The Uninvited Corpse

Food Blogger Mysteries #1

by Debra Sennefelder

Leaving behind a failed career as a magazine editor and an embarrassing stint on a reality baking show, newly divorced lifestyle entrepreneur Hope Early thought things were finally on the upswing--until she comes face-to-face with a murderer . . .

Hope's schedule is already jam packed with recipe testing and shameless plugs for her food blog as she rushes off to attend a spring garden tour in the charming town of Jefferson, Connecticut. Unfortunately, it isn't the perfectly arranged potted plants that grab her attention--it's the bloody body of reviled real estate agent Peaches McCoy . . .

One of the tour guests committed murder, and all eyes are on Hope's older sister, Claire Dixon--who, at best, saw Peaches as a professional rival. And suspicions really heat up when another murder occurs the following night. Now, with two messy murders shaking Jefferson and all evidence pointing to Claire, Hope must set aside her burgeoning brand to prove her sister's innocence. But the closer she gets to the truth, the closer she gets to a killer intent on making sure her life goes permanently out of style . . .

Includes Recipes from Hope's Kitchen!

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Romance, Contemporary

368 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 27, 2018

About the author

Debra Sennefelder is an avid reader who reads across a range of genres, but mystery fiction is her obsession. Her interest in people and relationships is channeled into her novels against a backdrop of crime and mystery. When she’s not reading, she enjoys cooking and baking and as a former food blogger, she is constantly taking photographs of her food. Yeah, she’s that person.

Born and raised in New York City, she now lives and Connecticut with her family. She’s worked in pre-hospital care, retail and publishing. Her writing companion is her adorable and slightly spoiled Shih-Tzu, Connie.

She is a member of Sisters in Crime and Romance Writers of America.

She can be reached at Debra@DebraSennefelder.com

Reviews

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Uninvited Corpse by Debra Sennefelder is the first book of the cozy Food Blogger Mysteries series. Hope Early has returned to her hometown of Jefferson, Connecticut and is now trying to make a success of a career in blogging after giving up her job at a magazine to be on a reality TV show which didn’t go as planned.

Hope has been invited to a friend’s party showcasing her gardening skills to launch her new book. Hope’s sister Claire decides to tag along to the event and things seem to be going well until Claire’s fellow rival at works shows up to the event uninvited. Little did the ladies expect though to walk into the study while helping to clean up only to find Peaches McCoy’s body lying on the floor.

Now with most cozy adventures Hope finds herself getting caught up in the investigation when it seems the police are directing their suspicion upon Claire. Hope finds herself trying to come up with theory after theory and a list of suspects to help show her sister couldn’t possibly have committed the crime.

This was certainly a solid start to this new cozy series. Another that actually had a feel of danger and plenty of suspects to throw a reader off onto who could possibly had done the crime. With likable characters and an interesting first case in this series I found myself enjoying this first book and would rate it at 3.5 stars.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/

[Linda Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet lifestyle and food blogger, Hope Early, who’s just getting her blog, Hope At Home, off to a good start since moving to a picturesque New England town. Attending a garden tour at author Audrey Bloom’s home, Hope and some other guests quietly speculate on the appearance of an uninvited guest, Peaches, a local realtor who is a go-getter and tends to stir up trouble. When Peaches leaves the house in a body bag, Hope begins to suspect that trouble is about to sprout out all over town.

The story moves quickly and the author does a great job peeling back layer after layer of hidden clues. No one on *my* suspect list turned out to be the actual killer—I was totally in the dark! LOL! The author cleverly managed to hide the real killer’s tracks among all the suspicious acts of other characters. I’m eagerly looking forward to reading the next story in the series.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope Early has had a rough time lately. Her career as a magazine editor ended. Then she flopped on a reality baking show in NYC and got a divorce. Now she's back home in Jefferson, CT, trying to put her life back together. Her food blog, Hope at Home, is becoming popular and she's starting to feel a bit better about her life. The Jefferson Garden Club is having a spring garden tour at Audrey Bloom's home. Audrey writes books about gardening and has a new 5-book series coming out on the different growing seasons. The spring tour is a big deal for Audrey, and Hope wants to help her friend make it special. Relationships between some of the garden club members is strained after the town lost its listing in the Top 25 Community Gardens in Connecticut. And local real estate agent Peaches McCoy shows up uninvited. Peaches is unpopular because she's been buying up area farmland and properties for development into subdivisions. She and Audrey are at odds over many local issues including the development projects. But, Peaches' drive and personality have caused many people to dislike her. In fact, someone at the garden tour disliked her enough to kill her. Hope discovers the real estate agent dead in the study after the tour. Who hated the woman enough to bash her head in with a rock? Unfortunately, Hope's sister Claire is the number one suspect. When a second killing casts more suspicion on her sister, Hope jumps in to do some amateur sleuthing. She knows her sister didn't kill anyone, and Hope is determined to discover who did.

This book is a great start to a new cozy mystery series! I enjoyed the story from beginning to end. The ending caught me a bit by surprise. I love it when a cozy doesn't end the way I think it will. The mystery is nicely paced, and had some twists and surprises. I like Hope as a main character. Her friendship with the cute Chief of Police has some hints at upcoming romance. The background theme of blogging is interesting and current. Throw in some quirky, fun side characters and a dog and you've got a great cozy mystery! Plus, there are some yummy recipes included at the back of the book.

The Uninvited Corpse is Debra Sennefelder's debut novel. She will have another book, Murder Wears a Little Black Dress, coming out in January 2019. It's the first novel in the Resale Boutique Mystery series.

**I voluntarily read an advance readers copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

[Ell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the name of the fictional blog, Hope at Home, that the main character Hope Early manages in this book. I love picking up the first in a new series of cozy mysteries and being introduced to a whole new set of interesting characters. I love finding a new author to follow. So, I was very pleased with, The Uninvited Corpse by Debra Sennefelder. The Food Blogger Mystery series is set in a scenic New England town and revolves around Hope’s busy life testing out recipes, gathering helpful household hints and preparing enticing blog entries. Sounds, pleasant, right? It is pleasant, but it certainly is anything but boring! The lifeless body of a decidedly unpleasant real estate agent is found during a garden tour and Hope’s very own sister, Claire, is a suspect. Hope is compelled to track down the real murderer before her sister lands in jail. This is an entertaining read. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my rating. I have provided an unbiased and honest review.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

I know from experience blogging isn’t easy but Hope Early has her foodie/lifestyle blog well under control and making money. That is until she finds the body of local real estate agent Peaches McCoy in the middle of a spring garden tour. Peaches wasn’t even invited to this party, how did she end up pushing up daisies? Unfortunately, her sister, Claire, also a local real estate agent, tagged along to the event with Hope. Due to her rivalry with the victim, she quickly becomes the prime murder suspect. When another murder is committed, Hope’s only hope is to dig into the murders herself because her sister isn’t taking the police’s investigation seriously. While fielding offers to appear on more reality television and trying to keep up with her recipes and blog, she now finds herself following a murderer and getting so close she may be the next dead body they dig up.

The author has got this series off to a great start.

Due to the garden party setting readers are introduced to a lot of characters all at once but soon we are given enough information to keep them all straight. Hope and her sister are nothing alike. Hope is a hard worker, recently divorced and trying to make a success out of her 15 minutes of reality show fame. Many say she should have won that baking show. Claire who probably works hard too, is not very likable, kind of irritating, but Hope loves her and the relationship for them is normal. Hope’s best friend just happens to be the chief of police but that may develop into something more in the future. The secondary cast started to really come alive as the story continued.

The plot is full of red herrings. Almost everyone at the party had an opportunity to kill Peaches, but others could have entered the garden without being seen, so the suspect list is pretty long. The story flows at a nice pace as readers follow along with Hope and her investigation. I had a theory about the guilty party a bit before Hope but the reveal still was a bit of surprise.

I liked the way the story ended with Hope’s housewarming party with an unexpected guest. No corpse this time.

I am looking forward to the next book in this series. I am excited for Hope’s story to continue and maybe Claire will be a little more likable 🙂 The author has laid a nice foundation and left plenty of room for her characters to evolve as the series continues.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read The Uninvited Corpse Sunday, this is a new cozy mystery from Debra Sennefelder and I so enjoyed it. Loved the cover, that perfectly portrayed the mystery within. This was a good read, really well done and in away I did not expect. I loved the way the mystery unfolded, the way the characters worked together and against each other. I love a story with Chickens too. I could easily relate with main character Hope, who is a blogger, sister and friend as well as a great baker and who is loyal to a fault! Loved her so much and I cannot wait to read the next one. A great mystery, great story and so much I want to say but it would give too much away. Great start to a new series. Can't wait to try the recipes!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a first in a new series, and it is off to a winning start!
I enjoyed the characters, who were written vividly and full of personality.
The premise and setting were also entertaining.
The whodunit was well written and kept me guessing (I was unsuccessful in guessing the culprit I have to admit).
I look forward to reading the next in the series!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Kristi Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope Early is a food blogger. She is busy testing recipes and preparing notes for her blog. She heads out to attend a spring garden tour. She isn't prepared for what she is about to see. She finds Peaches McCoy dead. Her sister Claire and Peaches are known to be rivals in the real estate business. Hope starts desperately searching for the murder. She is afraid if she doesn't figure it out soon, her sister will be charged for Peaches death. This was a fun cozy read.

[Mark Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Food and lifestyle blogger Hope Early is settling back into her home town of Jefferson, Connecticut, and she is enjoying reconnecting with family and friends. One chance to do that is at her friend’s garden party to celebrate that friend’s new gardening book. However, Peaches McCoy, an ambitious real estate agent, crashes the party. Peaches isn’t well liked in town, but Hope is surprised to find Peaches’ body before the event is over. With the police zeroing in on Hope’s sister, Hope sets out to find the real killer. Can she do it?

This book doesn’t waste much time before jumping into the garden party. That’s both good and bad since it means it isn’t long before Peaches dies, but it also means we meet the suspects and series regulars in a hurry. It took me a little time to keep them all straight, but as their personalities came through, I was able to remember who they all were. The plot does slow down in the second half, but everything comes together for a great climax. This looks like the start of a fun series.

NOTE: I received a copy of this book.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.

[beachbum bookworm]

not telling....find out this saturday @ our killing time w/ cozies book club @ 4pm es time

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Uninvited Corpse by Debra Sennefelder is the first novel in Food Blogger Mysteries. Hope Early lives in a lovely farmhouse in Jefferson, Connecticut where she writes her blog, Hope at Home. Hope is off to attend Audrey Bloom’s book signing and garden tour. Claire, Hope’s sister and a local real estate agent, insists on coming with her in the hopes that Peaches McCoy will be attendance. Claire is upset that Peaches, a rival real estate agent, stole another listing from her and this one was for the controversial new Whitcomb development. The event is to promote Audrey’s new book. Hope, who just cannot help herself, is cleaning up after the guests. She goes into the study and finds it in a disarray with Peaches dead on the floor. Detective Sam Reid zeros in on Claire as the killer. With encouragement from her friends since she has always been good at solving mysteries, Hope delves into the case. The next night Hope receives a call from Vanessa stating she needs to talk to her right away. Hope arrives at Vanessa’s house to find the door open and Vanessa dead. What did Vanessa know that got her killed? Hope needs to expose the killer before Claire ends up doing twenty to life. Someone is unhappy with Hope’s snooping and attempts to put her out of commission. Can Hope reveal the killer before Claire is fitted for an orange jumpsuit?

The Uninvited Corpse is easy to read (I am starting with the positive aspects). I wish, though, that the author had taken the time to establish Hope’s background. We are told what happened to her recently and why she has moved to Jefferson to start over (several times), but I wanted to know more about her. The Uninvited Corpse starts off with the author introducing us to a plethora of characters. There was just one after another and it was difficult to keep them all straight. My favorite character is Jane Merrifield, a mystery writer. I wish the author had made her the main character (I really liked her). The book seemed disjointed/choppy. It lacked an ease and flow. There is the cliché nasty detective that frequently reminds Hope to quit investigating. As an investigator, Hope is severely lacking. She was good as a teen in solving mysteries as a part of a library group (which we are told many times), but that was in theory (like me solving cozy mysteries). Hope asks bad questions and lacks subtlety. She goes around antagonizing people all around the town (she was relentless). I am curious if anyone else wondered why Claire never had dinner with her kids? There was a repetition of information. The same details are mentioned repeatedly. And let me not forget the love triangle. Why do author’s keep putting love triangles in cozy mysteries? The mystery was simple and easily solved. The why takes longer to become apparent. When Hope is not out investigating, she is baking, painting, cooking, chatting, writing blog posts and cleaning (a bit obsessive about it). Since The Uninvited Corpse is the first book, I am hoping Debra Sennefelder will work out the kinks before the next Food Blogger Mystery. I am giving The Uninvited Corpse 3 out of 5 stars.

[Lisa Ks Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled when I first heard about this new book/series. With the lead character being a blogger, and loving to bake, I knew I’d like her.

I started reading THE UNINVITED CORPSE while sitting in my car waiting for my sister to finish an appointment. I wish she had taken longer because I didn’t want to put this book down! Author Debra Sennefelder hooked my from page one. And when I finally had the chance to read uninterrupted, I was glued to the book until the last page.

Right away I loved the first three characters introduced. Protagonist, Hope Early, Chief of Police Ethan Cahill and Hope’s best friend (maybe more in future installments?), and Vanessa Jordan, Hope’s assistant. I’m looking forward in getting to know more about all three of them. As for some other characters, I was happy with the choice of victim, Peaches McCoy. Not a nice person at all. I also didn’t like, Claire Dixon, Hope’s sister. But Hope loves her, so I’m willing to give her another chance. 😉

THE UNINVITED CORPSE was superbly written, with a brilliantly thought out plot. Author Sennefelder created a vast list of suspects that all seemed to me to be likely killers. She had me guessing until the end. Of course, every guess I made was wrong. I was floored when I read the reveal!

If you’re looking to start a new series this year, don’t miss out on the Food Blogger Mysteries. THE UNINVITED CORPSE is the first of what I’m sure will be a long lasting series.
Did I mention there are some tasty recipes included?!

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope Early is trying hard to get her life back in order. First, she was a magazine editor and it wasn’t a successful career, to say the least. Then, she was on a reality baking show. It, too, was unsuccessful. Not to mention her marriage, also, failed. Hope goes home to the small town of Jefferson in Connecticut.

Hope is now a very successful blogger. She shares all kinds of cooking tips with her audience. All is going quite well until she attends a spring garden tour. There she finds the dead body of Peaches McCoy. A hated real estate agent who was not invited to the tour. No one knows why she was there, but no one seems all that unhappy with her death. In fact, Hope’s own sister, Claire, was not a fan of Peaches McCoy either.

Claire quickly becomes the prime suspect in the murder. Hope isn’t about to let her sister take the rap for a murder she knows she did not commit. Although warned off by the local police, Hope launches her own investigation. She’s determined to find the real killer and clear her sister’s name in the process.

The premise of this cozy mystery series grabbed my attention right away. Hope is a blogger and the setting was one I could identify with it. It’s a fast-moving, well plotted cozy mystery. Readers are kept guessing until the end.

The characters are portrayed vividly. They come to life with the first page of this book. I couldn’t put this one down. I just had to know how it would end.

The Uninvited Corpse is the first book in the series. If this one is any indication, there will be many more books to follow.



FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Sabine · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Hope Early's marriage breaks up she leaves her job as a magazine editor to take part in a baking reality show. From there she establishes a career as a food blogger and moves back to her hometown Jefferson, Connecticut. Reading about her blog updates and how she creates new recipes was a fun and new theme for a mystery. I was very happy to see that there were some of her delicious recipes added at the end.

Her friend and author Audrey Bloom has a garden tour at her home to celebrate the release of her new gardening book. The event comes to a murderous ending when the body of a realtor is found in her house.
Hope starts investigating when her sister Claire becomes the main suspect. Her way of interrogating suspects made me cringe and laugh at the same time. She sure knows how to alienate the town folks...

It was a very good start to a new series and I am looking forward to the next installment.

I requested this book from NetGalley and am thankful that Kensington and the author provided me with an advance copy.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome first book in this new series! I immediately was drawn to the characters and their chemistry with each other. And who doesn't love it when the pet (a dog in this case) saves the day and nabs the killer? I didn't guess the killer until the clues pointed that way, great twist.

Hope Early was a lifestyle and food blogger who had just moved back to her hometown of Jefferson, CT. When a local realtor woman was killed in a friend's home, and Hope's sister was the main suspect, Hope knew she'd have to work fast to get to the real killer before her fashionable sister ended up wearing orange for the foreseeable future. After another body was found and a couple of attempts were made on Hope's life, would she even be able to prove her sister's innocence?

I thought it was sweet that Hope had gone to school with police chief Ethan and had a comfortable friendship type relationship, even though she admitted only to herself she has feelings for him. Although what cozy mystery would be complete without a triangle right? Now there's also lawyer Matt, who is also handsome as Ethan. Part of me says Team Ethan, but I'm anxious to get to know Matt a little better too. I just loved how Hope, her reporter friend Drew and her mystery author friend, Jane would meet and discuss the case. Jane may have been older, but she had a good head for mysteries and seemed to put them on the right path. Her sister Claire is every bit the fashionista and not one bit crafty like Hope, who makes a living blogging about food, crafts and home. But the two sisters love each other fiercely as Hope showed when she tried to figure out who the real killer was.

I'm anxious to read the next book and spend more time with these delightful characters I've just met!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Food and lifestyle blogger Hope Early attends a garden tour party where she stumbles upon the body of real estate agent Peaches. Hope's sister Claire, a rival real estate agent, becomes the main suspect so Hope jumps into the investigation. Lots of people didn't like Peaches so the list of suspects is long.

In this debut of a new series, the author has created a fresh concept and entertaining character in Hope. She used to be a magazine editor in New York City and was on a reality TV cooking show. She's traded in the big city for Connecticut where she raises chickens and writes a blog. Hope is a fabulous cook plus she knits and works on remodeling the old farmhouse she purchased. I learned some interesting information about blogging. I had no idea people could make a living doing that. For the cozy mystery lover, this book rates five stars. Loved the recipes at the end of the book!

I received a copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this cozy mystery, it was fun and well written.
I would definetly read the next book in the series.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Uninvited Corpse by Debra Sennefelder is a first in a new series that is sure to be a winner.
Hope Early is a wonderful character and she is very easy to like.
Hope is a blogger who whips up some delicious treats in this cozy mystery.

As we all know, there is always a victim in a cozy and this one is no different.
Finding the body was horrible for Hope, but even worse is watching her sister being accused of this awful crime.

Hope does everything in her power to find the truth, alienating her friends, going against the local police, and finding herself a victim as well.

I loved the other characters that joined Hope. Jane, a retired mystery author certainly stirs the plot and her sidekick Sally was entertaining as well.
I was able to figure it out at the end, but the author had me second guessing myself quite often.

Mystery fans will want to put The Uninvited Corpse at the top of their TBR pile.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Things I disliked about this book:

1. L O V E triangle. Really? Please just stop with those. Please. UGH.

2. The cop who is so single-minded and has blinders on and once he has made up his mind he knows who the killer is stops doing HIS FREAKING JOB [which then leaves the pathway for the MC to do all the work for him, risking danger and life and limb] and just coasts. PLEASE STOP. PLEASE.

3. The most obviously NOT guilty person being charged with murder. I mean really?

4. L O V E TRIANGLES. It is just lazy writing and needs to stop. Now.

5. The MC who thinks she knows better than the cops [though in this one they clearly give her a reason to think that] and insists on going after the killer, alienating EVERYONE in her path, on her own.

6. Ethan, Claire and Maretta. Meh. Meh. and MEH.

What I liked about this book:

1. The MC. Hope is a good character with good background. She is a blogger and makes her living from that and that is a new enterprise in the cozy genre and I like it. It is fun and you can get some neat tips along the way. She is smart, but not too smart [clearly] and she has genuine feelings about her divorce [which is always the case in MC's who have been dumped]. There are aspects of Hope that I am not crazy about, but for the most part, at least with this book, I am willing to overlook them and hope she just grows out of them by the next book.

2. Drew. He. IS. Hilarious.

3. Bigelow. He sounds like a dog everyone would want to have.

This book just aggravated me from the first chapter. I didn't like the narrator at all and ended up reading the last half of the book [in less time than the narrator would have taken] and it just annoyed me. It wasn't realistic and the ending/reveal was anticlimactic. I have the next one to read for NetGalley and I surely hope that it is better than this one.

[JoAn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Uninvited Corpse by Debra Sennefelder was an interesting introduction to a new cozy series. I say interesting because the book introduced the reader to several characters at the beginning which made it slightly confusing for me. Although many of the characters were better defined later in the book, I found their initial reactions and interactions confusing and only later did I understand them.

Hope is a strong female who has reinvented herself after moving back home to Jefferson. I liked her drive and creativity as she begins life anew. Her sister, Claire, was a hard person for me to like as she seemed very self-absorbed. The descriptive writing did well in introducing the reader to the town of Jefferson and the residents. I'm sure that many of the characters will become more developed as this series progresses. The plot was smoothly paced and there were several suspects, twists and turns, and ambiguous clues to keep me guessing until the reveal.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking through some book covers and one attracted my attention. I didn't recognize the cover but I remember I like the one book I read. I ordered the book. It is a good cozy. While I blog, It would never occur to me to make my living as a blogger.
Hope Early's life has been swirling downward for a while. She did not Reality TV contest, and a messy divorce, as overwhelming press coverage. She quit her job, return to hometown, brought an old Victorian House, added chickens. She has made a friend of the Police Chief, reconnected with some high school chums. Hope joins many of the local organizations and becomes active in their affairs. Attending a garden tour, she found the body of Peaches McCoy in the study. Her sister, Claire has many reasons to want Peaches dead and the homicide detective decides that all the evidence points to Claire. To help Claire begins to ask questions about te death and angers several individuals. She puts herself in danger. Hope must solve a cold case in order to clear her sister. I highly recommend this book, I am looking forward to the next book.

[Readaholic Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start to what I hope is an excellent cozy series. I like the characters. I really like Hope and her sister and it seems to be a great town. I hope number two is as good as number one.

[Mary Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Synopsis:

Leaving behind a failed career as a magazine editor and an embarrassing stint on a reality baking show, newly divorced lifestyle entrepreneur Hope Early thought things were finally on the upswing—until she comes face-to-face with a murderer . . .

Hope’s schedule is already jam packed with recipe testing and shameless plugs for her food blog as she rushes off to attend a spring garden tour in the charming town of Jefferson, Connecticut. Unfortunately, it isn’t the perfectly arranged potted plants that grab her attention—it’s the bloody body of reviled real estate agent Peaches McCoy . . .

One of the tour guests committed murder, and all eyes are on Hope’s older sister, Claire Dixon—who, at best, saw Peaches as a professional rival. And suspicions really heat up when another murder occurs the following night. Now, with two messy murders shaking Jefferson and all evidence pointing to Claire, Hope must set aside her burgeoning brand to prove her sister’s innocence. But the closer she gets to the truth, the closer she gets to a killer intent on making sure her life goes permanently out of style . . .

Includes Recipes from Hope’s Kitchen! (Goodreads)


Review:

I had been looking forward to reading this book since I first heard about it. I have to say that is was well worth the wait.

The characters are well developed and well rounded. Hope is a smart, hardworking woman who is trying to make her own place in the blogging world. When a body is found at a garden party that she is attending, she feels compelled to try to find the killer before her sister end up in jail. I really enjoyed reading about the relationship between Hope and her sister. It seemed realistic and added a lot to the story. I will say that there were a lot of characters introduced in this story and I had trouble keeping them straight in my mind at times. That is only my opinion and others may not feel the same way. The farther I read in the book it did get easier to keep track of everyone.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. I think that the author is very talented in her descriptive writing and I could imagine many of the scenes in my mind, which drew me into the story even more.

The mystery was well plotted and it was not easy to solve. There were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through. Add in the twists and turns and red herrings and even the most seasoned armchair detective will have trouble solving it.

I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I will happily read the next book when it is published.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.

[Shawna Shaheen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 1 Hope used to be a successful magazine editor became a finalist in tv series Sweet Taste of Success from New York. But Hope let that all go after Hope divorce. Now she lives in her hometown in New England being a good blogger. Her sister Claire is a home relator trying . And Peaches was a house realtor too trying to get more that Claire for her commision. Audrey is Hope friend that is a gardener expertise and has a garden tip blog to. Audrey was having a garden party in Jefferson and everyone was invited. Jane and Shelly were older sisters that were friends with Hope and Claire mom. At the party someone bludgeon Peaches everyone wondered why she was even there no one invited her.Ethan and Sheriff Reid were investigating and had Claire in custosdy. Ethan was Hope friend from along time ago but they seem like they might have a thing. Drew is another of Hope friend and he wants to get the scoop on murder. One another person died in this story. I liked this story. I would like to learn how to blogs too. I will read 2nd book of series

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in a series by an author who is new to me. I was very happy I took the chance and requested a copy. I found this to be a very enjoyable read. Hope Early was a likeable character right from the start and she is surrounded by a good cast of secondary characters. Hope Early is a reluctant sleuth but investigates two murders to clear her sisters name. I enjoyed the relationship between the sisters. Their relationship felt genuine and having a sister of my own who is close in age I could relate. The mystery was solid and carried through the entire story. There were plenty of suspects to chose from and some nice twists and turns that kept me turning the pages. I enjoyed this story and will be back to see what the author has in store next.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Uninvited Corpse by Debra Sennefelder is the 1st book in a Food Blogger Mystery series, and my first book by this author. Hope Early is a food and lifestyle blogger, Hope at Home, who returns home to Jefferson, Connecticut. When hope finds a body, her sister Claire is the main suspect, and the sleuthing begins. This book has more twists and turns, that kept me reading page after page. I love the unique people and situations in this book. I found this book to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. If you love cozy mysteries, I recommend this book.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

As is often the case in Cozy Mystery Series, the MC, Hope Early has had a rough time lately. After losing her job as a Magazine Editor, flopping on a Reality Baking Show and a divorce, she has moved back home to Jefferson Connecticut from New York City. She is trying to make a living with her food blog, lovingly named "Hope at Home". She is attending The Jefferson Garden Club's spring garden tour at the home of her friend Audrey Bloom. Audrey is the author of several gardening books and Hope is helping her out. There are some problems between members of The Garden Club, and Peaches McCoy, a local realtor shows up uninvited causing a rocky start to the event. When Peaches is killed during the Garden Tour, Hope's sister Claire, a rival real estate agent becomes the top suspect. As Hope investigates, trying to prove her sister innocent, many other suspects come to light. Peaches is unpopular because she's been buying up area farmland and properties for development into subdivisions, she and Audrey are at odds over many local issues including the development projects, and Peaches' drive and personality have caused many people to dislike her. Who hated the woman enough to bash her head in with a rock?

I enjoyed the story from beginning to end, with its good pacing, clues scattered throughout, a few twists and a totally unexpected ending. I like Hope as a main character. She is real, with normal emotions, a friendly disposition, loyal, honest and smart. It looks like she may have a romance coming in future books with the Chief of Police, but I hope it is not rushed. I have read a lot of culinary cozies, but this is a bit different with blogging as a lifestyle for the main character. One of the things I really like in a cozy are some quirky characters and some interesting pets and we have both in this book. Overall, this was a good start to a new series and I look forward to seeing what is next for Hope and her friends.

[RO G'ma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Uninvited Corpse is the debut novel in Debra Sennefelder’s Food Blogger Mysteries series and is an enjoyable read. I had a little trouble getting into this book and understanding the characters and their relationships in the beginning, but once it all fell together for me I didn’t want to put the book down. The characters are relatable and the storyline is well plotted, with an interesting mystery, plenty of suspects, and some twists and turns that kept me engaged. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Hope Early recently moved back to her hometown of Jefferson, Connecticut, is renovating the home she purchased, has chickens, and is a lifestyle and food blogger. Her blog, Hope At Home, has become quite successful. Her older sister, Claire Dixon, is a real estate agent and lives in Jefferson with her husband and two children. Hope and Claire are attending a garden tour and book signing at Audrey Bloom’s home. Hope is picking up stray luncheon items when she enters the study and discovers the body of Peaches McCoy, a local real estate agent. Peaches wasn’t an invited guest and there had been some speculation as to why she was there. Hope has always been able to figure out whodunit in mystery books and her friend, Jane Merrifield, a retired mystery author, encourages her to investigate. When Hope finds a second body, she wonders if the murders are related. Chief of Police Ethan Cahill doesn’t believe Clair is guilty, but Detective Reid does and because the evidence leads to her, she’s arrested. Claire and the authorities try to discourage Hope from investigating, but she is determined to clear her sister’s name.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Sheila Samuelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4 Stars!!
Review:
This was my first time reading a Cozy Mystery by Debra so i wasnt sure what to expect but for the most part i did enjoy it but could of did without the 2 sisters bickering in the beginning cause it kind of took away from what the story was about.

The Characters were fun and enjoyable to read about. Hope and Peaches were definately my favorites. I didnt really understand the consept of why everyone disliked Peaches cause i thought she made some good points throughout the book.

The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in Jefferson Connecticut while reading, especially when the scenery was described.

Overall an OK Book 1 in this Cozy Mystery Series about a Food Blogger who solves Mysteries!! I will check out more books in this series but i just hope the others dont beging the way this one was.

[Pat Cray-Hollis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book. Finished a couple of hours ago. Starting the 2nd one in the series.