉
Is where I'd like to be with all those yummy sweets! But she definitely needs to stay away from the murders since she manages to get caught in the middle of it or nearly come to her own death. Well secrets don't always stay hidden especially when it's just too much worked to keep it that way and when a murder is added into it. I'd rather have to sweets and a cozy place to enjoy it. 😉
July 17, 2017
Good book.
I really like the characters. This author writes books that I can NOT put down. I read each in one night.
I really like the characters. This author writes books that I can NOT put down. I read each in one night.
November 12, 2021
Book 2. It is Christmas and Callie's Kitchen ( the owner Callie) was becoming succesful. Callie served Medtriain meets Midwest food and pastries. and pastries there, with the help of Max and his girlfriend Piper. Callie was helping some Natalie at the inn in town. Nat told Callie about The Daytons. They were hard to please. And The daughter was getting married there for try for a second time. Well Natalie was murdered.. Was it someone at the inn that had it in for her a employees of a jilted lover. These series are alright. I like the story lines. But some of these books in series are to farfecthed. I lovd the little girlie and the grandma
February 18, 2023
I always enjoy this foodie theme series with great charcters and receipes. This is a enjoyable cozy series for all foodie minded cozy readers.
December 27, 2016
Spiced And Iced
A Callie’s Kitchen Mystery, Book #2
Jenny Kales
5 Stars
Synopsis:
The holidays can be murder! Greek-American restaurateur Callie Costas finds herself on thin ice when a colleague is killed. Recipes included!
The season is bright when Calliope "Callie" Costas agrees to contribute her Greek snowball cookies to a December bridal shower at The English Country Inn in the scenic waterfront town of Crystal Bay, WI. But when Callie finds a colleague dead, she's sucked into another murder investigation -- all while juggling her growing business and staggering holiday workload.
As she reluctantly agrees to help the Inn's owner track the killer, Callie is soon up to her spiced Greek biscotti in difficulties. For one thing, the hotel staff is freezing her out as she tries to uncover information, helped by her feisty Grandma Viv and her sweet but nosy aunt who's visiting from Greece. And then there's her deepening relationship with the suave and mysterious Detective Sands, a British expat now living in Wisconsin, who seems to have a few secrets of his own.
The icing on the cake is a host of simultaneous family mayhem including her father's surprising fixation on a real estate agent and her ex's plans to move back to Crystal Bay. As the Inn's annual Christmas Tea approaches, things are heating up in Callie's Kitchen, but she's on thin ice! Will Christmas be a festive celebration this year - or will it be murder?
Turn to the end of the book for six delicious recipes, including Greek cookies and savories, plus traditional Midwestern favorites! (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded. Callie is one tough lady and she is not afraid of hard work. I enjoyed getting to spend more time with her, her best friend Samantha, and her family. I especially liked reading about what her grandmother and her Aunt Sweetie were up too and what kind of trouble they were going to get into.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book, I felt like I was right there, watching all the action take place around me. I could small all the food from Callie Kitchen and it made me hungry while I was reading.
The mystery was carried on well throughout the entire book. The were enough suspects to keep this reader guessing until the end. That, combined with many twists and turns and a few red herrings thrown in, and I did not figure out the killer until it was revealed at the end. I like that when I am reading a mystery.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. Both of the books in the series are really great and I would suggest you read them both.
A Callie’s Kitchen Mystery, Book #2
Jenny Kales
5 Stars
Synopsis:
The holidays can be murder! Greek-American restaurateur Callie Costas finds herself on thin ice when a colleague is killed. Recipes included!
The season is bright when Calliope "Callie" Costas agrees to contribute her Greek snowball cookies to a December bridal shower at The English Country Inn in the scenic waterfront town of Crystal Bay, WI. But when Callie finds a colleague dead, she's sucked into another murder investigation -- all while juggling her growing business and staggering holiday workload.
As she reluctantly agrees to help the Inn's owner track the killer, Callie is soon up to her spiced Greek biscotti in difficulties. For one thing, the hotel staff is freezing her out as she tries to uncover information, helped by her feisty Grandma Viv and her sweet but nosy aunt who's visiting from Greece. And then there's her deepening relationship with the suave and mysterious Detective Sands, a British expat now living in Wisconsin, who seems to have a few secrets of his own.
The icing on the cake is a host of simultaneous family mayhem including her father's surprising fixation on a real estate agent and her ex's plans to move back to Crystal Bay. As the Inn's annual Christmas Tea approaches, things are heating up in Callie's Kitchen, but she's on thin ice! Will Christmas be a festive celebration this year - or will it be murder?
Turn to the end of the book for six delicious recipes, including Greek cookies and savories, plus traditional Midwestern favorites! (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded. Callie is one tough lady and she is not afraid of hard work. I enjoyed getting to spend more time with her, her best friend Samantha, and her family. I especially liked reading about what her grandmother and her Aunt Sweetie were up too and what kind of trouble they were going to get into.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book, I felt like I was right there, watching all the action take place around me. I could small all the food from Callie Kitchen and it made me hungry while I was reading.
The mystery was carried on well throughout the entire book. The were enough suspects to keep this reader guessing until the end. That, combined with many twists and turns and a few red herrings thrown in, and I did not figure out the killer until it was revealed at the end. I like that when I am reading a mystery.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. Both of the books in the series are really great and I would suggest you read them both.
December 21, 2016
Spiced and Iced is the second book in the Callie's Kitchen Mystery series by Jenny Kales. I have been fortunate to have been asked to read both books by the author and have loved each one of them. This is the perfect holiday themed cozy and has everything that a reader looks for in this genre. Callie is a single mother who is trying to make a go of it with her business Callie's Kitchen. She is a wonderful character with a lot of warmth that jumps right off the page. As a reader, I instantly fell for Callie and her wonderful Greek family. In this book we get to meet some new secondary characters including Sweetie, a cousin who is visiting from Greece. What draws me to this series is that not only is it well written, but the author has captured a Midwest feel in terms of the people and the places that feel comfortable to me as a Midwesterner myself.
The mystery is just as good as the characters. Once again, Callie has the bad luck to stumble across another dead body and is drawn into helping try to determine the culprit. There are plenty of suspects and Ms. Kales certainly keeps the reader guessing with the real identity of the killer. There are some clues and plenty of twists and turns. The killer is revealed in a climatic conclusion that will have the reader holding their breath.
I can't wait to return to Crystal Bay Wisconsin for the next installment of this series.
The mystery is just as good as the characters. Once again, Callie has the bad luck to stumble across another dead body and is drawn into helping try to determine the culprit. There are plenty of suspects and Ms. Kales certainly keeps the reader guessing with the real identity of the killer. There are some clues and plenty of twists and turns. The killer is revealed in a climatic conclusion that will have the reader holding their breath.
I can't wait to return to Crystal Bay Wisconsin for the next installment of this series.
February 9, 2017
I am so happy that I got to "meet" Callie. She has a fun crazy family..and she bakes.Lol this is a very good story with lots of mystery surrounding the murder of Callies friend, Natalie. It just goes to show people might not be who you thought they were. I like the love story between Callow and det. Ian Sands...I hope they get much closer as the series continues. I know I will be reading the next books in this series. Definitely recommend this book. I am certainly going to try the recipes that are in the back of the book,from the story.
November 30, 2016
The holiday season has descended over Crystal Bay, and along with that a host of delectable delights whipped up by Callie Costas in her eatery, Callie’s Kitchen. But someone isn’t feeling the holiday cheer. While heading home after a bridal shower at an enchanting country inn, Callie discovers the event manager’s body floating in the nearby lake. Suddenly, she’s forced to rethink her holiday plans and add “find a killer” to her burgeoning “to do” list. Between the eatery’s demands, her family’s shenanigans, and a handsome new love interest, Callie has her hands full . . . and not just with cookie dough.
Spiced and Iced was a joy to read, with an ending that wrapped up each loose end with a perfect holiday bow. This charming Christmas mystery should be at the top of every cozy reader’s wish list!
Spiced and Iced was a joy to read, with an ending that wrapped up each loose end with a perfect holiday bow. This charming Christmas mystery should be at the top of every cozy reader’s wish list!
December 18, 2016
"Spiced and Iced" is the second book in Ms. Kales's "Callie's Kitchen Mysteries." In her follow up to "On the Chopping Block," Ms. Kales reintroduces readers to her heroine Calliope "Callie" Costas who runs a popular eatery in fictional Crystal Bay, Wisconsin. "Spiced" finds Callie juggling the demands of running a popular business, motherhood, a burgeoning relationship with Detective Ian Sands (who is very British in all of the smouldering Colin Firth ways), and wait ... the discovery of a body.
"Spiced" is a fast-paced, fun cozy that is perfect for the Christmas season. Callie is wonderfully real and Kales has created a supporting cast of characters that are delightful. I cannot wait for Callie #3.
"Spiced" is a fast-paced, fun cozy that is perfect for the Christmas season. Callie is wonderfully real and Kales has created a supporting cast of characters that are delightful. I cannot wait for Callie #3.
February 5, 2017
Cute mystery, waiting for number three
I like the characters, setting and the story. Hoping number three is coming out soon. Read in order if possible.
I like the characters, setting and the story. Hoping number three is coming out soon. Read in order if possible.
February 4, 2017
Ms Kales does a great job with this story. She diverts suspicion to many players before revealing the culprit and motive. I enjoyed the mystery and the character interaction along with the development of major characters. Can't wait for the next installment. This book is not dependent on the first book to understand the story.
May 13, 2017
I thought the story was fun and engaging, but I did find that there tended to be more cooking and socializing chapters than text about the murder. I did enjoy the book but not quite as suspenseful as a crime book should be.
December 23, 2016
Another good Christmas cozy. Some interesting Greek recipes. Had my mouth watering for Christmas cookies. Loved the grandmother and cousin "sweetie".
July 7, 2023
Spiced and Iced by Jenny Kales bring out the Christmas cheer and a dead body!
Will Callie solve the mystery before the snowstorm arrives?
Callie Costas is happy to have a busy shop, and so many people want to hire Callie's Kitchen for catering. Her biggest job yet is for a bridal shower hosted at the English Country Inn, and it's a big ask since it's the holiday, so she's already busy. Callie is a great person for taking on so many new projects while keeping it together with everything to do at her business. She also has some things going on at her home front, but Callie doesn't have the time or energy to deal with that.
Callie has her aunt Sweetie coming to visit. I must admit I loved Sweetie when I met her on the Greek islands. Now meeting her in this book, and I love her more. She's the funniest character ever, and her antics with Viv are great. I feel bad for Callie, but they bring some laughter into her life.
I love all of the characters in this series, and Callie is doing great, remaining positive and not allowing anything to bring her down.
The Mystery
Callie Costas finds the party planner deceased on her way out of the English Country Inn after dropping off her food for the bridal party. At first, Callie isn't investigating as she has too many things on her plate. Especially considering that she still has things to do for the bride and run her shop and her kid. Except when a friend calls you, everything is off the table; that and two nosy relatives who can't help but stick their noses in it make it her business. Callie makes sure this time to give any information to Sands as soon as she learns it so that she doesn't get hurt again.
I have to say that I guessed who did it perfectly this time, but the reason had me stumped. Ms. Kales got me good with the motive.
Five Stars
I am giving Spiced and Iced by Jenny Kales five stars and recommending it to anyone who loves a good cozy culinary mystery. One of the things that I love about this series is that Ms. Kales brings together food, a good mystery, a tinge of romance, and family fun, all wrapped together in a good book. Ms. Kales is a fantastic author, and I can't wait to read more in this wonderful series.
Seriously, one of these days, I might have to convince Jen to do a Greek recipe from this series! Speaking of recipes, don't forget to check those out at the end of the book. They are Spiced Greek Biscuits (Paxemathia) (Greek biscotti), Greek Snowball Cookies (Kourabiethes), Blueberry Greek Yogurt Scones, Sweetie's Spinach Squares aka LAzy Spanakopita, Wisconsin Supper Club Cheese Spread, and Spiced and Iced Gingerbread. All of these are mentioned in the book!
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Spiced and Iced by Jenny Kales.
Until the next time,
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Will Callie solve the mystery before the snowstorm arrives?
Callie Costas is happy to have a busy shop, and so many people want to hire Callie's Kitchen for catering. Her biggest job yet is for a bridal shower hosted at the English Country Inn, and it's a big ask since it's the holiday, so she's already busy. Callie is a great person for taking on so many new projects while keeping it together with everything to do at her business. She also has some things going on at her home front, but Callie doesn't have the time or energy to deal with that.
Callie has her aunt Sweetie coming to visit. I must admit I loved Sweetie when I met her on the Greek islands. Now meeting her in this book, and I love her more. She's the funniest character ever, and her antics with Viv are great. I feel bad for Callie, but they bring some laughter into her life.
I love all of the characters in this series, and Callie is doing great, remaining positive and not allowing anything to bring her down.
The Mystery
Callie Costas finds the party planner deceased on her way out of the English Country Inn after dropping off her food for the bridal party. At first, Callie isn't investigating as she has too many things on her plate. Especially considering that she still has things to do for the bride and run her shop and her kid. Except when a friend calls you, everything is off the table; that and two nosy relatives who can't help but stick their noses in it make it her business. Callie makes sure this time to give any information to Sands as soon as she learns it so that she doesn't get hurt again.
I have to say that I guessed who did it perfectly this time, but the reason had me stumped. Ms. Kales got me good with the motive.
Five Stars
I am giving Spiced and Iced by Jenny Kales five stars and recommending it to anyone who loves a good cozy culinary mystery. One of the things that I love about this series is that Ms. Kales brings together food, a good mystery, a tinge of romance, and family fun, all wrapped together in a good book. Ms. Kales is a fantastic author, and I can't wait to read more in this wonderful series.
Seriously, one of these days, I might have to convince Jen to do a Greek recipe from this series! Speaking of recipes, don't forget to check those out at the end of the book. They are Spiced Greek Biscuits (Paxemathia) (Greek biscotti), Greek Snowball Cookies (Kourabiethes), Blueberry Greek Yogurt Scones, Sweetie's Spinach Squares aka LAzy Spanakopita, Wisconsin Supper Club Cheese Spread, and Spiced and Iced Gingerbread. All of these are mentioned in the book!
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Spiced and Iced by Jenny Kales.
Until the next time,
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
June 29, 2018
kindle unlimited, but actucally somehow got all 3 on freebie days so 'bought' that way, because just from the start of the story no way would I have bought bought these. Very few cozies I have not liked, but this one and the other 2 are going to be on that list. Again didn't help help was ridiculously under edited, normally have voice going on tablet but kept having to stop it because it wasn't making any sense audibly, because they story wasn't making much sense. Again, too, some recipes and other filler at back, but part of the recipes aren't even greek, which more than goofy, supposed to be whole point. Supposed mystery, with continuity issues, NOT good.
The holidays can be murder! Greek-American restaurateur Callie Costas finds herself on thin ice when a colleague is killed. Recipes included!
The season is bright when Calliope “Callie” Costas agrees to contribute her Greek snowball cookies to a December bridal shower at The English Country Inn in the scenic waterfront town of Crystal Bay, WI. But when Callie finds a colleague dead, she's sucked into another murder investigation -- all while juggling her growing business and staggering holiday workload.
As she reluctantly agrees to help the Inn’s owner track the killer, Callie is soon up to her spiced Greek biscotti in difficulties. For one thing, the hotel staff is freezing her out as she tries to uncover information, helped by her feisty Grandma Viv and her sweet but nosy aunt who’s visiting from Greece. And then there’s her deepening relationship with the suave and mysterious Detective Sands, a British expat now living in Wisconsin, who seems to have a few secrets of his own.
The icing on the cake is a host of simultaneous family mayhem including her father's surprising fixation on a real estate agent and her ex’s plans to move back to Crystal Bay. As the Inn’s annual Christmas Tea approaches, things are heating up in Callie’s Kitchen, but she’s on thin ice! Will Christmas be a festive celebration this year – or will it be murder?
Turn to the end of the book for six delicious recipes, including Greek cookies and savories, plus traditional Midwestern holiday favorites!
On the Chopping Block (A Callie's Kitchen Mystery, #1)
Spiced and Iced (A Callie's Kitchen Mystery #2)
Secrets and Pies (A Callie's Kitchen Mystery #3)
The holidays can be murder! Greek-American restaurateur Callie Costas finds herself on thin ice when a colleague is killed. Recipes included!
The season is bright when Calliope “Callie” Costas agrees to contribute her Greek snowball cookies to a December bridal shower at The English Country Inn in the scenic waterfront town of Crystal Bay, WI. But when Callie finds a colleague dead, she's sucked into another murder investigation -- all while juggling her growing business and staggering holiday workload.
As she reluctantly agrees to help the Inn’s owner track the killer, Callie is soon up to her spiced Greek biscotti in difficulties. For one thing, the hotel staff is freezing her out as she tries to uncover information, helped by her feisty Grandma Viv and her sweet but nosy aunt who’s visiting from Greece. And then there’s her deepening relationship with the suave and mysterious Detective Sands, a British expat now living in Wisconsin, who seems to have a few secrets of his own.
The icing on the cake is a host of simultaneous family mayhem including her father's surprising fixation on a real estate agent and her ex’s plans to move back to Crystal Bay. As the Inn’s annual Christmas Tea approaches, things are heating up in Callie’s Kitchen, but she’s on thin ice! Will Christmas be a festive celebration this year – or will it be murder?
Turn to the end of the book for six delicious recipes, including Greek cookies and savories, plus traditional Midwestern holiday favorites!
On the Chopping Block (A Callie's Kitchen Mystery, #1)
Spiced and Iced (A Callie's Kitchen Mystery #2)
Secrets and Pies (A Callie's Kitchen Mystery #3)
October 23, 2017
Another winner by Jenny Kales
Book 2 in the Callie's Kitchen Mystery is a delightful and delicious mystery. Once again Callie is up to her eyeballs in Greek food and murder. Callie is helping with the food for several events at the local inn during a cold December in Wisconsin when she discovers her friend Natalie's dead body in the cold, icy lake. Callie calls her new boyfriend and local detective Ian Sands to the scene. Detective Sands questions Callie and everyone at the inn and he reminds Callie to stay out of the investigation and let him do his job. Although it is her busy season Callie just can't stay out of the investigation and she begins to look into things at the request of the inn's owner, Emma, who is currently on vacation in Arizona. Emma can't return to Wisconsin because of the major snowstorms that are hitting the area so she asks Callie to investigate for her. Add in Callie's cute assistant Max, his girlfriend Piper, Callie's quirky grandmother Liv and their cousin from Greece and you have an awesome bunch of character detectives. Several of the people in town seem to have something to hide and are acting strange so Callie and her crew try to figure out the murderer before something else happens. The book moves along well toward the surprising and exciting conclusion that will keep you reading until the end. I love this series and can't wait to read the next book.
Book 2 in the Callie's Kitchen Mystery is a delightful and delicious mystery. Once again Callie is up to her eyeballs in Greek food and murder. Callie is helping with the food for several events at the local inn during a cold December in Wisconsin when she discovers her friend Natalie's dead body in the cold, icy lake. Callie calls her new boyfriend and local detective Ian Sands to the scene. Detective Sands questions Callie and everyone at the inn and he reminds Callie to stay out of the investigation and let him do his job. Although it is her busy season Callie just can't stay out of the investigation and she begins to look into things at the request of the inn's owner, Emma, who is currently on vacation in Arizona. Emma can't return to Wisconsin because of the major snowstorms that are hitting the area so she asks Callie to investigate for her. Add in Callie's cute assistant Max, his girlfriend Piper, Callie's quirky grandmother Liv and their cousin from Greece and you have an awesome bunch of character detectives. Several of the people in town seem to have something to hide and are acting strange so Callie and her crew try to figure out the murderer before something else happens. The book moves along well toward the surprising and exciting conclusion that will keep you reading until the end. I love this series and can't wait to read the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews