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A Domestic Diva Mystery #1
The Diva Runs Out of Thyme
Few can compete with Natasha Smith when it comes to entertaining, but her childhood rival, Sophie Winston, certainly tries. Natasha may have stolen the spotlight, and Sophie's husband, but Sophie is determined to rob her of the prize for the Stupendous Stuffing Shakedown. She just needs the right ingredient.
But Sophie's search for the perfect turkey takes a basting when she stumbles across a corpse. And when the police find her name and photo inside the victim's car, Sophie will have to set her trussing aside to solve the murder, or she'll be serving up prison grub.
But Sophie's search for the perfect turkey takes a basting when she stumbles across a corpse. And when the police find her name and photo inside the victim's car, Sophie will have to set her trussing aside to solve the murder, or she'll be serving up prison grub.
292 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 7, 2008
462 people are currently reading
11650 people want to read
About the author
Krista Davis
35 books3,253 followersKrista Davis lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia where she writes mysteries. She lived in Northern Virginia for many years and resided for a time in Old Town Alexandria where her Domestic Diva Mysteries take place.
Krista also writes the Paws and Claws Mysteries, which debuted with MURDER, SHE BARKED. Her Pen & Ink Mysteries featured covers that can be colored! Read the book and have fun coloring the cover.
WEBSITE: https://www.kristadavis.com
NEWSLETTER: https://bit.ly/3Wi0jcR
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/KristaDavisAu...
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/kristadavisauthor
Krista also writes the Paws and Claws Mysteries, which debuted with MURDER, SHE BARKED. Her Pen & Ink Mysteries featured covers that can be colored! Read the book and have fun coloring the cover.
WEBSITE: https://www.kristadavis.com
NEWSLETTER: https://bit.ly/3Wi0jcR
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/KristaDavisAu...
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/kristadavisauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 967 reviews
June 28, 2022
Cozy genre/ First in the series/ Witty characters
I was looking for a good cozy series and this was fun. I wanted to start with the first so I wouldn't miss out on the dynamics of the characters.
I read cozy mysteries when I want something light and amusing featuring quirky characters with zany personalities!
Quick cozy checklist:
*No graphic violence (on page)
*Amateur sleuths (women in this one)
*No steamy scenes
*Hobbies/ This one features two domestic divas
*Fun pets/cats or dogs (this one has both)
Lots of red herrings and motives. Natasha (twinning Martha Stewart, but in 3 in. heels) cracked me up, a monster in law, yummy food and a cooking contest.
I loved spending time with this gang. Recommend to cozy mystery fans!
I was looking for a good cozy series and this was fun. I wanted to start with the first so I wouldn't miss out on the dynamics of the characters.
I read cozy mysteries when I want something light and amusing featuring quirky characters with zany personalities!
Quick cozy checklist:
*No graphic violence (on page)
*Amateur sleuths (women in this one)
*No steamy scenes
*Hobbies/ This one features two domestic divas
*Fun pets/cats or dogs (this one has both)
Lots of red herrings and motives. Natasha (twinning Martha Stewart, but in 3 in. heels) cracked me up, a monster in law, yummy food and a cooking contest.
I loved spending time with this gang. Recommend to cozy mystery fans!
October 18, 2020
I would never have thought to give this book only 3 stars. But the final solution to all the hoo-ha was just cheating on behalf of the writer. There I was, amazed at the crimes and near crimes and suspicious events happening each two chapters. Despite that I knew from experience not to expect a phenomenal outcome to the mystery. But too many random events had come together to give the crimes a collective signature.
The book started very vividly. The scenes at the heroine's slightly lavish house were strong and imposed on one's imagination until the pictures of domestic content came to my brain naturally. I was glad the heroine didn't have any non-culinary special skill. The writer tried to make Sophie flawed, but instead I chose Sophie's side when she dug her heels when she refused to be manipulated by her quite ordinary mum.
Perhaps no other mystery book has strewn so many puzzling events like this one. But also, no other typical whodunit has revealed the murderer's identity so early - about 89% throughout the book. During the rest of the book, one thing was left unexplained. I mean the Peeping Tom.
I guessed the identity of the criminal early on. I thought it would be one of a married couple. They had an alibi and that was an excuse for the writer to make them disappear from the focus. I was slightly doubtful about my guess because the murderer was part of the heroine's family and I didn't know how the writer operated. I mean I didn't know how unchanged the social circle of Sophie would be allowed to be.
So there you have it. Three stars. This book was written in an easy style that I felt comfortable with. I admired the author's skill during parts of the book. It's better than two cozy books that I read earlier this year (Chocolate Bugbear Mystery, and Lye In Wait). But I still I cannot praise this book to the skies. Some of the attention to detail was there just for show, there wasn't much depth to it. There was no common theme, or meaningful moments. Just a bunch of stuff that happened together.
The book started very vividly. The scenes at the heroine's slightly lavish house were strong and imposed on one's imagination until the pictures of domestic content came to my brain naturally. I was glad the heroine didn't have any non-culinary special skill. The writer tried to make Sophie flawed, but instead I chose Sophie's side when she dug her heels when she refused to be manipulated by her quite ordinary mum.
Perhaps no other mystery book has strewn so many puzzling events like this one. But also, no other typical whodunit has revealed the murderer's identity so early - about 89% throughout the book. During the rest of the book, one thing was left unexplained. I mean the Peeping Tom.
I guessed the identity of the criminal early on. I thought it would be one of a married couple. They had an alibi and that was an excuse for the writer to make them disappear from the focus. I was slightly doubtful about my guess because the murderer was part of the heroine's family and I didn't know how the writer operated. I mean I didn't know how unchanged the social circle of Sophie would be allowed to be.
So there you have it. Three stars. This book was written in an easy style that I felt comfortable with. I admired the author's skill during parts of the book. It's better than two cozy books that I read earlier this year (Chocolate Bugbear Mystery, and Lye In Wait). But I still I cannot praise this book to the skies. Some of the attention to detail was there just for show, there wasn't much depth to it. There was no common theme, or meaningful moments. Just a bunch of stuff that happened together.
July 21, 2013
When I was young(er)-pre-teen, and I was sick in bed with a cold, or getting over the flu, there were three things I loved to read to escape my woes- The Winnie the Pooh Get Well Book, Betty and Veronica comics, and Nancy Drew mysteries. Now that I am old(er),cozy mysteries are what I read to help me feel better and stay amused when I am feeling ill, or stressed out to the point that concentrating on something heavier hurts my brain. The DOMESTIC DIVA series with Sophie Winston are always my favourites.
I am not sure what it is about THE DIVA series that is different than the other cozies for me. I just love the setting, the characters-and best of all their early morning or late night gatherings over at Sophie's house when everyone tries to solve the mystery over hot cocoa, coffee, tea, wine and/or food.
I am not sure what it is about THE DIVA series that is different than the other cozies for me. I just love the setting, the characters-and best of all their early morning or late night gatherings over at Sophie's house when everyone tries to solve the mystery over hot cocoa, coffee, tea, wine and/or food.
June 21, 2018
Great characters, story line and so well written. I'm pleasantly surprised since I've been through many food cozies and I haven't found one I really liked until now. I'm so excited!!
July 1, 2024
AGÜITA, QUE DELICIA DE COZY CRIME!😍
🍎Es más, imagina que participas en un reality de cocina junto a tu rival del instituto, Natasha, quien, además, se ha quedado con tu ex marido y, si te despistas, hasta con tu casa!
🍎Y no solo eso, sino que para liar aún más el panorama, te topas con un cadáver y todas las pistas te apuntan a ti como principal sospechosa!😱
🍎Pero no te creas que aquí termina todo, que va, esto es solo la guinda del pastel, porque entre fogones, reuniones familiares, amigas inseparables, fisgones entrometidos y antiguos compañeros de Instituto, la cosa irá a peor...
🍎Vamos, que de esta no te salva ni Agatha Christie en sus mejores días!🤭
🍎¿Serás capaz de descubrir qué está pasando a tu alrededor o acabarás sirviendo la cena entre rejas?🤔
🍎Y, ojito, porque esta historia transcurre en un pueblo encantador, de esos que se visten de gala en Halloween y en Navidad! Y no solo eso, sino que también tiene su toque de humor y de romance❤️!
SI QUIERES ENAMORARTE DE UNA FAMLIA INCREÍBLE, DE UN INSPECTOR CON UN PASADO ALGO TURBIO Y DE UNA PROTAGONISTA DULCE Y VALIENTE, NO PUEDES PERDERTE ESTE COZY CRIME!
🍎Es más, imagina que participas en un reality de cocina junto a tu rival del instituto, Natasha, quien, además, se ha quedado con tu ex marido y, si te despistas, hasta con tu casa!
🍎Y no solo eso, sino que para liar aún más el panorama, te topas con un cadáver y todas las pistas te apuntan a ti como principal sospechosa!😱
🍎Pero no te creas que aquí termina todo, que va, esto es solo la guinda del pastel, porque entre fogones, reuniones familiares, amigas inseparables, fisgones entrometidos y antiguos compañeros de Instituto, la cosa irá a peor...
🍎Vamos, que de esta no te salva ni Agatha Christie en sus mejores días!🤭
🍎¿Serás capaz de descubrir qué está pasando a tu alrededor o acabarás sirviendo la cena entre rejas?🤔
🍎Y, ojito, porque esta historia transcurre en un pueblo encantador, de esos que se visten de gala en Halloween y en Navidad! Y no solo eso, sino que también tiene su toque de humor y de romance❤️!
SI QUIERES ENAMORARTE DE UNA FAMLIA INCREÍBLE, DE UN INSPECTOR CON UN PASADO ALGO TURBIO Y DE UNA PROTAGONISTA DULCE Y VALIENTE, NO PUEDES PERDERTE ESTE COZY CRIME!
May 9, 2016
Sigh
Where do I begin?
Was it the strange setting that made everything so alien? How can a setting be contemporary yet feel so last century?
Or the saint-protagonist who was supposed to be in her 40s but simultaneously acted 20 yrs over and under that age?
Or the annoying, bash-all-of-them-in-the-head-with-a-pan side characters? The hateful domestic rival, the overbearing mother, the nosy neighbors, and the myriad of current and former relatives who can't seem to stay in their own goddamn homes for one day? Ugh!
Or that weird, nonsensical romance that's there just because a light, culinary mystery's supposed to have one?
Or the eye-rolling, barely there murder plot that was so, so disappointing?
Or maybe (and this was what made me see red) that creepy older woman who not only stalked her neighbor for months but also played a horrible 'prank' to mess up his chances with a woman he was interested in? And what might you think was everyone's reaction to this? They fucking laughed. Like it was a harmless joke.
WHAT THE FUCK.
If it were a man doing the same he would've been called a creep, notified to the police and maybe forcefully sent to an old home. Makes me so furious that somehow it's okay to peep into people's homes or know whether they send their underwear for cleaning for God's sake just because it's a woman doing it? It's NEVER okay! Grrrrrr
Where do I begin?
Was it the strange setting that made everything so alien? How can a setting be contemporary yet feel so last century?
Or the saint-protagonist who was supposed to be in her 40s but simultaneously acted 20 yrs over and under that age?
Or the annoying, bash-all-of-them-in-the-head-with-a-pan side characters? The hateful domestic rival, the overbearing mother, the nosy neighbors, and the myriad of current and former relatives who can't seem to stay in their own goddamn homes for one day? Ugh!
Or that weird, nonsensical romance that's there just because a light, culinary mystery's supposed to have one?
Or the eye-rolling, barely there murder plot that was so, so disappointing?
Or maybe (and this was what made me see red) that creepy older woman who not only stalked her neighbor for months but also played a horrible 'prank' to mess up his chances with a woman he was interested in? And what might you think was everyone's reaction to this? They fucking laughed. Like it was a harmless joke.
WHAT THE FUCK.
If it were a man doing the same he would've been called a creep, notified to the police and maybe forcefully sent to an old home. Makes me so furious that somehow it's okay to peep into people's homes or know whether they send their underwear for cleaning for God's sake just because it's a woman doing it? It's NEVER okay! Grrrrrr
April 2, 2018
This was my first Krista Davis book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I laughed out loud in places, collared at the characters in a couple of others, and I did not know "who did it" until the end. Nicely done!
Note: This is a very clean read--no language or adult scenes that I can remember though there are maybe two references to adult situations. It's all done very well, and I can definitely recommend this book to all of my friends and readers!
I laughed out loud in places, collared at the characters in a couple of others, and I did not know "who did it" until the end. Nicely done!
Note: This is a very clean read--no language or adult scenes that I can remember though there are maybe two references to adult situations. It's all done very well, and I can definitely recommend this book to all of my friends and readers!
July 1, 2017
A fun cozy mystery with lots of food! Perfect!
August 3, 2024
Típico libro de cozy mistery que podría pasar por una película de sobremesa de Antena 3. Los personajes son todos puro cliché y la trama es confusa, llena de sospechosos que no tienen móvil aparente, policías que creen sin motivo alguno en la culpabilidad de la protagonista, y un desenlace sacado de la manga en el último momento. Desde luego no puede decirse que sea la mejor trama del mundo, pero como partíamos de una expectativas no muy altas, debo reconocer que este libro cumple con el propósito de entretener y divertir. Perfecto para momentos piscineros sin más pretensiones.
August 17, 2017
Sweet Mary, mother of God, this book is fucking awful. I had really high hopes because I enjoy Krista Davis' Paws and Claws series, but I honestly don't even know where to start here. Maybe the unrelenting parade of loathsome, one-dimensional characters? Or is it the fact that this book contains not just the worst, most unbelievable cozy romance I've ever read, but maybe the worst, most unbelievable romance of any book I've ever read (and I read the first Twilight book, y'all)? Or the threadbare mystery that the author genuinely seems to forget is the framing device of the whole narrative for long, long swathes of text?
January 21, 2010
This won an Agatha award for first novel, but I couldn't finish it. It takes place during Thanksgiving and the main character, Sophie, has her hands full with trying to feed and entertain her many guests, and also happened to find both bodies, so she's a suspect. Her rival in the book is the woman who stole her husband, Natasha, a Martha Stewart wannabe. The "Ask Natasha" snippets at the beginning of each chapter are funny. But I got sick of how the author lists every ingredient that Sophie cooks with as organic this and organic that. Also couldn't see how someone who wears a turtleneck with embroidered leaves under a sweater with embroidered pumpkins could be so sought after by the men in the community. She sounds like she's in her 60's instead of in her 40's. Too many characters, none of them enough to keep me interested. Perhaps I have outgrown this genre?
June 26, 2015
Sophie Winston is hosting Thanksgiving for her family and facing off against her high school rival, domestic diva Natasha Smith, in a stuffing contest. The last thing she needs is to find a dead body while out grocery shopping. Worse yet, the police think she is a suspect when they find her picture in the dead man’s car. What is happening?
I’ve heard lots of good about this series, and it is obviously well deserved. The large cast of characters are so well developed I never had a hard time keeping them straight. The plot starts out strongly, but it does get bogged down in the middle before reaching a wonderful climax. I’m certainly curious to see where Sophie goes from here.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I’ve heard lots of good about this series, and it is obviously well deserved. The large cast of characters are so well developed I never had a hard time keeping them straight. The plot starts out strongly, but it does get bogged down in the middle before reaching a wonderful climax. I’m certainly curious to see where Sophie goes from here.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
January 27, 2016
★★★½✩ (This is a review of the audiobook.) Okay, I tried to read this via paperback several times. I really enjoy this author's
Paws and Claws Mystery
series, but I just couldn't get into this other series by the printed word. It really irked me that the mother and sister were so dismissive of the protagonist's feelings. Frustrating! I had to power through those scenes. (All while being extremely thankful my mom wasn't like that.)
For some reason unknown to me, I decided to get it on audio, which is nicely narrated by Hillary Huber, and I'm glad I did. (Even though the trashing of the crime scene still made me shake my head, I reminded myself that in most of these cozies I have to suspend belief.) Sophie's rival, Natasha, really bugged me at first...but then, duh, she's supposed to! Still, when I tried via paperback to read her advice at the beginning of most chapters - I cringed and couldn't handle them. Nevertheless, hearing those outrageous, "Martha Steward Perfection" expectations made me LOL via audio! Too funny. Juxtaposed to Sophie's, they were even funnier.
I'll continue with the series. We'll see if it's via paperback or audio.
For some reason unknown to me, I decided to get it on audio, which is nicely narrated by Hillary Huber, and I'm glad I did. (Even though the trashing of the crime scene still made me shake my head, I reminded myself that in most of these cozies I have to suspend belief.) Sophie's rival, Natasha, really bugged me at first...but then, duh, she's supposed to! Still, when I tried via paperback to read her advice at the beginning of most chapters - I cringed and couldn't handle them. Nevertheless, hearing those outrageous, "Martha Steward Perfection" expectations made me LOL via audio! Too funny. Juxtaposed to Sophie's, they were even funnier.
I'll continue with the series. We'll see if it's via paperback or audio.
October 5, 2019
Sadly this didn’t hold me
August 10, 2025
Apparently I’m in my cozy mystery era—who knew? This was recommended by my friend Laura @whattoreadnextpod, and was exactly what I needed. Narrated by the always amazing Hillary Huber, it’s charming, funny, quirky, and just the right amount of witty. The cozy vibes, lighthearted mystery, and lovable characters made this a total comfort listen. I’ll definitely be continuing this series when I need something warm and delightful.
June 11, 2025
Fue un poco estresante leer está historia 🥴
La vida de Sophie está siendo tranquila, después de un divorcio y pasar por ese estrés ella se refugia en su cocina, está apunto de participar en un concurso pero todo cambia cuando empiezan a ocurrir asesinatos y en todos ella está involucrada.
Tenían mucha emoción de leer mi primer cozy mystery que pudo ser mejor pero no estuvo tampoco tan mal.
Referente a trama me gustó el misterio, estaba intrigada de como iba a acabar esto y como la protagonista está buscando al responsable me gusta esa sensación de pensar en todos los escenarios, ahora también algo muy importante es la comida y eso también fue algo que disfrute mucho leyendo como Sophie hacia sus comidas y uff se me antojaba además que al final trae unas recetas, gran idea 🤭
Sophie también me gustó mucho, siento que una señora muy linda y amable que solo quería que esto acabará, descubrir al culpable y que la dejaran tranquila con sus mascotas, la pobre estaba rodeada de puro pendejo pero en mi opinión fue muy linda apesar de las circunstancias.
Ahora mi mayor problema fueron todos los demás personajes, lit casi todos si no es que todos eran unos imbéciles en especial con Sophie, la hacían sentir súper mal, nunca la tomaban en cuenta para nada y ella a fuerza tenía que hacer lo que querían o luego le decían cosas hirientes y nadie se disculpaba de su pésima actitud, también entre ellos eran idiotas pero a mí solo me importa Sophie, no pude disfrutar la historia por esta razón, de verdad me la pasé enojada por situación y lo más seguro es que no continúe con esta saga por eso, pero si quiero seguir leyendo el género, buscaré otra que leer.
La vida de Sophie está siendo tranquila, después de un divorcio y pasar por ese estrés ella se refugia en su cocina, está apunto de participar en un concurso pero todo cambia cuando empiezan a ocurrir asesinatos y en todos ella está involucrada.
Tenían mucha emoción de leer mi primer cozy mystery que pudo ser mejor pero no estuvo tampoco tan mal.
Referente a trama me gustó el misterio, estaba intrigada de como iba a acabar esto y como la protagonista está buscando al responsable me gusta esa sensación de pensar en todos los escenarios, ahora también algo muy importante es la comida y eso también fue algo que disfrute mucho leyendo como Sophie hacia sus comidas y uff se me antojaba además que al final trae unas recetas, gran idea 🤭
Sophie también me gustó mucho, siento que una señora muy linda y amable que solo quería que esto acabará, descubrir al culpable y que la dejaran tranquila con sus mascotas, la pobre estaba rodeada de puro pendejo pero en mi opinión fue muy linda apesar de las circunstancias.
Ahora mi mayor problema fueron todos los demás personajes, lit casi todos si no es que todos eran unos imbéciles en especial con Sophie, la hacían sentir súper mal, nunca la tomaban en cuenta para nada y ella a fuerza tenía que hacer lo que querían o luego le decían cosas hirientes y nadie se disculpaba de su pésima actitud, también entre ellos eran idiotas pero a mí solo me importa Sophie, no pude disfrutar la historia por esta razón, de verdad me la pasé enojada por situación y lo más seguro es que no continúe con esta saga por eso, pero si quiero seguir leyendo el género, buscaré otra que leer.
March 9, 2017
First book in the Domestic Diva mystery series.
Some Dishes Are Best Served Cold...
Few can compete with Natasha Smith when it comes to entertaining, but her childhood rival, Sophie Winston, certainly tries. Natasha may have stolen the spotlight, and Sophie's husband, but Sophie is determined to rob her of the prize for the Stupendous Stuffing Shakedown. She just needs the right ingredient.
But Sophie's search for the perfect turkey takes a basting when she stumbles across a corpse. And when the police find her name and photo inside the victim's car, Sophie will have to set her trussing aside to solve the murder, or she'll be serving up prison grub.
Loved this first book in the series, with hosting tips heading every chapter. With a Great set of recipes that I will trying out in time.
NB - I preferred Sophie's tips more than Natasha's, as I'm like Sophie, keeping it plain and simple.
With a strong set of characters, well plotted and written.
A really enjoyable mystery, and will be reading more of this series.
Published by Berkley Prime Crime, this book can be purchased from most book sellers. Also available from Amazon in paperback, kindle and audio CD's. It is also available to download via Audible.com (but not available Internationally).
I managed to purchase the MP3 when it came up on offer on Amazon UK.
Narrated by Hillary Huber, and I must say that she made listening very enjoyable.
If you like the review and would like to read reviews on other books I have read, visit my blog at www.finalchapterreadersgroup.wordpres... like, comment and follow.
Some Dishes Are Best Served Cold...
Few can compete with Natasha Smith when it comes to entertaining, but her childhood rival, Sophie Winston, certainly tries. Natasha may have stolen the spotlight, and Sophie's husband, but Sophie is determined to rob her of the prize for the Stupendous Stuffing Shakedown. She just needs the right ingredient.
But Sophie's search for the perfect turkey takes a basting when she stumbles across a corpse. And when the police find her name and photo inside the victim's car, Sophie will have to set her trussing aside to solve the murder, or she'll be serving up prison grub.
Loved this first book in the series, with hosting tips heading every chapter. With a Great set of recipes that I will trying out in time.
NB - I preferred Sophie's tips more than Natasha's, as I'm like Sophie, keeping it plain and simple.
With a strong set of characters, well plotted and written.
A really enjoyable mystery, and will be reading more of this series.
Published by Berkley Prime Crime, this book can be purchased from most book sellers. Also available from Amazon in paperback, kindle and audio CD's. It is also available to download via Audible.com (but not available Internationally).
I managed to purchase the MP3 when it came up on offer on Amazon UK.
Narrated by Hillary Huber, and I must say that she made listening very enjoyable.
If you like the review and would like to read reviews on other books I have read, visit my blog at www.finalchapterreadersgroup.wordpres... like, comment and follow.
March 21, 2017
A good start to a cozy mystery series with lots of fun quirky characters....
It is Thanksgiving time and Sophie is stressed not only is her family coming for the holiday, she is also preparing for a stuffing cook off with her main competitor being her ex-husband's new wife who also happens to be a rival domestic diva.... throw in a couple murders and now Sophie is over-the-top stressed.... I really liked Sophie and I sure wish I could cook and host like she did... this book made me hungry and want to decorate my house.... I always think the best part of a cozy mystery is the characters and this book really had some colorful characters... it also had a very good and satisfying mystery, that definitely kept me guessing until the very end... definitely a series I will continue....
It is Thanksgiving time and Sophie is stressed not only is her family coming for the holiday, she is also preparing for a stuffing cook off with her main competitor being her ex-husband's new wife who also happens to be a rival domestic diva.... throw in a couple murders and now Sophie is over-the-top stressed.... I really liked Sophie and I sure wish I could cook and host like she did... this book made me hungry and want to decorate my house.... I always think the best part of a cozy mystery is the characters and this book really had some colorful characters... it also had a very good and satisfying mystery, that definitely kept me guessing until the very end... definitely a series I will continue....
July 2, 2024
An excellent, interesting beginning to a new series. I can't wait to read the next one.
December 3, 2024
4⭐
Jajaja una buena mezcla!! Comida y crimen.
Lo que más me ha gustado de este libro y diría que es el estilo del autor: la facilidad que tiene para mezclar las situaciones graciosas con un buen crimen, además de liarla bien y saber hilar todo al final de la historia.
Sophie es una buena cocinera, con un exmarido que se va con su amiga, con unos padres sobreprotectores, una hermana con su apuesto prometido a punto de casarse y unos crímenes muy "escabrosos" para terminar de leer la trama.
Unos personajes para nada complicados, un final inesperado, sorpresas diversas y unas recetas deliciosas.
Lo recomiendo 100%
Jajaja una buena mezcla!! Comida y crimen.
Lo que más me ha gustado de este libro y diría que es el estilo del autor: la facilidad que tiene para mezclar las situaciones graciosas con un buen crimen, además de liarla bien y saber hilar todo al final de la historia.
Sophie es una buena cocinera, con un exmarido que se va con su amiga, con unos padres sobreprotectores, una hermana con su apuesto prometido a punto de casarse y unos crímenes muy "escabrosos" para terminar de leer la trama.
Unos personajes para nada complicados, un final inesperado, sorpresas diversas y unas recetas deliciosas.
Lo recomiendo 100%
November 2, 2017
Cozy Mysteries are comforting, like Mac and Cheese and a bowl of Cheddar Broccoli Potato soup on a cold, rainy Fall day like yesterday. And The Diva Runs Out of Thyme was the perfect read.
Event Planner, Sophie Winston, is expecting a house full for Thanksgiving. Her family is coming to D.C. for the holiday. And her mother is hilarious! I don't know what I'd do if my own mother had compared me to an old high school friend/rival that is a rising Martha Stewart like domestic diva star, especially knowing that Sophie's ex-husband is living with Natasha Smith.
So, Sophie is hoping to beat Natasha for the big Prize at the Stupendous Stuffing Shakedown on the day before Thanksgiving. But she still needs a turkey for her family. At the grocery store, a man approaches her with a kitten. He tries unsuccessfully to cajole her into taking the small fur ball (she eventually does). Feeling guilty about the kitten - she can take it to Nina's - Sophie looks for the man and his pick up when she's leaving the store.
She finds the box with the kitten on the guy's truck and finds the guy in the dumpster - DEAD! She's surprised that the dead man is a PI and has a file with her picture in the pick up. Why?
Then at the Stupendous Stuffing Shakedown, Sophie hunts down the sponsor/judge of the competition to tell him that she would not be going out with him, because Natasha accused her of "fixing" the competition. She does indeed find Simon. He's lying face down, his head is bleeding. And he is very DEAD.
Two bodies in two days. Guess who is the Police's number 1 suspect? Sophie Winston must come up with a perfect recipe to out the killer before she is spending Christmas in jail.
Krista Davis has created a slew of wonderful characters! And there several twists in the mystery and a whiff of a senior romance. I was completely taken aback when "whodunnit" was revealed. I am so glad that I stumbled onto A Domestic Diva Mystery Series!
Event Planner, Sophie Winston, is expecting a house full for Thanksgiving. Her family is coming to D.C. for the holiday. And her mother is hilarious! I don't know what I'd do if my own mother had compared me to an old high school friend/rival that is a rising Martha Stewart like domestic diva star, especially knowing that Sophie's ex-husband is living with Natasha Smith.
So, Sophie is hoping to beat Natasha for the big Prize at the Stupendous Stuffing Shakedown on the day before Thanksgiving. But she still needs a turkey for her family. At the grocery store, a man approaches her with a kitten. He tries unsuccessfully to cajole her into taking the small fur ball (she eventually does). Feeling guilty about the kitten - she can take it to Nina's - Sophie looks for the man and his pick up when she's leaving the store.
She finds the box with the kitten on the guy's truck and finds the guy in the dumpster - DEAD! She's surprised that the dead man is a PI and has a file with her picture in the pick up. Why?
Then at the Stupendous Stuffing Shakedown, Sophie hunts down the sponsor/judge of the competition to tell him that she would not be going out with him, because Natasha accused her of "fixing" the competition. She does indeed find Simon. He's lying face down, his head is bleeding. And he is very DEAD.
Two bodies in two days. Guess who is the Police's number 1 suspect? Sophie Winston must come up with a perfect recipe to out the killer before she is spending Christmas in jail.
Krista Davis has created a slew of wonderful characters! And there several twists in the mystery and a whiff of a senior romance. I was completely taken aback when "whodunnit" was revealed. I am so glad that I stumbled onto A Domestic Diva Mystery Series!
December 29, 2018
I LOVED this book and couldn't put it down! Enjoyed the characters and the mystery so much. So happy to find a new to me author.
November 26, 2024
Un cozy muy entretenido y divertido!!
September 24, 2018
Since I don't really remember reading this in 2017 (but I had reviewed it here and it was marked as read) I'm going to write a better review after re-reading for a book club discussion this week.
Sophie Winston, a party planner and now a columnist of household and good life tips, had always been in some sort of competition with Natasha Smith, who was now living with Sophie's ex-husband, Mars. Natasha seemed determined to win the stuffing competition. Earlier, Sophie had discovered a dead man in a dumpster who turned out to be a private investigator. She had adopted the kitten he'd approached her with when she was going into the grocery store. It wasn't too much longer before Sophie stumbled onto another dead body, that of the man who was in charge of the Stupendous Stuffing Shakedown. It wasn't looking good for her because Detective Kenner was ready to pin both murders on her. Detective Fleishman aka Wolf was more sympathetic and not so ready to toss her in jail. Sophie needed to prove her innocence and with the help of her good friend Nina, she set out to do just that.
This was a fun beginning to this series. There were a lot of different characters, but it became fairly easy to sort through and figure out which ones were important. I liked that Sophie had a good relationship with her parents as well as her ex-husband, Mars. Bickering is never fun, lol. I got a big kick out of Mars' mom June who was totally crushing on one of Sophie's neighbors, an older man named Colonel Hampstead. There were a lot of people keeping secrets and just as I thought I had it figured out, that person would be cleared. I honestly never saw the killer coming--and this was supposedly the second time I read this! (Maybe I will just use the excuse that going by the date I had down for reading this, I was either pre-op nervous or recovering from surgery when I read the first and that's why I don't remember!)
I do want to continue in the series. Natasha cracks me up. She might be a sort of nemesis for Sophie, but she's pretty harmless. I'm anxious to see how things heat up between Sophie and Wolf too!
Sophie Winston, a party planner and now a columnist of household and good life tips, had always been in some sort of competition with Natasha Smith, who was now living with Sophie's ex-husband, Mars. Natasha seemed determined to win the stuffing competition. Earlier, Sophie had discovered a dead man in a dumpster who turned out to be a private investigator. She had adopted the kitten he'd approached her with when she was going into the grocery store. It wasn't too much longer before Sophie stumbled onto another dead body, that of the man who was in charge of the Stupendous Stuffing Shakedown. It wasn't looking good for her because Detective Kenner was ready to pin both murders on her. Detective Fleishman aka Wolf was more sympathetic and not so ready to toss her in jail. Sophie needed to prove her innocence and with the help of her good friend Nina, she set out to do just that.
This was a fun beginning to this series. There were a lot of different characters, but it became fairly easy to sort through and figure out which ones were important. I liked that Sophie had a good relationship with her parents as well as her ex-husband, Mars. Bickering is never fun, lol. I got a big kick out of Mars' mom June who was totally crushing on one of Sophie's neighbors, an older man named Colonel Hampstead. There were a lot of people keeping secrets and just as I thought I had it figured out, that person would be cleared. I honestly never saw the killer coming--and this was supposedly the second time I read this! (Maybe I will just use the excuse that going by the date I had down for reading this, I was either pre-op nervous or recovering from surgery when I read the first and that's why I don't remember!)
I do want to continue in the series. Natasha cracks me up. She might be a sort of nemesis for Sophie, but she's pretty harmless. I'm anxious to see how things heat up between Sophie and Wolf too!
November 5, 2011
I read this book because it takes place at Thanksgiving, and I'm reading books about the Season. To be fair, I really liked the mystery part; it kept me guessing right up until the end, which is what a mystery should do. On the other hand: a)Sophie is weak, a doormat who won't tell anyone the truth, and I HATE people like that. She won't tell Humphrey she has no interest in him (which isn't doing him any favors, by the way); she won't tell Natasha she's a pain in the rear and her ideas for decorating are really lousy; she won't ask her mom why she thinks more of Natasha than she does her own child; and so forth.
b) Sophie's mother is awful. If I had a mother that praised someone else over me constantly I certainly wouldn't have anything to do with her. Toxic. Again, she should tell her exactly what she thinks about that.
c) It's not really realistic to see your ex-spouse with your ex-best friend and welcome them both into your life like, "Hey! No problem! I wanted to get rid of him anyway, so you did me a favor!" There was no explanation of WHY they split up, just that "Natasha didn't steal him". Their 'relationship' is really, really, weird. But again, probably because Sophie's a doormat and won't tell anyone how she really feels.
d) I got tired of hearing how everything was 'organic'. Who really cares? I am a great cook, love doing it, and - gasp! - rarely use organic ingredients. Nobody notices. The dishes come out beautiful, taste wonderful, and I am proud of them. Proper cleansing is all that's needed. I'm not obsessed that everything in my kitchen has to be organic or it won't be good. (BTW, some people might, but I wouldn't use bacon OR oysters in stuffing. Gross).
I will read the next installment, because I did really like the mystery part; but I sure hope that Sophie gets some b---- by then.
b) Sophie's mother is awful. If I had a mother that praised someone else over me constantly I certainly wouldn't have anything to do with her. Toxic. Again, she should tell her exactly what she thinks about that.
c) It's not really realistic to see your ex-spouse with your ex-best friend and welcome them both into your life like, "Hey! No problem! I wanted to get rid of him anyway, so you did me a favor!" There was no explanation of WHY they split up, just that "Natasha didn't steal him". Their 'relationship' is really, really, weird. But again, probably because Sophie's a doormat and won't tell anyone how she really feels.
d) I got tired of hearing how everything was 'organic'. Who really cares? I am a great cook, love doing it, and - gasp! - rarely use organic ingredients. Nobody notices. The dishes come out beautiful, taste wonderful, and I am proud of them. Proper cleansing is all that's needed. I'm not obsessed that everything in my kitchen has to be organic or it won't be good. (BTW, some people might, but I wouldn't use bacon OR oysters in stuffing. Gross).
I will read the next installment, because I did really like the mystery part; but I sure hope that Sophie gets some b---- by then.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2016
I enjoyed this cozy and would like to read other books in the series. Natasha is the "diva" and writes an advice column and appears to be an expert in entertaining. She also happens to be married to Mal, the ex-husband of her rival Sophie. They compete together in a stuffing contest and eventually due to unforeseen circumstances Natasha has to have Thanksgiving dinner at Sofie's house. Their is not a venomous rivalry, but one that creates tension and aggravation for Sofie whose approach to entertaining is a lot different.
Sofie meets a man outside of a grocery store who offers her a kitten and when she leaves the store, she finds his body in the dumpster behind the store. Being the one who finds the body, the police immediately, find Sofie a person of interest. Then the judge of the stuffing contest is found dead and again, Sofie finds the body. To add suspicion to her, at Thanksgiving Sofie's ex, Mal gets sick and it's determined that he has been poisoned.
Sofie and her neighbor, Nina are determined to find out who killed the first two victims, solve the two murders and determine the cause of the strange goings on in their neighborhood. Adding to Sofie's stress is the fact that she is entertaining her parents, her sister, and the sister's fiance. Sofie's quick mind and willingness to take risks makes this an interesting read.
Sofie meets a man outside of a grocery store who offers her a kitten and when she leaves the store, she finds his body in the dumpster behind the store. Being the one who finds the body, the police immediately, find Sofie a person of interest. Then the judge of the stuffing contest is found dead and again, Sofie finds the body. To add suspicion to her, at Thanksgiving Sofie's ex, Mal gets sick and it's determined that he has been poisoned.
Sofie and her neighbor, Nina are determined to find out who killed the first two victims, solve the two murders and determine the cause of the strange goings on in their neighborhood. Adding to Sofie's stress is the fact that she is entertaining her parents, her sister, and the sister's fiance. Sofie's quick mind and willingness to take risks makes this an interesting read.
November 23, 2019
Ever since I have gotten into the Cozy genre, I have heard amazing things about Krista Davis. I have had her books on my TBR list for forever. I have no idea why it took an online book group selection to actually get me to read it but I am furious that I have waited this long to do so.
This book was so much fun. First, I had suspicions but not a clear idea of those involved in the crimes. Second, it was so entertaining. I literally laughed out loud and could not put it down. There are multiple characters which I usually don't like but Ms. Davis developed each so well. Each character's personality shone through, even down to the animals. The protagonist, Sophie, and her best friend Nina are hilarious. They reminded me of myself with my friends.
Also, I loved the helpful tips throughout with the advice columns. Reminded me a lot of Hints from Heloise. I think I may have to actually buy the physical books to have as reference guides.
I am totally hooked and cannot wait to continue on with this series. I will definitely be reading the Paws and Claws Mysteries too.
I had the audiobook and the narrator was great. I loved the different voices and accents. She is a very talented narrator. I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys Cozy Mysteries, Foodie Mysteries, and just down right good entertainment.
This book was so much fun. First, I had suspicions but not a clear idea of those involved in the crimes. Second, it was so entertaining. I literally laughed out loud and could not put it down. There are multiple characters which I usually don't like but Ms. Davis developed each so well. Each character's personality shone through, even down to the animals. The protagonist, Sophie, and her best friend Nina are hilarious. They reminded me of myself with my friends.
Also, I loved the helpful tips throughout with the advice columns. Reminded me a lot of Hints from Heloise. I think I may have to actually buy the physical books to have as reference guides.
I am totally hooked and cannot wait to continue on with this series. I will definitely be reading the Paws and Claws Mysteries too.
I had the audiobook and the narrator was great. I loved the different voices and accents. She is a very talented narrator. I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys Cozy Mysteries, Foodie Mysteries, and just down right good entertainment.
February 28, 2013
Where do I begin on what was so wrong with this book? Too many characters who could have done it, too many characters who I wanted to beat with a cement bat, or hearing the phrase "signature color" one more FUCKING time?! The one character who I royally wanted to see dead, Natasha the Martha Stewart wanna be, was unfortunately very much alive at the end of the book and too much taking credit. Again we have the over done mother of the heroine who still thinks that she knows more about her adult daughters love life than her adult daughter. The over done "you can still win back your ex-husband" plot line, even though the heroine does NOT want her ex back under ANY circumstances but EVERYONE is convinced that she's in denial. A sexy cop who has the tenacity of a pit bull and may or may not be a love interest for the heroine. Self centered characters who could win a gold medal for jumping to conclusions and a heroine I just couldn't get behind left me very empty.
I did not care for some of the more over the top "entertaining tips" at the start of the chapters and yes, I know that they were supposed to be,but some fool is going to take some of them to heart and really shouldn't.
I did not care for some of the more over the top "entertaining tips" at the start of the chapters and yes, I know that they were supposed to be,but some fool is going to take some of them to heart and really shouldn't.
March 12, 2022
The Cozy Mystery Book Club August Pick: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHkCp...
I mapped out the who/murder involvement since it was a little confusing for some book club members:
Natasha hired Otis to find information about Simon (so she can get a TV show)-> Otis finds dirt (Simon's reality TV show was rigged) -> Blackmails Simon -> Simon has his driver, Clyde, kill Otis -> Vicki attempts to kill Natasha -> poisons Mars instead -> Vicki and Clyde look for bottle of poison -> Vicki shoots Andrew by accident -> Clyde wants to finish Andrew / kill him -> *they are caught* breaking into Sophie's house (while looking for bottle Vicki left during/at Thanksgiving dinner).
Bring on the old high school frenemies, Thanksgiving food, sassy one-liners, a new detective who just might be what Sophie needs, and an adorable kitten.
I mapped out the who/murder involvement since it was a little confusing for some book club members:
Natasha hired Otis to find information about Simon (so she can get a TV show)-> Otis finds dirt (Simon's reality TV show was rigged) -> Blackmails Simon -> Simon has his driver, Clyde, kill Otis -> Vicki attempts to kill Natasha -> poisons Mars instead -> Vicki and Clyde look for bottle of poison -> Vicki shoots Andrew by accident -> Clyde wants to finish Andrew / kill him -> *they are caught* breaking into Sophie's house (while looking for bottle Vicki left during/at Thanksgiving dinner).
Bring on the old high school frenemies, Thanksgiving food, sassy one-liners, a new detective who just might be what Sophie needs, and an adorable kitten.
July 1, 2020
I have seen numerous reviews for this series and it has been on my TBR pile for an embarrassingly long time. I'm glad I finally had the chance to read this book. It was a fun and entertaining read. Sophie probably has to be on if the most patient main characters I have read in a series. With her mother, sister and childhood frenemy all at the same time, it's a wonder she could stay sane. I really liked Sophie's neighbor, Nina. The mystery was solid, with plenty of suspects to keep me guessing. I'm happy I was finally able to start this series and will be reading more of the books.
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