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Kebab Kitchen Mystery #2
Stabbed in the Baklava
Lucy Berberian has taken over her family’s Mediterranean restaurant on the Jersey Shore after an unsatisfying stint at a Philadelphia law firm. It’s great to be back in her old beach town, even if she’s turning into a seasoned sleuth . . .
Catering a high-society wedding should bring in some big income for Kebab Kitchen—and raise its profile too. But it’s not exactly good publicity when the best man winds up skewered like a shish kebab. Worse yet, Lucy’s ex, Azad—who’s the restaurant’s new head chef—is the prime suspect. But she doesn’t give a fig what the cops think. He may have killer looks, but he’s no murderer. She just needs to prove his innocence, before he has to go on the lamb . . .
Catering a high-society wedding should bring in some big income for Kebab Kitchen—and raise its profile too. But it’s not exactly good publicity when the best man winds up skewered like a shish kebab. Worse yet, Lucy’s ex, Azad—who’s the restaurant’s new head chef—is the prime suspect. But she doesn’t give a fig what the cops think. He may have killer looks, but he’s no murderer. She just needs to prove his innocence, before he has to go on the lamb . . .
311 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 28, 2018
116 people are currently reading
581 people want to read
About the author
Tina Kashian
12 books414 followersTina Kashian spent her childhood summers at the New Jersey shore, building sandcastles, boogie boarding, and riding the boardwalk Ferris wheel. She also grew up in the restaurant business where her Armenian parents owned a restaurant for thirty years. She worked almost every job—rolling silverware and wiping down tables as a tween, to hosting and waitressing as a teenager.
After college, Tina worked as a NJ Deputy Attorney General, a patent attorney, and a mechanical engineer. Her love of reading fiction for pleasure helped her get through years of academia. Her law cases inspired an inquiring mind of crime, and since then, Tina has been hooked on mysteries. The Kebab Kitchen Cozy Mystery series launches with Hummus and Homicide (3/18), followed by Stabbed in the Baklava and One Feta in the Grave by Kensington Books. Tina still lives in New Jersey with her supportive husband and two young daughters. Please visit www.tinakashian.com and join her Newsletter to enter free contests to win books, get delicious recipes, and to learn when her books will be released.
Tina is also an Amazon best-selling historical romance author and writes under the pseudonym Tina Gabrielle. Visit tinagabrielle.com to learn about her romances.
After college, Tina worked as a NJ Deputy Attorney General, a patent attorney, and a mechanical engineer. Her love of reading fiction for pleasure helped her get through years of academia. Her law cases inspired an inquiring mind of crime, and since then, Tina has been hooked on mysteries. The Kebab Kitchen Cozy Mystery series launches with Hummus and Homicide (3/18), followed by Stabbed in the Baklava and One Feta in the Grave by Kensington Books. Tina still lives in New Jersey with her supportive husband and two young daughters. Please visit www.tinakashian.com and join her Newsletter to enter free contests to win books, get delicious recipes, and to learn when her books will be released.
Tina is also an Amazon best-selling historical romance author and writes under the pseudonym Tina Gabrielle. Visit tinagabrielle.com to learn about her romances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
July 19, 2018
Stabbed in the Baklava by Tina Kashian is the second installment of the cozy Kebab Kitchen Mystery series. At the center of this series is Lucy Berberian who returned to her hometown along the Jersey shore and has taken over the family business of running their Mediterranean restaurant.
Things have been going well for Lucy after she successfully solved a murder right after returning home. She’s hired her ex-boyfriend Azad to work as the chef at the restaurant and the customers have been steadily coming in so when offered a chance to cater a big wedding Lucy refuses to admit they really don’t have the experience and is determined to make it happen.
Of course catering a high society wedding is not without difficulties but Lucy and her crew feel they’ve done splendidly when the party is winding down. That is until Lucy and Azad find a dead body in the back of the catering van. When the police begin looking at Azad as a suspect Lucy is determined to set the story straight and find the real killer.
Unfortunately I find myself lowering my rating a bit for this second book of the Kebab Kitchen Mystery series. I found the first book a solid mystery read with likable characters but simply lacking that extra bit of quirkiness that I truly love so I still enjoyed them but what I don’t remember is a love triangle in the making.
Now I know that when the lead is a single woman there may tend to be a bit of romance and that’s perfectly fine but I prefer it kept to one man and in the background of the story. In this one Lucy’s dating life seemed pushed all throughout with the ex a suspect and another man she may or may not be interested in so I wasn’t a huge fan of it. Still enjoyed the setting and Lucy as a lead especially when she’s with her best friend but hopefully the “you need a man” will be dropped next round.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Things have been going well for Lucy after she successfully solved a murder right after returning home. She’s hired her ex-boyfriend Azad to work as the chef at the restaurant and the customers have been steadily coming in so when offered a chance to cater a big wedding Lucy refuses to admit they really don’t have the experience and is determined to make it happen.
Of course catering a high society wedding is not without difficulties but Lucy and her crew feel they’ve done splendidly when the party is winding down. That is until Lucy and Azad find a dead body in the back of the catering van. When the police begin looking at Azad as a suspect Lucy is determined to set the story straight and find the real killer.
Unfortunately I find myself lowering my rating a bit for this second book of the Kebab Kitchen Mystery series. I found the first book a solid mystery read with likable characters but simply lacking that extra bit of quirkiness that I truly love so I still enjoyed them but what I don’t remember is a love triangle in the making.
Now I know that when the lead is a single woman there may tend to be a bit of romance and that’s perfectly fine but I prefer it kept to one man and in the background of the story. In this one Lucy’s dating life seemed pushed all throughout with the ex a suspect and another man she may or may not be interested in so I wasn’t a huge fan of it. Still enjoyed the setting and Lucy as a lead especially when she’s with her best friend but hopefully the “you need a man” will be dropped next round.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
September 7, 2018
Dollycas’s Thoughts
We are back at the Jersey Shore where the staff of the Kebab Kitchen is catering a high-society wedding. The food seems to be a hit and that should be great for the business. Then when the crew is packing up to leave they find a grisly discovery in the catering van. The best man has been stabbed in the neck with a shish kebab skewer. Lucy’s parents are not going to be happy but they may become apoplectic when they find out their head chef is the prime suspect in the murder. Lucy knows it will be up to her to prove his innocence because there is no love lost between Lucy’s family and the investigating detective.
Ms. Kashian has written a very compelling mystery with plenty of suspects. The story moves right along with plenty of twists. The victim had his share of enemies and may have made more on the day he died. As in book one Lucy and her friend, Katie start sleuthing. Katie’s husband is a cop and he knows what the girls are up to even though he wishes they would stay our it., If Detective Clemmons finds out he wouldn’t think twice about arresting them for interfering in his investigation.
I was engaged by these characters in the first book and now know them even better. Their relationships are typical of those in a family run restaurant business. I grew up in one of those. Lucy and Katie’s friendship shines and while working with her ex is not easy, Lucy really champions Azad and does all she can to get him out of hot water. Although there is still Michael hanging around as the third limb to this romantic triangle. I know who I would choose but Lucy’s mother may have other ideas.
Then there is the food, the glorious food. I just like saying the word Baklava! Mine would have to be made without the walnuts (allergy), but I could almost taste that and the hummus and the shish kebabs and everything else they mentioned right through the pages. Yes, there are recipes in the back of the book.
Loved it! Appealing characters in an entertaining mystery set on the Jersey Shore. Who could ask for more? Me! I can’t wait for the next installment. One Feta in the Grave hits stores February 26, 2019!!
We are back at the Jersey Shore where the staff of the Kebab Kitchen is catering a high-society wedding. The food seems to be a hit and that should be great for the business. Then when the crew is packing up to leave they find a grisly discovery in the catering van. The best man has been stabbed in the neck with a shish kebab skewer. Lucy’s parents are not going to be happy but they may become apoplectic when they find out their head chef is the prime suspect in the murder. Lucy knows it will be up to her to prove his innocence because there is no love lost between Lucy’s family and the investigating detective.
Ms. Kashian has written a very compelling mystery with plenty of suspects. The story moves right along with plenty of twists. The victim had his share of enemies and may have made more on the day he died. As in book one Lucy and her friend, Katie start sleuthing. Katie’s husband is a cop and he knows what the girls are up to even though he wishes they would stay our it., If Detective Clemmons finds out he wouldn’t think twice about arresting them for interfering in his investigation.
I was engaged by these characters in the first book and now know them even better. Their relationships are typical of those in a family run restaurant business. I grew up in one of those. Lucy and Katie’s friendship shines and while working with her ex is not easy, Lucy really champions Azad and does all she can to get him out of hot water. Although there is still Michael hanging around as the third limb to this romantic triangle. I know who I would choose but Lucy’s mother may have other ideas.
Then there is the food, the glorious food. I just like saying the word Baklava! Mine would have to be made without the walnuts (allergy), but I could almost taste that and the hummus and the shish kebabs and everything else they mentioned right through the pages. Yes, there are recipes in the back of the book.
Loved it! Appealing characters in an entertaining mystery set on the Jersey Shore. Who could ask for more? Me! I can’t wait for the next installment. One Feta in the Grave hits stores February 26, 2019!!
August 29, 2018
Lucy has taken over managing her family’s Mediterranean restaurant in Ocean Crest, New Jersey, and she is thrilled when they are hired to cater the wedding of socialite Scarlet Westwood. However, in the middle of the reception, Lucy’s chef and ex-boyfriend, Azad, gets into a fight with the best man, Henry. As the night is winding down, Azad finds Henry’s body in the back of their locked catering van. Naturally, the police think he is a great suspect, but Lucy disagrees. Can she figure out what happened?
It was great to be back in Ocean Crest, and I felt like we got to see a bit more of this resort town. I loved it, and I’d love to be able to visit in real life, just maybe between the murders. The mystery here is very strong, with several viable and well-developed suspects. I followed along with Lucy’s thoughts as she investigated figuring that her current theory would turn out to be wrong, but when she finally figured out the truth, it made perfect sense. Most of the characters are strong, although a few of the supporting characters still seem to be a bit weak, and the way that Lucy’s mother focuses on her love life annoyed me. The love triangle is still going strong here, although I have a feeling I know where it will go. There are three delicious sounding recipes at the end of the book. Overall, this is a fun second in the series.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
It was great to be back in Ocean Crest, and I felt like we got to see a bit more of this resort town. I loved it, and I’d love to be able to visit in real life, just maybe between the murders. The mystery here is very strong, with several viable and well-developed suspects. I followed along with Lucy’s thoughts as she investigated figuring that her current theory would turn out to be wrong, but when she finally figured out the truth, it made perfect sense. Most of the characters are strong, although a few of the supporting characters still seem to be a bit weak, and the way that Lucy’s mother focuses on her love life annoyed me. The love triangle is still going strong here, although I have a feeling I know where it will go. There are three delicious sounding recipes at the end of the book. Overall, this is a fun second in the series.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
July 13, 2018
I enjoyed this book. I instantly clicked with the characters and liked the author's style of writing. The storyline is engaging and fun. Lucy is a former lawyer who moved back to south New Jersey and took over her parents' Greek restaurant. A celebrity is marrying a local who asked that the wedding be catered by Lucy's restaurant. This is a wonderful opportunity for the restaurant but, as in all cozy mysteries, things don't quite go as planned. The groom ends up dead and the prime suspect is Lucy's head chef and former boyfriend. I read another review that described this book as "clever and charming" and I have to agree.
September 2, 2018
When I read the first book in this series, HUMMUS AND HOMICIDE, I was instantly taken with author Tina Kashian’s style of writing, the wonderful characters and setting she introduced me to, and the food. STABBED IN THE BAKLAVA served to reminded me about all the reasons I loved that book, and more!
It was wonderful to be back with this cast of characters that feel more like friends and family. I’ve enjoyed getting to know them all so much and can’t wait to learn even more about them in future installments.
With a cleverness worthy of the mystery world’s greatest authors, Tina Kashian filled STABBED IN THE BAKLAVA with suspects, clues, twist and turns, and red herrings enough to keep me guessing until the end!
Truly a fabulous second installment in the Kebob Kitchen Mysteries, STABBED IN THE BAKLAVA with have you begging for more of this delicious series!
It was wonderful to be back with this cast of characters that feel more like friends and family. I’ve enjoyed getting to know them all so much and can’t wait to learn even more about them in future installments.
With a cleverness worthy of the mystery world’s greatest authors, Tina Kashian filled STABBED IN THE BAKLAVA with suspects, clues, twist and turns, and red herrings enough to keep me guessing until the end!
Truly a fabulous second installment in the Kebob Kitchen Mysteries, STABBED IN THE BAKLAVA with have you begging for more of this delicious series!
August 23, 2018
Lucy Berberian is excited and a bit nervous when she gets a catering job for a wealthy socialite. Everything must be perfect, but when one of the wedding guests is found dead in her catering van and stabbed with one of her shish kebab skewers, the event takes an awful turn. To make things even more complicated and bizarre, her head chef - her ex boyfriend - is the prime suspect.
Lucy knows Azad couldn’t have committed this horrible crime and fully intends to prove it to the cops. She’s shocked at the secrets she uncovers, especially when they put her own life on the line.
This is the second book in one of my new favorite cozy mystery series. The Kebab Kitchen series is fun. It is filled with humor, mystery and some romance along the way. It’s a fast-paced read with well-developed characters. The author gave us many suspects to choose from. I was very surprised at the direction she took.
Lucy has a strong group of supporting characters. They are all people the reader can care about and want to meet up again in the next book of this series, I know I’m looking forward to another visit to the Jersey Shore with Lucy and her crew.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Lucy knows Azad couldn’t have committed this horrible crime and fully intends to prove it to the cops. She’s shocked at the secrets she uncovers, especially when they put her own life on the line.
This is the second book in one of my new favorite cozy mystery series. The Kebab Kitchen series is fun. It is filled with humor, mystery and some romance along the way. It’s a fast-paced read with well-developed characters. The author gave us many suspects to choose from. I was very surprised at the direction she took.
Lucy has a strong group of supporting characters. They are all people the reader can care about and want to meet up again in the next book of this series, I know I’m looking forward to another visit to the Jersey Shore with Lucy and her crew.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 28, 2018
Stabbed in the Baklava by Tina Kashian is the second A Kebab Kitchen Mystery. Lucy Berberian is now the manager of her family’s restaurant, Kebab Kitchen in Ocean Crest, New Jersey. Lucy is surprised when Philadelphia socialite, Scarlet Westwood asks Kebab Kitchen to cater her wedding in two weeks. It is a tight timeline for the restaurant, but it would be excellent publicity. Two weeks later they arrive at Castle of the Sea prepared to wow the wedding guests with their cuisine. Preparations are going well until a drunken Henry Simms, local banker, stumbles into the kitchen and ends up in a verbal disagreement with Azad Zakarian, Kebab Kitchen’s head chef. After extricating Henry from the kitchen, the rest of the meal goes off without a hitch. Henry is later found in Kebab Kitchen’s van with a shish kebab skewer thrust through his neck. Detective Calvin Clemmons, unfortunately, is assigned the case and he has narrowed his sights on Azad. Lucy, at the urging of her parents, works to prove Azad’s innocence and unveil the killer. Accompany Lucy on her campaign to decipher the clues and spot the individual who skewered the banker like a shish kebab!
Stabbed in the Baklava contains good writing and a nice steady pace which makes for an easy to read cozy mystery. While Stabbed in the Baklava is the second book in series, it can be read alone. The author provides Lucy’s backstory and summarizes the mystery from Hummus and Homicide. Lucy has settled into managing the restaurant and is learning how to cook as well. There are some luscious food descriptions that will have readers craving Mediterranean food. Her attempts at making improvements at the restaurant have met with limited success. Lucy has two love interests which include her old boyfriend, Azad Kazarian who has her parent’s approval and the handsome motorcycle riding Michael Citteroni. While a cozy mystery needs to have some romance (it is expected), I prefer it to play out softly in the background and I am tired of love triangles. The murder mystery was ingenuous. I identified the victim and killer before the victim was skewered. Lucy needs to work on how she asks suspects questions. She lacks subtlety and her questions come across as accusatory (I am sure she will get better in time). I hope the author introduces a new detective in a future book. Detective Clemmons is the cliché nasty detective with a grudge because of an incident that occurred in high school. I appreciate Lucy’s best friend, Katie Watson. She is a lively character with an upbeat personality. Katie is always up for adventure and has inside intel thanks to her police officer hubby. I did feel that there was too much time devoted to Lucy speculating on the crime and I could have used less repetition of key details (like Lucy’s lack of cooking skills). Stabbed in the Baklava is an undemanding cozy mystery with a quaint small town, charming characters and food descriptions that will have you salivating.
Stabbed in the Baklava contains good writing and a nice steady pace which makes for an easy to read cozy mystery. While Stabbed in the Baklava is the second book in series, it can be read alone. The author provides Lucy’s backstory and summarizes the mystery from Hummus and Homicide. Lucy has settled into managing the restaurant and is learning how to cook as well. There are some luscious food descriptions that will have readers craving Mediterranean food. Her attempts at making improvements at the restaurant have met with limited success. Lucy has two love interests which include her old boyfriend, Azad Kazarian who has her parent’s approval and the handsome motorcycle riding Michael Citteroni. While a cozy mystery needs to have some romance (it is expected), I prefer it to play out softly in the background and I am tired of love triangles. The murder mystery was ingenuous. I identified the victim and killer before the victim was skewered. Lucy needs to work on how she asks suspects questions. She lacks subtlety and her questions come across as accusatory (I am sure she will get better in time). I hope the author introduces a new detective in a future book. Detective Clemmons is the cliché nasty detective with a grudge because of an incident that occurred in high school. I appreciate Lucy’s best friend, Katie Watson. She is a lively character with an upbeat personality. Katie is always up for adventure and has inside intel thanks to her police officer hubby. I did feel that there was too much time devoted to Lucy speculating on the crime and I could have used less repetition of key details (like Lucy’s lack of cooking skills). Stabbed in the Baklava is an undemanding cozy mystery with a quaint small town, charming characters and food descriptions that will have you salivating.
August 13, 2018
In the second book of Kebab Kitchen mystery series Lucy Berberian is in charge of the family restaurant and her ex-boyfriend, is the chef. Together they cater a society wedding. During the reception Azad has an angry argument with a guest who is later found in the locked catering van murder. The homicide detective, Calvin Clemmons feels that Azad is the killer and take procession of the van as the murder scene. Lucy feels that Azad is not guilty and sets out to prove it. She needs answers before her chef ends in prison? Recipes are included. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book and series.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Kensington Books for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Kensington Books for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
July 19, 2018
At the end of the first book Lucy Berberian has decided to take over her parents restaurant (The Kebab Kitchen) and they are doing a phased takeover, in order to keep the standards of cooking high Lucy's ex-boyfriend (and potential re-boyfriend!) Azad has stepped up to be the head chef, their first major catering deal is a wedding, an actress is getting married and her fiance wants the Kebab Kitchen to cater, this isn't a problem (err apart from the fact that it is for 250 people and the most they have catered to before this was 100!), still they manage to get this done and head to the hotel where the reception will be held. Before they can get fully set up a drunken guest wanders in and Azad ends up threatening him, this would normally have been the end of it only he ends up dead and Azad appears to be the only candidate for the murderer!
Lucy and Katie don their sleuthing caps again and set out to find out the truth, and on the way they discover just how untrustworthy the dead man was, which means that more people could have wanted him dead, if only the Detective would look at other potential killers!
Another great story, with Lucy settling in and finding her feet, I will say that I hope the love triangle gets resolved quickly as that is something that can put me off a series, however good the rest of the storyline is, and Tina Kashian has crafted a wonderful storyline with some great characters!
Lucy and Katie don their sleuthing caps again and set out to find out the truth, and on the way they discover just how untrustworthy the dead man was, which means that more people could have wanted him dead, if only the Detective would look at other potential killers!
Another great story, with Lucy settling in and finding her feet, I will say that I hope the love triangle gets resolved quickly as that is something that can put me off a series, however good the rest of the storyline is, and Tina Kashian has crafted a wonderful storyline with some great characters!
June 12, 2021
This series is so good! I love it.
Lucy takes a big catering job, which is out of her comfort zone, and the best man gets murdered. I really enjoy how the book pans out and how Lucy & Katie stick together to investigate. Add this to your tbr list! You will not be sorry.
#teamAzad
Lucy takes a big catering job, which is out of her comfort zone, and the best man gets murdered. I really enjoy how the book pans out and how Lucy & Katie stick together to investigate. Add this to your tbr list! You will not be sorry.
#teamAzad
September 5, 2018
Lucy is evolving into quite the sleuth, and I am eager to see more of her skills! This book had all the makings of a delightful cozy mystery; food, murder, charm. Overall, a good read and one that will have readers ready for more.
August 28, 2018
If loved the first Kebob Kitchen mystery then you're definitely going to love this second installment.
Just by the stunning cover you can see that the mystery is set in the midst of a wedding! I really enjoy cozies that include weddings and this one did not disappoint.
The author has created likable characters and the mystery is well planned. Lots of twists and turns keep you guessing until the end. I especially loved the recipes included at the end of book.
I am a real fan of this series and am eagerly awaiting the next book by this author!
Just by the stunning cover you can see that the mystery is set in the midst of a wedding! I really enjoy cozies that include weddings and this one did not disappoint.
The author has created likable characters and the mystery is well planned. Lots of twists and turns keep you guessing until the end. I especially loved the recipes included at the end of book.
I am a real fan of this series and am eagerly awaiting the next book by this author!
September 10, 2018
Stabbed In The Baklava
Kebab Kitchen Mystery, Book #2
Tina Kashian
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Lucy Berberian has taken over her family’s Mediterranean restaurant on the Jersey Shore after an unsatisfying stint at a Philadelphia law firm. It’s great to be back in her old beach town, even if she’s turning into a seasoned sleuth . . .
Catering a high-society wedding should bring in some big income for Kebab Kitchen—and raise its profile too. But it’s not exactly good publicity when the best man winds up skewered like a shish kebab. Worse yet, Lucy’s ex, Azad—who’s the restaurant’s new head chef—is the prime suspect. But she doesn’t give a fig what the cops think. He may have killer looks, but he’s no murderer. She just needs to prove his innocence, before he has to go on the lamb . . (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded. I love the relationship between Lucy and her family, you can tell they love each other and will do anything for each other. She does butt heads with them at times, but that happens in all families. I like the time that she spend with her best friend, Katie, and the fact that they get into all kinds of mischief, all in the name of crime solving. You never know what they will do next. Lucy has two men interested in her, and I am not sure which man she will pick (although I know who I want her to pick). I just hope she makes a decision soon, I am not a fan of love triangles.
The writing style flows smoothly and defines the characters very clearly through their actions and words. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing without getting too wordy. I felt like I was right there on the Jersey shore, watching all of the action taking place and enjoying the aromas of the restaurant.
The mystery is well plotted and carries on well throughout the entire book. There were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through, and when you add in the plenty of twists and turns it is not easy to solve. And that is how I like my mysteries.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. It has everything that I look for in a cozy: engaging characters, and intriguing mystery and a charming setting. Do not miss this book (and series).
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
Kebab Kitchen Mystery, Book #2
Tina Kashian
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Lucy Berberian has taken over her family’s Mediterranean restaurant on the Jersey Shore after an unsatisfying stint at a Philadelphia law firm. It’s great to be back in her old beach town, even if she’s turning into a seasoned sleuth . . .
Catering a high-society wedding should bring in some big income for Kebab Kitchen—and raise its profile too. But it’s not exactly good publicity when the best man winds up skewered like a shish kebab. Worse yet, Lucy’s ex, Azad—who’s the restaurant’s new head chef—is the prime suspect. But she doesn’t give a fig what the cops think. He may have killer looks, but he’s no murderer. She just needs to prove his innocence, before he has to go on the lamb . . (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded. I love the relationship between Lucy and her family, you can tell they love each other and will do anything for each other. She does butt heads with them at times, but that happens in all families. I like the time that she spend with her best friend, Katie, and the fact that they get into all kinds of mischief, all in the name of crime solving. You never know what they will do next. Lucy has two men interested in her, and I am not sure which man she will pick (although I know who I want her to pick). I just hope she makes a decision soon, I am not a fan of love triangles.
The writing style flows smoothly and defines the characters very clearly through their actions and words. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing without getting too wordy. I felt like I was right there on the Jersey shore, watching all of the action taking place and enjoying the aromas of the restaurant.
The mystery is well plotted and carries on well throughout the entire book. There were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through, and when you add in the plenty of twists and turns it is not easy to solve. And that is how I like my mysteries.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. It has everything that I look for in a cozy: engaging characters, and intriguing mystery and a charming setting. Do not miss this book (and series).
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
September 25, 2018
A word of advice: Before you start reading this latest Kebab Kitchen Mystery, do yourself a favor and go to your local Mediterranean restaurant and/or grocery and buy a big batch of baklava to snack on as you read. Trust me. You’ll be craving it like crazy by the time you’re through...
Lucy Berberian is back, with her culturally diverse cast of supporting characters, to learn the ins and outs of running her family’s restaurant (and cooking the yummy dishes!), trying to decide between two hot guys who are smitten with her, and solving a murder in her free time. She is a really likable character who you’d want to be friends with in real life – and not just for the delicious leftovers – and she has a host of friends and family who are equally likable. It’s easy to get caught up in the stories, in the subplots, in the humor, and in the FOOD. (Did I mention the baklava?? YUM)
The murder mystery is once again high-stakes for Lucy, since she’s inadvertently involved in more than one way. Kashian weaves in lots of twists and turns and red herrings which keep the interest and tension levels steady. I found myself laughing out loud a couple of times because I could easily picture the scene she’d set – and the antics that Lucy had gotten tangled up in. It’s not punchy humor, though, but just very charming and smartly done.
Bottom Line: Make a reservation at the Kebab Kitchen, dig into all the hummus varieties and the baklava (not together), and hitch a ride with Lucy and her friends and family as she tries to solve a murder to keep her old flame out of jail. Well-plotted and lots of fun, the mystery and the characters will keep you fully engaged from start to finish!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
Lucy Berberian is back, with her culturally diverse cast of supporting characters, to learn the ins and outs of running her family’s restaurant (and cooking the yummy dishes!), trying to decide between two hot guys who are smitten with her, and solving a murder in her free time. She is a really likable character who you’d want to be friends with in real life – and not just for the delicious leftovers – and she has a host of friends and family who are equally likable. It’s easy to get caught up in the stories, in the subplots, in the humor, and in the FOOD. (Did I mention the baklava?? YUM)
The murder mystery is once again high-stakes for Lucy, since she’s inadvertently involved in more than one way. Kashian weaves in lots of twists and turns and red herrings which keep the interest and tension levels steady. I found myself laughing out loud a couple of times because I could easily picture the scene she’d set – and the antics that Lucy had gotten tangled up in. It’s not punchy humor, though, but just very charming and smartly done.
Bottom Line: Make a reservation at the Kebab Kitchen, dig into all the hummus varieties and the baklava (not together), and hitch a ride with Lucy and her friends and family as she tries to solve a murder to keep her old flame out of jail. Well-plotted and lots of fun, the mystery and the characters will keep you fully engaged from start to finish!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
August 30, 2018
I fully enjoyed the first book in the series and this one was just as enjoyable. I love the setting - a Mediterranean restaurant because the hummus and other dishes all leave my mouth watering. Thank goodness there are recipes at the end that I can try to satisfy my cravings.
The victim in this book is a despicable banker that has some issues. It isn't too much of a surprise when he ends up dead, however, it takes a few tense scenes at a wedding reception to decipher who the victim might be in this book. The killer may, or may not, be obvious as you read the book. I suspected this character but didn't know for sure until it was all revealed at the end. The author does a great job of throwing red herrings in your path to discovering the truth. And of course, Lucy and Katie are in the middle of things trying to clear Azad's name. Lucy can't lose her head chef after all!
I'm waiting for the book when Detective Clemmons drops his dislike for Lucy and her family. There is a peace offering at the end of this book that just might lead to less hostility on his part, but only time will tell.
I was surprised that Michael (Harley owner next door to the restaurant) didn't make an appearance until halfway through the book and very little after that. I'm not sure if there is supposed to be a love triangle happening between Lucy, Azad, and Michael, but if there is this book didn't bring much tension to the triangle. Perhaps he is just meant to be a friend?
Overall the book does what it should - keep you guessing from start to finish while uncovering clues and trying to keep Lucy out of too much trouble.
The victim in this book is a despicable banker that has some issues. It isn't too much of a surprise when he ends up dead, however, it takes a few tense scenes at a wedding reception to decipher who the victim might be in this book. The killer may, or may not, be obvious as you read the book. I suspected this character but didn't know for sure until it was all revealed at the end. The author does a great job of throwing red herrings in your path to discovering the truth. And of course, Lucy and Katie are in the middle of things trying to clear Azad's name. Lucy can't lose her head chef after all!
I'm waiting for the book when Detective Clemmons drops his dislike for Lucy and her family. There is a peace offering at the end of this book that just might lead to less hostility on his part, but only time will tell.
I was surprised that Michael (Harley owner next door to the restaurant) didn't make an appearance until halfway through the book and very little after that. I'm not sure if there is supposed to be a love triangle happening between Lucy, Azad, and Michael, but if there is this book didn't bring much tension to the triangle. Perhaps he is just meant to be a friend?
Overall the book does what it should - keep you guessing from start to finish while uncovering clues and trying to keep Lucy out of too much trouble.
September 2, 2018
STABBED IN THE BAKLAVA by Tina Kashian
The Second Kebab Kitchen Mystery
It's a surprise when socialite Scarlet Westwood pays a visit to Kebab Kitchen, but even more so when she asks Lucy Berberian to cater her wedding. With less than two weeks notice for an event bigger than the kitchen has ever done, and no catering experience herself, Lucy agrees. This is her chance to prove herself and give the restaurant a big boost. With the help of her semi-retired parents, best friend, and Kebab Kitchen staff the event goes off with nary a hitch...until it's time to leave and Lucy finds Azad by their catering van with the murdered body of the best man inside!
The salty scent of the ocean, the fragrant aromas of lemon and garlic, all perfume the Jersey Shore in this, the second Kebab Kitchen Mystery. Romance is in the air as well as Lucy feels her attraction to Azad grow, despite her trying to put a lid on it. Yet sparks also fly when Michael is near. Although uncertain about the men in her life, Lucy is coming into her own. She's taking more responsibility for the restaurant and bringing her own ideas with her, in regards to Kebab Kitchen, her personal life, and her involvement in murder investigations.
This is a book of secrets, family, and loyalty. The mystery is compelling-a variety of suspects, a seemingly impossible puzzle, and an urgency to prove Azad innocent. I love the family dynamic, especially the realistic relationship between Lucy's parents; their bickering, their seeming opposition, but ultimate love for each other, their family and friends. I continue to giggle at Angela's crush on Cooking Kurt, the hot TV chef!
Humor, a smidge of romance, and an intriguing mystery flavor the second Kebab Kitchen Mystery making STABBED IN THE BAKLAVA a delectable mystery with heart.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
The Second Kebab Kitchen Mystery
It's a surprise when socialite Scarlet Westwood pays a visit to Kebab Kitchen, but even more so when she asks Lucy Berberian to cater her wedding. With less than two weeks notice for an event bigger than the kitchen has ever done, and no catering experience herself, Lucy agrees. This is her chance to prove herself and give the restaurant a big boost. With the help of her semi-retired parents, best friend, and Kebab Kitchen staff the event goes off with nary a hitch...until it's time to leave and Lucy finds Azad by their catering van with the murdered body of the best man inside!
The salty scent of the ocean, the fragrant aromas of lemon and garlic, all perfume the Jersey Shore in this, the second Kebab Kitchen Mystery. Romance is in the air as well as Lucy feels her attraction to Azad grow, despite her trying to put a lid on it. Yet sparks also fly when Michael is near. Although uncertain about the men in her life, Lucy is coming into her own. She's taking more responsibility for the restaurant and bringing her own ideas with her, in regards to Kebab Kitchen, her personal life, and her involvement in murder investigations.
This is a book of secrets, family, and loyalty. The mystery is compelling-a variety of suspects, a seemingly impossible puzzle, and an urgency to prove Azad innocent. I love the family dynamic, especially the realistic relationship between Lucy's parents; their bickering, their seeming opposition, but ultimate love for each other, their family and friends. I continue to giggle at Angela's crush on Cooking Kurt, the hot TV chef!
Humor, a smidge of romance, and an intriguing mystery flavor the second Kebab Kitchen Mystery making STABBED IN THE BAKLAVA a delectable mystery with heart.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
August 26, 2018
Stabbed in the Baklava is a fun, refreshing cozy mystery. Lucy is a good character who adds humor to the story.
Returning to her family restaurant, Lucy seems to have a knack for getting tangled in messy situations.
Catering a big wedding is just what the family restaurant needs and Lucy is determined to make it work.
What she doesn't plan on is having a murder take place at the reception, putting her head chef at the top of the suspect list.
The author writes a fantastic story and her recipes sound delicious.
I highly recommend this book.
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
Returning to her family restaurant, Lucy seems to have a knack for getting tangled in messy situations.
Catering a big wedding is just what the family restaurant needs and Lucy is determined to make it work.
What she doesn't plan on is having a murder take place at the reception, putting her head chef at the top of the suspect list.
The author writes a fantastic story and her recipes sound delicious.
I highly recommend this book.
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
August 28, 2018
Stabbed in the Baklava by Tina Kashian is the 2nd book in the Kebab Kitchen Mystery series, and I loved it. Lucy Berberian quits her attorney job in Philadelphia, and returns home to Ocean Crest, NJ to help out in her family's restaurant. Kebab Kitchen takes on a big catering job, a wedding for a high society couple. Unfortunately the best man gets stabbed with a shish kebab spear, and the head chef is the prime suspect. Lucy is determined to find the real killer and clear the restaurant name. This mystery has it all, a great plot that is well developed along with great characters. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. If you love cozy mysteries, than I strongly recommend this book.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 15, 2018
Stabbed in the Baklava is a great addition to the Kebab Kitchen series. Lucy Berberian left her job as an attorney in Philadelphia when she was passed over for a promotion to return to her hometown on the Jersey shore. Her parents are about ready to retire from running the family Armenian restaurant so Lucy has taken over managing the restaurant (mostly). Her dad can't completely turn over controls. Her mom still comes in to work in the kitchen preparing food but Lucy's old boyfriend and family friend, Chef Azad, is doing a great job as main chef. Her sister, Emma, works as a waitress.
Things turn deadly at the first large catering job that the crew works when they cater a large celebrity wedding. Unfortunately, the best man is found in the restaurant van with a shish kabab skewer in his neck and Azad's fingerprints are on it. On top of that, the whole catering and serving staff heard Azad threaten the shady banker. Lucy and her best friend, Katie, put on their sleuthing hats once more to find out who really killed the guy. They have to be careful to stay out of trouble with Katie's cop husband as well as obnoxious detective, Calvin Clemmons, not to mention the real killer. This is another fun read that kept me guessing to the end. The delicious sounding food adds to the story as do the colorful and interesting characters. Lucy has two tall, dark and handsome fellows who are interested in her and of course don't like each other - Azad and neighbor biker guy, Michael.
Thanks to Kensington Publishing through NetGalley for a complimentary ARC to read and review. Thoughts and opinions are mine only.
Things turn deadly at the first large catering job that the crew works when they cater a large celebrity wedding. Unfortunately, the best man is found in the restaurant van with a shish kabab skewer in his neck and Azad's fingerprints are on it. On top of that, the whole catering and serving staff heard Azad threaten the shady banker. Lucy and her best friend, Katie, put on their sleuthing hats once more to find out who really killed the guy. They have to be careful to stay out of trouble with Katie's cop husband as well as obnoxious detective, Calvin Clemmons, not to mention the real killer. This is another fun read that kept me guessing to the end. The delicious sounding food adds to the story as do the colorful and interesting characters. Lucy has two tall, dark and handsome fellows who are interested in her and of course don't like each other - Azad and neighbor biker guy, Michael.
Thanks to Kensington Publishing through NetGalley for a complimentary ARC to read and review. Thoughts and opinions are mine only.
July 18, 2018
A fun read with characters that readers will enjoy, great descriptions of food, and an engaging mystery that will keep the reader guessing. I really enjoyed the relationship between Lucy and her family as well as her best friend.
A full review will be posted to the blog closer to release date which is scheduled for August 28th.
I voluntarily read an advanced review copy provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
A full review will be posted to the blog closer to release date which is scheduled for August 28th.
I voluntarily read an advanced review copy provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
January 12, 2020
What a great book. It was interesting, had twists and turns and kept me hooked. great last chapter.
January 23, 2020
Cozy mystery set on the Jersey Shore. The main character is the manager of her family's Mediterranean restaurant. The main character , Lucy Berberian, is heading a catering crew for a wedding reception. At the end of the reception , the head chef and Lucy discover a dead body in the catering van. When it appears that the chef is the chief suspect Lucy and her best friend start asking questions. The majority of the characters seem like real people and make the story come to life. The book was a quick easy read.
September 22, 2021
2.5 bumped up to 3.
This was slow in some parts, the twist was a little weird, but I like how it played into the murder.
This was slow in some parts, the twist was a little weird, but I like how it played into the murder.
August 5, 2018
Stabbed in the Baklava is the second installment in the Kebab Kitchen Mystery series set in the coastal community of Ocean Crest, NJ and featuring patent attorney turned restaurant manager, Lucy Berberian. Things are settling back into place at the Kebab Kitchen after the recent death of the local health inspector. Lucy's parents, Raffi and Angela, are semi-retired but not a day goes by without the two visiting the restaurant, her sister Emma is happily waiting tables alongside longtime server, Sally and the new Chef in the kitchen is her ex-boyfriend Azad Zakarian.
Lucy is stunned when celebrity socialite Scarlet Westwood asks if the Kitchen Kebab will cater her upcoming wedding to Bradford Papadopoulos. Having never catered for that many people before Lucy is at first reluctant, but when the snooty wedding planner, Victoria Redding seems to insinuate that Lucy and her family aren't really cut out for the job, she quickly accepts the offer.
The lavish wedding at the Castle of the Sea seems to be going well until the drunken best man, Henry Simms stumbles into the kitchen. Azad picks a fight with the local banker, claiming the man had turned down his loan and ended up costing him a substantial amount of money in legal fees. Henry brushes off the Chef, which only angers Azad more and in front of the entire Castle kitchen staff, he makes an ominous threat. When Henry turns up dead in the catering van, stabbed with a kebab skewer, it doesn't take long before Azad becomes the prime suspect.
Determined to clear Azad's name, Lucy sets out with the help of her best friend Katie Watson to catch the real killer. Despite the warnings from Katie's husband and police officer, Bill not to get involved, Lucy soon finds herself going head to head with Detective Calvin Clemmons. Lucy and Katie quickly discover that quite a few people had it out for Henry, and the members of the wedding party are hiding all sorts of secrets including infidelity and embezzlement.
A fast paced plot makes for a real page turner. Well developed characters, a close knit family, mouthwatering recipes and a cute alley cat combine to make this series a winner. Let's just hope that the author doesn't drag out the dreaded love triangle.
I received a copy of Stabbed in the Baklava from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
Lucy is stunned when celebrity socialite Scarlet Westwood asks if the Kitchen Kebab will cater her upcoming wedding to Bradford Papadopoulos. Having never catered for that many people before Lucy is at first reluctant, but when the snooty wedding planner, Victoria Redding seems to insinuate that Lucy and her family aren't really cut out for the job, she quickly accepts the offer.
The lavish wedding at the Castle of the Sea seems to be going well until the drunken best man, Henry Simms stumbles into the kitchen. Azad picks a fight with the local banker, claiming the man had turned down his loan and ended up costing him a substantial amount of money in legal fees. Henry brushes off the Chef, which only angers Azad more and in front of the entire Castle kitchen staff, he makes an ominous threat. When Henry turns up dead in the catering van, stabbed with a kebab skewer, it doesn't take long before Azad becomes the prime suspect.
Determined to clear Azad's name, Lucy sets out with the help of her best friend Katie Watson to catch the real killer. Despite the warnings from Katie's husband and police officer, Bill not to get involved, Lucy soon finds herself going head to head with Detective Calvin Clemmons. Lucy and Katie quickly discover that quite a few people had it out for Henry, and the members of the wedding party are hiding all sorts of secrets including infidelity and embezzlement.
A fast paced plot makes for a real page turner. Well developed characters, a close knit family, mouthwatering recipes and a cute alley cat combine to make this series a winner. Let's just hope that the author doesn't drag out the dreaded love triangle.
I received a copy of Stabbed in the Baklava from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
July 31, 2018
Stabbed in the Baklava is the second book in Tina Kashian’s Kebab Kitchen Mystery series. The mystery is interesting and well plotted, the storyline is engaging, and the characters are well developed and affable. This book moves at a steady pace with lots of suspects, twists and turns, and red herrings. I was kept guessing the whole time and quite surprised at the murderer was revealed. I’m looking forward to reading future books in this series.
Lucy Berberian recently quit her job as an attorney at a Philadelphia law firm, returned to her hometown of Ocean Crest, New Jersey, and is taking over the management of Kebab Kitchen, her family’s restaurant, as her parents, Angela and Raffi, ease into retirement. Her dad’s teaching her the ropes of the daily running of the restaurant and her mother is teaching her how to cook. She’s staying with her best friend, Katie Watson, who works at Ocean Crest’s town hall, and her police officer husband, Bill. She’s has hired her ex-boyfriend, Azad Zakarian, as head chef. Kebab Kitchen has been hired to cater Scarlet Westwood and Bradford Papadopoulos’ wedding reception for 250 guests at Castle of the Sea. Azad argues with Henry Simms, the drunken best man, over a bad business deal at Henry’s bank and Lucy overheard Victoria Redding, the wedding planner, having words with him for taking pictures with his cell phone during the reception. When Azad discovers Henry’s body in Kebab Kitchen’s locked catering van, with one of the restaurant’s shish kebab skewers in his neck, Azad becomes the prime suspect. Detective Calvin Clemmons, the lead investigator, takes Bill off the case due to a conflict of interest. Lucy’s older sister, Emma, has a history with Calvin and he holds a grudge against the entire family, which makes Lucy concerned he won’t give the investigation his best effort and with Azad his prime suspect, she and Katie put on their amateur sleuth hats on even though they’ve been warned to steer clear of the case.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Lucy Berberian recently quit her job as an attorney at a Philadelphia law firm, returned to her hometown of Ocean Crest, New Jersey, and is taking over the management of Kebab Kitchen, her family’s restaurant, as her parents, Angela and Raffi, ease into retirement. Her dad’s teaching her the ropes of the daily running of the restaurant and her mother is teaching her how to cook. She’s staying with her best friend, Katie Watson, who works at Ocean Crest’s town hall, and her police officer husband, Bill. She’s has hired her ex-boyfriend, Azad Zakarian, as head chef. Kebab Kitchen has been hired to cater Scarlet Westwood and Bradford Papadopoulos’ wedding reception for 250 guests at Castle of the Sea. Azad argues with Henry Simms, the drunken best man, over a bad business deal at Henry’s bank and Lucy overheard Victoria Redding, the wedding planner, having words with him for taking pictures with his cell phone during the reception. When Azad discovers Henry’s body in Kebab Kitchen’s locked catering van, with one of the restaurant’s shish kebab skewers in his neck, Azad becomes the prime suspect. Detective Calvin Clemmons, the lead investigator, takes Bill off the case due to a conflict of interest. Lucy’s older sister, Emma, has a history with Calvin and he holds a grudge against the entire family, which makes Lucy concerned he won’t give the investigation his best effort and with Azad his prime suspect, she and Katie put on their amateur sleuth hats on even though they’ve been warned to steer clear of the case.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
August 19, 2018
This second book in the Kebab Kitchen Mystery series finds protagonist Lucy Berberian trying to expand her family’s restaurant business by taking on a huge catering job for a celebrity wedding. Helping her is Kebab Kitchen’s chef and her ex-boyfriend, Azad. Ms. Kashian has developed intriguing characters and situations for those characters to interact, grow, and discover themselves. And nothing causes them to develop more quickly than being confronted by a murder while catering the wedding. Azad was publicly seen arguing with the murdered man and the deceased was found in their catering van. Making matters worse, the detective on the case has it in for Lucy and her family and is all too happy to arrest the family’s chef.
Despite her emotions concerning her ex, Lucy knows she must step up and prove his innocence, even though her mother begs her not to get involved. Helping Lucy is her very fun, very entertaining sidekick, Katie. Katie is married to a police officer and uses that position to find out information to assist their own investigation. Katie is also gung-ho which counters Lucy’s tentativeness at times. Together they find themselves in some dicey situations which adds a bit of humor to the story. The author provides plenty of suspects to keep the reader guessing and the big reveal wraps up the threads of the story into a satisfying conclusion.
I greatly enjoyed the bits and pieces of Mediterranean food, music, and dances that the author weaves into the story. It adds an authentic touch to the theme and will leave the reader hungry for a taste of the delectable food served at the Kebab Kitchen! Fortunately the author includes several recipes at the back of the book, which all sound amazing.
I was provided an advance copy via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Despite her emotions concerning her ex, Lucy knows she must step up and prove his innocence, even though her mother begs her not to get involved. Helping Lucy is her very fun, very entertaining sidekick, Katie. Katie is married to a police officer and uses that position to find out information to assist their own investigation. Katie is also gung-ho which counters Lucy’s tentativeness at times. Together they find themselves in some dicey situations which adds a bit of humor to the story. The author provides plenty of suspects to keep the reader guessing and the big reveal wraps up the threads of the story into a satisfying conclusion.
I greatly enjoyed the bits and pieces of Mediterranean food, music, and dances that the author weaves into the story. It adds an authentic touch to the theme and will leave the reader hungry for a taste of the delectable food served at the Kebab Kitchen! Fortunately the author includes several recipes at the back of the book, which all sound amazing.
I was provided an advance copy via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 23, 2025
Weddings can be dangerous
Another delicious visit to the Jersey shore.
Lucy has been learning all the aspects of running her family’s restaurant including catering. When a local high-society couple decide to wed they decide to hire Lucy’s family restaurant. All is going as planned until the best man is found skewered to death with none other than one of the restaurants kebab skewers. Lucy really wants to stay out of the investigation but finds it hard when the main suspect is her ex-boyfriend and head chef at the restaurant. Will Lucy find the real suspect before she is sleeping with the fishes?
A fast moving plot and mouthwatering food descriptions make this a delightful read. I plan on trying Azad’s Prized Shish Kebabs this summer.
Another delicious visit to the Jersey shore.
Lucy has been learning all the aspects of running her family’s restaurant including catering. When a local high-society couple decide to wed they decide to hire Lucy’s family restaurant. All is going as planned until the best man is found skewered to death with none other than one of the restaurants kebab skewers. Lucy really wants to stay out of the investigation but finds it hard when the main suspect is her ex-boyfriend and head chef at the restaurant. Will Lucy find the real suspect before she is sleeping with the fishes?
A fast moving plot and mouthwatering food descriptions make this a delightful read. I plan on trying Azad’s Prized Shish Kebabs this summer.
August 12, 2023
In this second entry in the Kebab Kitchen series, Lucy Berberian continues to learn the ropes as she takes over her parents' Mediterranean restaurant. An opportunity to raise the restaurant's profile by catering a high profile celebrity wedding is marred by murder and Lucy has to turn her attention from hospitality to investigation.
As with some other cozy series, I picked this one up without reading the debut. The author creates characters we care about to keep reading, and there are a variety of suspects to keep us guessing.
The seaside setting is charming and the puzzle of the murder is involving. In short, this is a nice, distracting cozy mystery.
As with some other cozy series, I picked this one up without reading the debut. The author creates characters we care about to keep reading, and there are a variety of suspects to keep us guessing.
The seaside setting is charming and the puzzle of the murder is involving. In short, this is a nice, distracting cozy mystery.
August 27, 2018
Lucy Berberian has recently taken over her parents Mediterranean restaurant Kebab Kitchen when socialite and budding actress Scarlet Westwood wants her to cater a wedding. There's trouble ahead as the best man is stabbed and left in the catering van with a skewer in his neck. Signs point to head chef Azad Zakarian, but Lucy knows he is innocent and she works to prove he is.
The food described in this book sounds delicious. Where can I get some of the Kebab Kitchens goodies?
The food described in this book sounds delicious. Where can I get some of the Kebab Kitchens goodies?
August 16, 2025
My favorite thing about his series is the love of the family and friendships. The other thing I love about this series is the fact that the author always surprises me with who the guilty party is. This addition to the series was a good read, and an interesting plot. I like the romance triangle that’s been brewing, and just let me say, I’m team Michael. Bonus, recipes at the back of the book.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
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