Spaghetti, Meatballs, & Murder

2nd Chance Diner #1

by Beth Byers

Rosemary Baldwin is over it! All of it! Her dead-end job, her crappy apartment, her life without meaning. In a moment of sheer madness, she walks out of her job only to discover the opportunity for something different. She leaves behind her mundane life for the Oregon Coast and opens the 2nd Chance Diner. With her new life, she’ll do what it takes to succeed which is why she has to investigate the murder that occurs in her diner. Will she be able to discover the murderer before her second chance is destroyed? And just what will the price of that investigation be?Book 1 in the 2nd Chance Diner Mystery series! For fans of Carolyn Dean, Angela Blackmoore, and Agatha Frost. A light, cozy mystery with a snarky sidekick, a handsome detective, and fun friendships. No swearing, graphic scenes, or cliffhangers.

Genres: Cozy Mystery

165 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 30, 2017

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cozy mysteries set present day. Our heroine, whose name I have forgotten in the past eight months, receives an unexpected inheritance and uses it to fulfill her dream - to open a diner in a small, seaside town in Oregon. She meets the usual cast of characters one might expect and, naturally, the town is filled with suspicious deaths and a love interest for her.

I loved reading about the food and the dogs, but there was something a little saccharine about this series that got to me and I gave up about midway through book six, but a lot of people will love these, I think.

[Heatherinblack · Rating 4 out of 5]

i liked it

though it fell flat at the end for me. will we hear more about the files? i do want to read more, but there is something missing. everyone seemed overly convenient to the store? they were where they needed to be, when they needed to be but not independent characters? i dunno.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed cozy mystery series, in part because the reasoning behind it is so realistic, people really are that complicated. The only reasons I didn't rate this series higher is because, 1 I'm never sure how old any of the main characters are, it's like Ms. Byers is purposely being vague, but it leaves me wondering what could be in store for the MC,like is she young enough to have and want kids if the romance plays out positively like it's alluding to. 2. there are some editing issues, I'll be reading and it will randomly have the same word twice, or two different numbers when describing how many people are there, etc. things a proper editor should catch. But not necessarily hindering the story, just distracting when it happens. and last 3. it feels really short, like novella short instead of full length novel and i admit I like a nice long read more. Still, i love the characters, setting, and the mysteries and will read everything else she comes out with.

[Krystyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lies, lies and more lies

Great little cozy. She had always wanted to run her own diner but knew that would never happen. Only to inherit enough money to do so. Getting accepted by the community ad her own staff is harder than buying the diner. A Spaghetti Special event turns into a murder investigation when the local bad boy drops dead. With the diner and the staff under close scrutiny she feels she has no option but to investigate before her business is closed or she is arrested for murder. Hidden files, love and secrets start to be uncovered as she investigates. Great characters, a well thought out plot, subtle romance are all mixed to give you a great read.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually write reviews,but decided that the book was just too good not to. I have Kindle Unlimited and read a lot of books, and if a book doesn't catch me by the third chapter, I don't bother finishing it. This took until the third chapter, and I'm glad I persisted. I will definitely read more by this author My only complaint is that the author should have chosen a different method of poisoning. Insulin is injectable and could definitely kill someone given that route, but oral hypoglycemics are not fast acting. You can definitely overdose with it, but not that quickly..

[Mary Ashraf · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t think I will be reading any more books in the series. I find the main character Rose to be extremely annoying & kind of one dimensional. I actually found most of the characters to be one dimensional.

What kind of doctor has three drinks at lunch when they’re working?! Who narrows their eyes in fury at being called ma’am. Get over yourself please! Rose gets more annoying in each chapter.

[Lisa Bjornstad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful

Beth Byers has written a very engaging and hopeful story about second chances and starting over. I especially appreciate that it’s set in Oregon, because I know all the towns she speaks of. (By the way, although the town of Silver Falls is fictional, there really is a Silver Falls State Park, and it’s beautiful.) I’m looking forward to reading the second book in this series.

[Kitten Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great new find.

I had book two, a Christmas book, and loved the way the author wrapped you into the story line so I had to read this one as it was the first book and I can tell you I am looking forward to book 3. Wonderful characters, a real page turner about a gal who had quit her job and is off to create a new life for herself, and throw in a murder!

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deliciously Fun

I so enjoyed this book. It was funny. It was tragic. It was heartwarming. The characters are feisty with a side of spunky. The little town and the diner feel like real places I'd like to visit. Highly enjoyable. The thing missing is a recipe (cinnamon roll pancakes, please!)

[Susan Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT

This book is my introduction to Byers, and I was hooked from the beginning. Byers helps us to settle into Rosemary’s skin early on, and to care about what happens to her. The whole book is satisfying, even though there are sad parts in it. Perfect pace. Great read!!

[leonard rudnick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beth Byers does it again!

This fan of Beth Byers mysteries enjoyed her latest read, Spaghetti, Meatballs and Murder: A 2nd Chance. I'm going to recommend this book to any mystery novel lover.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I still think violet and Victor are the best

But I am really enjoying this series so far.
Not super sold on the leading lady, but she's definitely growing on me. Let's see what else this series has to offer.

[Nancy Vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cake, cake , pancakes & a mystery.

New chance for Rosemary Baldwin to settle in a lovely little town on the Pacific coast. She buys a nice little cafe, seems to find a few new friends, plus a beau, a dog, and then murder comes along!!

[Kellye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cozy little mystery

I don’t usually read contemporary stories, but I love the author Beth Byars and so I decided to give it a try. This didn’t disappoint. Just enough of romance and mystery to keep me satisfied for a light read.

[Barbara Byrne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting Story

Using insulin to kill a young, troubled man is an interesting premise, but presented in an inaccurate way. Insulin MUST be injected for the body to use it. It can not be used by placing it in food or drink.

[john Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read

Really enjoyed the character development....looking forward to more 2nd Chance Diner Mystery reads! Think you will too! Perfect book for a rainy day or a day at the beach, you won't be disappointed!

[Beth Hirschenbein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Start

Can’t wait to read the next book in this series. Rose is a great heroine and Mattie and Jane are good friends. Simon is hot and Zee and Az are fun to follow as well

[Suzanne Homeier-poe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely new series.

I loved this book. It was well written and enjoyable. I can't wait for a few more of these stories. Beth keep up the good work.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the first book in the series and look forward to reading the rest.

[Mrs E Bowden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

These books are absolutely fantastic and the story's are really well written and enjoyable to read the characters are really well written and enjoyable to read.

[Sandy Vanno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

Great story. Can't wait to read the next in the series. Fast moving. Great mystery! Read in one day! Love fast reads.

[Doreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute!

This was an entertaining, cozy mystery with engaging and enjoyable characters. I found the plot believable and well developed. Look forward to the next mystery!

[Davida Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

New author for me. Getting the rest of the series.

[Ronnale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew?

Not my usual cup of tea book but found out that it is delightful. Shouldn't be surprised as I love all her other books as well.

[Theresa olds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yummy Meatballs

I thoroughly enjoyed Spaghetti, Meatballs, & Murder. Getting to know the characters and their stories. Looking forward to the next book.

[Juliette Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

love, betrayal and death

Great characters, you’ll love the people in it, I do and I love this town too. Great little read. Ms. Byers does it again.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very short and very lightweight fun. Byers' stories are rarely well-edited but always entertaining.

[Dorothy soke]

This is not the kind of book I usually read but it was well written and I really enjoyed it