Expiration Date

A Cook-Off Mystery #1

by Devon Delaney

After a short-lived marriage, Sherry Frazzelle is living single life to the fullest in her little Connecticut town, accompanied by her Jack Russell terrier, Chutney. Her new passion is competitive cooking—but it turns out that murder is the surprise ingredient . . .

With contestants from Maine to California and a ten-thousand-dollar prize at stake, Sherry’s latest competition, hosted by the CEO of an organic food company, is sure to be heated. But she’s more than ready to step up to the stove. After all, she did win the award for Most Creative Cupcake back in high-school.Today, she’s hoping her flavorful pork tenderloin will sway the judges. Instead, it seems someone’s decided to slay one of the judges . . .

After Chef Birns falls face first into the Seafood Flatbread Pizza, Sherry’s dish is deemed suspicious. Now she’ll have to stir through a stew of rule-breaking, corruption, and gossip to get herself off the chopping block, and find out who turned this food fight fatal . . .

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Adult

281 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 24, 2018

About the author

I am a wife, mother of three, accomplished cooking contester and a recent empty nester. I taught computer education and Lego Robotics for over ten years prior to pursuing writing. All the way I have been handsomely rewarded for my recipe innovation over the last twenty-plus years. Among the many prizes I have won are a full kitchen of major appliances, six-figure top cash prizes and four trips to Disney World. I have also won the grand prize in a national writing contest for my ‘foodie’ poem “Ode to Pork Passion.” Combining my beloved cooking contesting with my enthusiasm for writing was inevitable.

Reviews

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sherry Frazzelle is in the midst of getting used to being single again and she's found she has a passion for competitive cooking. Spending plenty of time in the kitchen allows her to tweak recipes until she thinks they will be a hit and maybe win a top prize or two. She was extremely excited to be chosen as a finalist in her latest competition.

As the competition is coming to a close and the judgement should be coming soon however one of the judges collapses. When it's found that he had been poisoned the police begin their murder investigation and since Sherry's dish was the last to be tasted they begin to look her way leading her to try to find out just what happened herself.

Expiration Date by Devon Delaney is the first book in the new cozy A Cook-Off Mystery  series. As expected with cozies there's a good amount of fun characters to follow and plenty of mouth watering treats for the foodies out there including some recipes.

While this was an alright start to a new series I did think it had a few flaws in my own opinion. First I noticed that it would drag a bit when the author would have Sherry cooking in the story telling each ingredient and step, made it feel a bit like I'd switched to a cookbook mid stride. I'd also noticed some interactions just didn't feel very realistic in nature along the way but with a little tightening up it could turn into a really fun series overall.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

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

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Sherry Frazzelle and her sister Marla Barras have entered the OrgaNicks Corporation Cooking Competition against 4 other home cooks from across the nation. It is time for the celebrity chef judges to choose a winner. Sherry looks on as Chef Birns takes a bite of her pork tenderloin, but he immediately crumbles into another entry. She rushes to help but the man is dead and she is now the prime suspect in his murder. He was eating her food. Amber Sherman, another contestant, agrees to stay in town to help her find out what really happened or the home she could be cooking in be “the big house”.

Sherry Frazzelle is an interesting lead character. She and her Jack Russell terrier, Chutney are starting over after her marriage fell apart. She works part-time for her dad at his hooked rug shop, Oliveri’s Ruggery. She is also very into competitive cooking. She has a few quirks, a very Type A personality. She hates it when someone mispronounces her name, Frazzelle (rhyme with la belly) and hates to be called ma’am and she tends to panic when she is not in control. Her soon to be ex is still hanging around. She has a room full of his stuff that he refuses to pick up. She is close to her sister but Marla lives in Oklahoma. She was thrilled that they were both finalists in the OrgaNicks contest. There they meet Amber and become fast friends.

This is a humorous cozy that suffers a little bit of the first book in the series – itis. The author has to introduce readers to all the characters and give us a mystery we can sink our teeth into. Not an easy job.

I found Sherry a little off-putting at first but she grew on me by the end. I liked her sister Marla and their new friend Amber but since they both were from out of town I don’t know how much of them we will see in future installments. We did meet Sherry’s dad too. I hope he is featured more going forward. I found his hooked rugs shop very interesting. I was really into latch hook rugs back in the day. The dialogue between the characters was a little off and didn’t ring true for me especially when Sherry was talking to police.

The theme of a cooking competition was very enjoyable. There is a lot of emphasis on the food. It was easy to visualize every step of the way. It is also nice to have the recipes talked about in the back of the book.

The pacing of the book became a little stilted in places. The mystery unfolded with plenty of twists and turns but I did zero in on the killer very early in the story due to clues that were a little too on the nose. The murder weapon itself was quite unique. Something I would never have thought of.

Like I always say, the first book in a series is a heavy lift. There are a lot of good things in this story and plenty of room left to expand and grow as the series continues. I really did enjoy the main premise of the mystery and the cook-off theme. A little editing and tightening up would have made this a 5-star read. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[PugMom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous first in series culinary cozy mystery! If you think you know all about cooking contests, think again! The competition between the contestants is bound to be cutthroat but what happens when one of the judges ends on up on the chopping block?
A fast paced and well planned mystery, the interesting characters and twists and turns keep the reader engaged until the very end. I thoroughly enjoyed this first book in the Cook-Off Mystery Series and am eagerly awaiting the 2nd book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book via NetGalley.

[AmBerGUR · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was just okay.

[Readaholic Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I guessed the culprits about halfway through but it's still a great book. I like the characters and hope to see Amber in future books.

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Expiration Date by Devon Delaney is the 1st book in A Cook-Off Mystery series. Sherry Frazzelle is recovering from her marriage which only lasted a short time, and is now throwing herself into competitive cooking. Unfortunately when one person ends up dead after eating Sherry's food, she must find the real killer. This book was a fun cozy mystery, but I did not like Sherry very much. I plan on giving this author another try with the next book in the series. If you like cooking and cozy's you might want to give this book a try.

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

[Bridget Vollmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Won in a GR giveaway in exchange for a review**
3 1/2 stars rounded up. A decent start to a new series by Devon Delaney.
It took me awhile to become interested in the story. The dialogue between the characters felt forced and unnatural, but as the plot progressed I found myself enjoying the mystery and even chuckling at a few phrases. I would have given it 3 stars but this clever and cheesy sentence at the end bumped it up a half star. I mean, how can you not laugh???
You're as persistent as gas after a chilidog-eating contest.

[Mary Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Synopsis:

After a short-lived marriage, Sherry Frazzelle is living single life to the fullest in her little Connecticut town, accompanied by her Jack Russell terrier, Chutney. Her new passion is competitive cooking--but it turns out that murder is the surprise ingredient . . .

With contestants from Maine to California and a ten-thousand-dollar prize at stake, Sherry's latest competition, hosted by the CEO of an organic food company, is sure to be heated. But she's more than ready to step up to the stove. After all, she did win the award for Most Creative Cupcake back in high-school.Today, she's hoping her flavorful pork tenderloin will sway the judges. Instead, it seems someone's decided to slay one of the judges . . .

After Chef Birns falls face first into the Seafood Flatbread Pizza, Sherry's dish is deemed suspicious. Now she'll have to stir through a stew of rule-breaking, corruption, and gossip to get herself off the chopping block, and find out who turned this food fight fatal . . .

Includes Recipes from Sherry's Kitchen! (Goodreads)

Review:

There seemed to be a lot of characters introduced in this story, probably because it was the first one in the series. At times I had a little trouble keeping them all straight in my mind, (that is only my opinion and others may not agree with me). I did like how much Sherry loved cooking and how passionate she was about it. She knew her food and she found something that she could excel at. She did seem to have a lot of hang-ups but that made her seem more realistic to me. She was not perfect but who among us is.

I really liked the premise of the mystery: a cooking competition. I thought that was a unique concept and very interesting. It was great having an inside look at cooking competitions and learning a little bit about what goes on.

The writing style flowed smoothly and for the most part it was a quick easy read. Some of the conversations between the characters did not feel realistic to me. There was a lot of food descriptions and talk of food and sometimes I felt like I was reading a cookbook (I just feel that this was a little over done). The mystery had a lot of twists and turns as well as enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider. I did figure out the killer before it was revealed but that is alright.

I am planning one reading the next book in this series because I feel there is a strong potential for a great series. As a debut book, I thought it was good start and I am glad that I read it.
If you enjoy food cozies I think you should give this book a try and see what you think.

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

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Expiration Date by Devon Delaney is the premier novel in A Cook-Off Mystery series. Sherry Frazzelle (rhyme with la belly) is one of the finalists in the OrgaNicks Cook-Off in Augustin, Connecticut. The grand prize is $10,000 and title of OrgaNicks Supreme Home Chef. The judging is completed, and Chef Tony Birns is announcing the winner when he collapses. After it is determined he was poisoned, Sherry rises to the top of the suspect list since her dish was the last one sampled by the victim. Sherry with help from fellow competitor, Amber Sherman sets out to clear her name and her pork tenderloin. The killer, though, is less than thrilled with Sherry’s sleuthing and attempts to warn her off the case. Sherry is missing the last pieces of the puzzle that will help her identify the guilty party. She just needs to assemble the clues like the ingredients in a recipe and stir until she cooks up the killer. Sherry will need to be careful or she will get burned.

Expiration Date is a light, humorous cozy mystery. I felt that Expiration Date could have done with some rewriting to give it a better flow along with a more solid mystery. The pacing slowed down considerably when food was being cooked and described. When Sherry was cooking, the book was reminiscent of a cookbook instead of a work of fiction. We are told each ingredient along with every step in the cooking process. The dialogue could have used some tweaking. It was awkward. Sherry is not a likeable main character. She is a neat freak, likes to be in control, gets anxious quickly, has panic attacks, scares easily and she expects situations to turn out badly (she comes across as neurotic instead of realistic). Sherry does not like her name to be pronounced incorrectly and corrects people throughout the book. She also cannot stand being called ma’am (this happens throughout the book as well). A contradiction to her neat fetish is one of the guest rooms is filled with her estranged husband’s clothing (looks like the inside of a men’s clothing boutique). Sherry is waiting for him to pick them up. Personally, I would have given the man an ultimatum (I believe he is looking for an excuse to stop by). My favorite part of Expiration Date was barely touched on. Sherry’s father owns Oliveri’s Ruggery, a hooked rug shop (rug hooking is a wonderful art form). I dearly wish the author had centered the book around the shop instead of food competitions (that would have been unique). The mystery was simple and solving it is a cinch (might as well be a giant neon arrow pointing to the killer). The author gives away the who and why early in the story. The case details are repeated (more repetition) and there is a lack of action (more cooking than crime solving). I did find the method of murder to be unique and clever. I was left with one question at the end of the book—who won the cooking competition? I am hoping the author ups her game in the next A Cook-Off Mystery.

[Rebecca Reviews · Rating 2 out of 5]

Devon Delaney’s Expiration Date is an okay cooking competition cosy that fails to live up to its potential. I like the premise and the mystery but the characters are inconsistent and the writing needs a lot of editing.

Our protagonist is recently-divorced Sherry Frazzelle who enjoys competitive cooking. Her latest competition is hosted by an organic food company and there’s a big prize attached. However, when judge Chef Birns dies during judging, Sherry’s pork tenderloin dish is deemed guilty. With the help of her sister and a new friend from the competition, Sherry begins sleuthing to clear her name.

The mystery plot is a little obvious and slowly paced. But, it is interesting and kept my attention. The culprit is very easy to figure out. However, I like that there are a few viable suspects and some good twists. I really enjoyed the descriptions of food. I especially love the introduction to the world of competitive cooking. It’s a great and unique premise.

I didn’t think I would like Sherry but she’s a great character. I enjoy her amateur sleuthing. Her various quirks like her anxiety and desire to always be in control make her a unique protagonist. While the rest of the characters are likeable, they act very inconsistently and implausibly. The odd behaviour of the two detectives who are investigating the murder really took me out of the book. But, I like the hints of something stirring between Sherry and Detective Bease because they actually have common interests. I also sometimes had trouble telling therapist Amber and Sherry’s sister Marla apart because they don’t have very distinct voices or memorable personalities.

The book really needs editing because the action and dialogue flow very awkwardly. There is too much info dumping. Furthermore, the dialogue is stiff and unconvincing. The last few chapters are particularly strange and improbable. The big reveal is bizarre, messily written, and crowded.
I like the included recipes but they are very random. I wish they were more connected with the story.

Expiration Date had the ingredients to make a good book but it fails to fully deliver. It’s fine for a quick one-time read if you like culinary cosies and unique premises. I will probably read one more in this series because there is potential but I really hope Delaney’s style improves.


🍳 🍳 ½ pans out of 5!

[Kyleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

** DISCLAIMER! I was sent this book in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my final rating.**

3.3/5⭐️

STORY 3/5 (The story was just fine. I was interested in the characters and the mystery but was ultimately disappointed.)

CHARACTERS 3.5/5 (I enjoyed many of the characters like the MC and the detectives in the story but I also had a hard time remembering who the minor characters were. It made it hard to understand the mystery.)

WRITING 2.5/5 (The dialogue was poorly paced and not that compelling. I did enjoy the puns and food info but it didn't make up for the painful dialogue.)

UNIQUENESS 4/5 (Like I said there were many interesting food and cooking facts I learned that I havent seen in other Cozy Mysteries.)

ENJOYMENT 3.5/5 (Despite the issue I had with the writing I did enjoy this book. I liked the characters and cooking elements and the mystery was ok. I will be picking up the next in the series for sure.)

[Laura M · Rating 2 out of 5]

Full disclosure - I didn't finish this book. There are too many good books in the world. When I find myself checking to see how much of the book is left while I am reading it, that's not a good sign.

After splitting with her husband, Sherry Frazzelle is exploring life to the fullest - including taking part in a cooking competition. Right before announcing the winner, the chef literally chokes on his own words and keels over. Because Sherry's dish was one of the last ones he ate, the detectives are especially interested in her. With the help of her sister and friends, she must clear her name.

The book started off strong enough. I loved the idea of the cooking contest. However, it took a sharp turn when Sherry was being interviewed by the detectives. I just feel like they would never say some of the sentences that were coming out of their mouths, let alone have the interactions with each other they were having, and all conversations from there on were unbelievable (at least to the point I read). It was just painful to read and I killed the prior enjoyment I had gotten out of the book. Sadly, I don't feel like reading follow-up books. I received this book from NetGalley for a review.

[Rachel Carr · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book from a goodreads giveaway.

This book was ok. I never felt a compelling connection to the characters or the plot line. Usually I can read these sorts of books fairly quickly but this one just never seemed to flow for me. The plot/mystery seemed very convoluted and hard to follow and when the mystery was revealed it just didn't ring true to me. I feel like there were elements of the story/characters/plot that could have been developed more and this would have possibly helped the story in my opinion. The story felt forced in the way that the author wanted to write about a cooking contest mystery. But it could just by the author's writing style that I didn't like and that happens. If you like this author or the plot idea, give this one a try. Just didn't work for me. I did have an advanced readers copy, so while there were some grammar/typo errors, those were few and I expect would be corrected before the final version. Also the blurb on the back indicated recipes were included, but not in the ARC, so I can't rate on if the recipes were good or not.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Expiration Date by Devon Delaney is a light cozy mystery that shows promise.
Shelley Frazelly ( like a - belly) is a fun character w/o seems really full of life.
Her creativity in the kitchen has Shelley participating in a cooking competition where things turn deadly in a flash.
I had a great time finding the humorous names, like Nick L Andime and Patti Mellit.

This story sets the pace for a new series that I'm looking forward to continue reading.

I read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sherry has moved back to her home town after a short marriage and developed a passion for competitive cooking. The cooking contest is sponsored by an organic food company. One of the judges falls dead in his pizza and Sherry’s dish is blamed. Interesting information about what goes on at a cooking competition.

[Briana · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m usually a sucker for these cozy mysteries- especially featuring food- I know to never expect too much out of them and just enjoy the quirky characters and the formula of regular small town woman helping/bothering/crushing on the inspector or Sheriff. This book however was really painful to read, dull and the ending was so bizarre I couldn’t tell if I was meant to be laughing or not.

[Laura Salas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cooking competition? Yes, please! Mystery? Yes, please! Easy, breezy e-book to pass a couple of hours? Yes, please!

This had the makings of a book I'd really like, but the writing just feels clunky to me. The dialog ("I'm so angry right now! He's drawing damaging conclusions just to sensationalize the event and sell his blog!" Sherry pounded her fists on the table...) feels wooden and unnatural. A co-competitor conveniently joins Sherry and Marla, Sherry's sister, so that Sherry can spill out necessary backstory. ("I'll give you a quick recap of my situation.") And characters are acting simultaneously too worried and too suspiciously. It just isn't gelling into a good read for me, even though I like the premise. I like the idea of Sherry, who has panic attacks and is a bit obsessive and orderly, more than I like actually spending time with her. I'm setting the book aside at 32%.

Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[RO G'ma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Expiration Date is the debut book in Devon Delaney’s Cook-Off Mystery series. This is a cute whodunit with likeable characters, an interesting mystery, and lots of humor, but the police investigation and their interaction with potential suspects is unrealistic. There are lots of food puns and while they are cute, I felt there were too many of them.

Sherrie Frazzelle loves entering cooking contests, lives in a small Connecticut town with her Jack Russell terrier, Chutney, and has recently separated from her husband. Sherrie and her sister, Marla Barras, are among the six home cooks from around the country who advanced to the final round in an original recipe contest sponsored by Nick Andime, the CEO of OrgaNicks Corporation. The judges, Chef Tony Birns, Chef Brock Lee, and Chef Olivia Baker have voted and as Chef Birns begins to make the announcement, he collapses and passes away. It’s determined that the cause of his death was asphyxiation caused by a non-food irritant becoming embedded in the tissue of his throat. Since Sherry’s dish was the last one he tasted, the evidence seems to point at her. Although Detective Ray Bease and his assistant, Detective Cody Diamond, haven’t ruled anyone out, their investigation appears to be focused on her. Sherry is convinced someone is trying to frame her for the murder and is determined to prove her innocence.

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

[Jessica Wilhoite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cooking Competitions are a killer...

Devon Delaney cooked up a great story with "Expiration Date". The characters are likable, relate-able, and funny. This is an enjoyable book that should be on every cozy lover's bookshelf.

Sherry Frazelle (Fra-zelly, not Frazzle) witnesses an accident, later named a homicide at a cooking competition with her sister. Due to the murder, the announcement of the winner is delayed and Sherry ends up with a fellow cook-off competitor as a house guest. Sherry is navigating the waters of being newly single and trying to fulfill her passion of cooking and winning competitions. Soon the investigation heats up and Sherry can't help but feel that she can solve this case. With the handsome Detective Bease thinking she is the killer, Sherry is trying desperately to clear her name before she's the one who's cooked.

I am so excited to read the second story in this series because I love the character of Sherry. I hope Amber will continue to male appearances, even though she lives in Maine and Sherry in Connecticut, and I want to see if there is a spark between Sherry and Detective Bease. Only time will tell.

I voluntarily reviewed this book on Netgalley.

#netgalley #expirationdate

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I voluntarily read this ARC**

This was an interesting start to a new series. There were a lot of food puns and quirky names. The mystery had a nice twist to it. My problem with the book is that Sherry didn't seem to have common sense.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

The kick off to Delaney's cook-off mystery series has the recipe for success as someone makes a killer dish that moves one of the judge's expiration date up. Fun cozy for a food lover despite the predictability of the killer.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Expiration Date is the debut of the A Cook-Off Mystery series set in the small town of Augustin, Connecticut and featuring Sherry Frazelle, a recently divorced competitive cook. Sherry lives in her small house, still cluttered with her ex-husband's belongings, accompanied by her small Jack Russell terrier, Chutney and works part time at her father's hooked rug store, Oliveri's Ruggery.

Sherry is looking forward to competing against contestants from all over the country in the OrgaNick's cook off and winning the ten thousand dollar prize. Her sister, Marla, who lives in Oklahoma has flown in and is also competing in the contest sponsored by Nick Andime's company. As the competition winds down and the judging is about to commence, Chef Tony Birns, a lead judge lands face down in a Seafood Flat Bread Pizza.

Detectives Ray Bease and Cody Diamond appear on Sherry's doorstep with the news that the Chef had died from an adverse reaction to something that he ate, and they suspect the ingredient was something in the Chutney Glazed and Farro Stuffed Pork Tenderloin that Sherry had prepared. Knowing that there was nothing poisonous in her meal that could have led to death, Sherry sets out with the help of fellow contestant Amber Sherman to track down a killer.

The premise of the story was good, but there was nothing really likable about any of the characters. Sherry is a little too angst ridden and she obsesses constantly about the proper pronunciation of her last name. There is no real relationship between Sherry and her family members, they seem to be written in only as fillers. The puns and plays on character names are a bit tedious and distract from the main mystery. With so many secondary characters it is often difficult to keep them straight.

I received an advanced copy of Expiration Date from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad for the first book in the series. I liked Sherry and I’m kind of curious to see who the recurring characters will be (although to be honest by the time I get to book 2, I’ll forget who I’m looking for). While I liked the end it was very traditional gathering all the suspects in the creepy old house. There were recipes included at the end but the disappointing part was that none of them were any of the cook-off recipes that we had been reading about.

[Shawna Shaheen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shelley and her sister Marla has been going to Cook Off Contests for awhile. It's kinda hectic doing Cook Off's but they like it. One of judges keeps over dead. There are 6 contestants. Which one would do it

[JoAnne McMaster (Any Good Book) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sherry Frazzelle is keen on entering cooking competitions. The one she's in now is for an organic food company, OrgaNicks, named after the owner, Nick Andime. Also entering is her younger sister, Marla. Cooking competitions can be cutthroat and stressful. Unfortunately, this is one of those times, with the person next to her - Kenny Dewitt - being abrasive and snide. However, she's not going to let him ruin it.

After the dishes are completed and the entrants have been seated, the three chefs have taken their places and are tasting the food. But when they're getting ready to announce the winner of the ten thousand dollar prize, one of the chefs keels over and later dies - poisoned. Sherry eventually finds out that the last dish he tasted was hers, and now she's under suspicion of being the guilty party.

While both the police and her father tell her to stay out of it, Sherry knows her reputation is on the line, and she needs to find a killer. But, of course, that's only if the killer doesn't find her first...

I wanted to read this book because like Sherry, I love to cook and bake. It's the first in a new series, and I'm happy to say that I wasn't disappointed. Sherry asks questions, but she's not truly invasive nor get-in-your-face with questions. I really dislike protagonists who follow people around and demand answers from them. Sherry tries to make it seem as if she's having a normal conversation; but, of course, the killer doesn't see it that way.

She's also trying to find a new life without her husband of five years, Charlie. But this relationship is different: Charlie didn't cheat, he didn't abuse her; he just decided he didn't want to be married. However, he's a likable character, darn it. Just like Sherry thinks about him, it's difficult to dislike a man who appears to be so nice. He's there when she needs him, and leaves a little bit of himself behind, almost as if he doesn't really want to let go of her.

The mystery itself was done really well. The clues abound, and red herrings are everywhere, with almost anyone who could be the guilty party. But while we're sifting through them, it's an interesting tale with a backbone to it, and keeps you reading throughout until you get to the end. When we do discover the killer and the reason for the murder, it's unfortunate and sad at the same time while not giving sympathy to the murderer.

Although I feel that Sherry is a little OCD about things - she needs to be in control, is neurotic, easily irritated with people, anxious, slightly paranoiac, and a little bit pessimistic (expecting the worst all the time); there are people like this, and she just happens to be one of them. She also hates it when her name is mispronounced and gets irritated when others call her 'Ma'am' instead of Miss/Ms. (Personally, I hate 'Ms'). While her quirks are meant, in my opinion, to make her endearing, too many of them make one not to spend a lot of time with her. Perhaps it's because she had to step in for her mother at an early age and never really was allowed a full childhood; but we don't know. (Maybe she needs to see a therapist?) In future books I would like to know more about this and see Sherry change a little bit as she becomes more accustomed to living alone.

Her father Erno is a font of wisdom, even if it is couched in adages; I do like Amber and hope to see more of her in future books. Although This was a fun mystery, full of surprises and I'm glad I took the time to read it. There are also some nice recipes in the back (although not the one for the pork tenderloin, unfortunately). All in all, I enjoyed the book; it's a nice cozy that can be gotten through quickly and I hope to read more by this author.

[Jae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Expiration Date by Devon Delaney is the first part of the "Cook-Off" cozy mystery series. The main character is Sherry Frazzelle.

With her amicable divorce pending, Sherry spends her time helping her father at his shop and participating in cooking competitions. Sherry is elated when one such competition takes place in her hometown and features a $10,000 prize. Things are going well during the competition until one of the chefs face-plants at the table and it's determined the last thing he ate was Sherry's dish. When the police continue to question her, Sherry is determined to find out who really did the chef in. The more she digs, however, the more she begins to wonder if Chef Birns was the actual target...and the more danger she puts herself into.

Forgive me, but the first word that comes to mind when I think of this book is dumb. The premise wasn't clever, the narrative was tedious, and I didn't even like the main character. I never connected with her at all. I found it absurd that the chef's manner of death was determined within 24 hours. Really? Because autopsies and toxicology reports can take weeks to produce results. Also, how did the criminal know that Sherry was looking into things just one day later? The ending of the book was worthy of an episode of Scooby Doo, from the creepy old house to the confession. What I found most annoying, however, was the fact that Sherry was continuously correcting people when they mispronounced her last name. Not that she did so, but that the author saw fit to give her character such an awkward name, one that necessitated this happening again and again. Boring!

I didn't care for this story, and I doubt I'll read any more in the series. I was going to give it two stars, but during the epilogue, when one of the detectives asked Sherry to dinner, she turned him down because of how he'd doubted her integrity during the investigation. Preach, sister! That small scene earns this an extra point: 3 stars

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sherry Frazelle has been joining cook-offs (think The Great British Bakeoff and MasterChef, and I watch these shows so I can understand the theme and setting of the story) because of her passion for cooking and to move on from her divorce. However, she becomes the prime suspect of a murder because the last dish the victim tasted was hers. Aside from the dread and anticipation of finding out who the winner of the cook-off is, she has to clear her name by discovering who the real murderer is.

I'm having issues with cozy mysteries having "too perfect" main characters and their "idyllic" lives, especially when there's not much humor and everyone takes themselves very seriously. This title is, I'm afraid, one of those. Sherry is super talented, she has the somewhat perfect family, she lives in a quiet and peaceful town, and unlike other cozy heroines, she still has a friendly relationship with her ex-husband. She also has a budding romance, which came off as ideal and convenient. And it is why, for these reasons, I'm having a hard time to relate with her character and her story. I have always held that in a cozy mystery series, the reader must be able to relate with the characters, especially with the cozy mystery heroine because she's the person whose perspective and experience the reader is seeing.

I also was concerned with the presentation of the suspects and their motives, how they were eliminated, the placing of the red herrings and then finally the big reveal. I feel like some of the suspects should have had stronger and more justifiable reasons.

Nevertheless, I had similar issues with other titles, and they grew on me. I'm hoping that the next book is better, and I'm still waiting to get my hands on it and read it.

*** I got a copy of this book from NetGalley. These are all my own opinions.

[Lghiggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t think I ever fully understood the term “foodie” until I read Devon Delaney’s Expiration Date, the story of six finalists in a cook-off sponsored by an organic foods corporation. Sherry Frazzelle and her sister Marla are two of the finalists. One of the three chef judges dies immediately after tasting Sherry’s stuffed pork tenderloin.

Although there is a definite mystery at the core of this book, there is almost no part of the story that doesn’t involve food. At first I thought the food figures of speech like “She overheard audience opinions being dished out like coleslaw at a barbecue” were cute and well-played. They are indeed inventive and well-written. At some point, however, it is just overdone—especially when characters totally unconnected to the food industry begin using them. Another feature that is perhaps overused is Sherry’s father’s favorite sayings.

There are sufficient twists and turns in the plot to keep the reader’s interest, but there is a huge jump in believability in the final scene. The setting is intentionally made dark to enhance the scariness factor, but there is no rationale given for why the character chooses to live that way and why the cook-off finalists would venture into that setting.

If you are a foodie who likes cozy mysteries, you will love this book. Otherwise just approach it as an opportunity for a diverting afternoon and enjoy.

I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Kensington Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Max "Mr Divabetic" Szadek · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the set up of the murder in this book. There were serveral prime suspects to choose from and I was guessing until the end. However the ending just fizzled out like flat soda.

I read this book in preparation for Divabetic's 5th Annual Diabetes Murder Mystery podcast, "Swan Wake" on September 11, 2018, 6 - 7:30 PM. Here's the synopsis: When the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic heads to the Gotham City Ballet Company’s box office to pick up with his Swan Lake tickets he’s faced with a murder. To make matters worse, his gluten free cheesecake seems to be covering the victim’s face. Even more shocking are the numerous scandals swirling around the Gotham City Ballet and it’s members that have everyone walking around on tip toes. Could our happy healthcare host’s questionable culinary skills make him an accessory to the crime or even a possible side dish? Now Mr. Divabetic with the help of his team of whip smart Diabetes Educators, a Best-Selling Mystery writer and his own nosey Italian Mom must whip up his own crime-solving recipe, and fast–before a hearty dose of intrigue and a deadly dash of danger ends his diabetes advocacy and healthy catering career once and for all.

Cast includes Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Asha Brown, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE and Mama Rose Marie.

[Danielle Urban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Expiration Date by Devon Delaney is an exciting new series. This first novel was packed with humor, murder, and mayhem. There is a cooking contest with a huge money prize. People want to win. But then, a judge is killed and an innocent cook is being setup. Sherry is excited to cook and hoping to win the contest. However, all hopes go down the drain when she has been framed for murder. Sherry has to work hard to solve the case just to prove her innocence. The lead detective doesn't believe in her and that puts her in a pickle.

Sherry is a determined woman to make it as a cook. Yet her sleuthing skills are just as much fun to follow. Devon Delaney's writing is engaging. I found myself laughing and enjoying the cast of characters. Plus, there are fun phrases that are used that made this book a must read. There was mystery, suspense, and a sort of charm that pulled me in deeper. Sherry has seen a lot of action and had her hands full with this latest journey. I cannot wait to see what adventure comes next. Overall, I recommend this novel to all readers.

I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.