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A Cook-Off Mystery #2
Final Roasting Place
Sherry Frazzelle is back to being Sherry Oliveri, her divorce all but final and her new life in full swing. Her part-time job is helping her father with his hooked-rug business, and her full-time passion is competitive cooking. But murder is about to rock their little Connecticut town . . .
Erno Oliveri made sure to be on set for his daughter’s cook-off appearance on Sunny Side Up with Brett and Carmell. Or as it’s now known, Sunny Side Up with Carmell and Brett—since the ambitious young Carmell seems to have the producer and station owner eating out of her hand. But the important news is that Sherry has bested the competition with her Spicy Toasted Chickpea and Almond appetizer and clinched the spatula-shaped trophy. It’s her shining moment—until everything goes dark.
A quick-moving storm has knocked out power to the studio—and when the lights come back up, Carmell is at her desk with a sharp object lodged in her neck. The weapon is an unusual tool, used by craftsmen who make hooked rugs. Has someone taken corporate backstabbing to a new level, and framed Erno in the process? If Sherry’s going to protect her dad and their family name, she has to find out where he was when the lights went out . . .
Includes Recipes from Sherry’s Kitchen!
Erno Oliveri made sure to be on set for his daughter’s cook-off appearance on Sunny Side Up with Brett and Carmell. Or as it’s now known, Sunny Side Up with Carmell and Brett—since the ambitious young Carmell seems to have the producer and station owner eating out of her hand. But the important news is that Sherry has bested the competition with her Spicy Toasted Chickpea and Almond appetizer and clinched the spatula-shaped trophy. It’s her shining moment—until everything goes dark.
A quick-moving storm has knocked out power to the studio—and when the lights come back up, Carmell is at her desk with a sharp object lodged in her neck. The weapon is an unusual tool, used by craftsmen who make hooked rugs. Has someone taken corporate backstabbing to a new level, and framed Erno in the process? If Sherry’s going to protect her dad and their family name, she has to find out where he was when the lights went out . . .
Includes Recipes from Sherry’s Kitchen!
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published September 25, 2018
22 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
About the author
Devon Delaney
10 books138 followersI am a wife, mother of three, accomplished cooking contester and a recent empty nester. I taught computer education and Lego Robotics for over ten years prior to pursuing writing. All the way I have been handsomely rewarded for my recipe innovation over the last twenty-plus years. Among the many prizes I have won are a full kitchen of major appliances, six-figure top cash prizes and four trips to Disney World. I have also won the grand prize in a national writing contest for my ‘foodie’ poem “Ode to Pork Passion.” Combining my beloved cooking contesting with my enthusiasm for writing was inevitable.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 30, 2018
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Sherry Oliveri formerly Sherry Frazzelle (divorce is almost final) has just won a cook-off at a local tv station on the Sunny Side Up with Brett and Carmell program. Her Spicy Toasted Chickpea and Almond appetizer won her the prize. She had her father along for moral support. But before they could leave the building a quick moving storm blows through and knocks out the station’s power. When the power is restored one of the show’s co-hosts is dead. Carmell was not well liked by many on the staff but seeing the implement she and her father use for hooking rugs protruding out of her neck was a huge shock. Sherry was around someone the whole time so she is not a suspect. The same can’t be said for her dad. She now has to create a recipe more important than any other . . . how to get her dad out of this mess.
Ms. Delaney’s core characters continue to evolve and impress. Sherry is a strong woman, a very type-A individual but she seems to control her panic attacks much better in this story. Erno does not handle being a prime suspect very well. In fact, he ends up in the hospital and is diagnosed with a panic attack all his own. Her friend Amber returns just in time to help with the shop. Erno has been ordered by doctor’s to take some time off. Amber has no trouble taking things over at the store or teaming up to help Sherry track down a killer. But Amber is sweet on one of Sherry’s suspects so that could make things chilly between friends.
The death at the television station brings readers a new group of characters to meet. They are all unique and any one of them could have killed their co-worker. A receptionist plays a very small part, not involved in any of the drama but really liked Sherry’s cookies and her attitude about the station’s dilemmas brought a smile to my face. The rest all seemed to be out for themselves. One cute new character is Bean, a puppy that becomes quick friends with Chutney and finds a new furever home.
The mystery was tightly connected to Sherry and her dad, due to his friends and the Founder’s Day celebration the town was planning. It was a real puzzler for Sherry and me as the reader. I was up in the air completely until the excellent way the killer was revealed. Twists, turns, red herrings, this story had them all. Detective Ray Bease showed up just in time to take the culprit away.
What I love most about this series is the father/daughter relationship. They are close but Erno still manages to keep a few secrets from Sherry. I have truly become invested in both of them and am excited for the next book in this series.
Sherry Oliveri formerly Sherry Frazzelle (divorce is almost final) has just won a cook-off at a local tv station on the Sunny Side Up with Brett and Carmell program. Her Spicy Toasted Chickpea and Almond appetizer won her the prize. She had her father along for moral support. But before they could leave the building a quick moving storm blows through and knocks out the station’s power. When the power is restored one of the show’s co-hosts is dead. Carmell was not well liked by many on the staff but seeing the implement she and her father use for hooking rugs protruding out of her neck was a huge shock. Sherry was around someone the whole time so she is not a suspect. The same can’t be said for her dad. She now has to create a recipe more important than any other . . . how to get her dad out of this mess.
Ms. Delaney’s core characters continue to evolve and impress. Sherry is a strong woman, a very type-A individual but she seems to control her panic attacks much better in this story. Erno does not handle being a prime suspect very well. In fact, he ends up in the hospital and is diagnosed with a panic attack all his own. Her friend Amber returns just in time to help with the shop. Erno has been ordered by doctor’s to take some time off. Amber has no trouble taking things over at the store or teaming up to help Sherry track down a killer. But Amber is sweet on one of Sherry’s suspects so that could make things chilly between friends.
The death at the television station brings readers a new group of characters to meet. They are all unique and any one of them could have killed their co-worker. A receptionist plays a very small part, not involved in any of the drama but really liked Sherry’s cookies and her attitude about the station’s dilemmas brought a smile to my face. The rest all seemed to be out for themselves. One cute new character is Bean, a puppy that becomes quick friends with Chutney and finds a new furever home.
The mystery was tightly connected to Sherry and her dad, due to his friends and the Founder’s Day celebration the town was planning. It was a real puzzler for Sherry and me as the reader. I was up in the air completely until the excellent way the killer was revealed. Twists, turns, red herrings, this story had them all. Detective Ray Bease showed up just in time to take the culprit away.
What I love most about this series is the father/daughter relationship. They are close but Erno still manages to keep a few secrets from Sherry. I have truly become invested in both of them and am excited for the next book in this series.
October 27, 2018
Final Roasting Place by Devon Delaney is the second novel in A Cook-Off Mystery series. Sherry Oliveri is appearing on Sunny Side UP with Carmell and Brett to compete in the News Twelve Appetizer Cook-Off in Augustin, Connecticut. Sherry takes home the prize with her Spicy Toasted Chickpea and Almond Bites. If her father, Erno had been the judge, the mushroom appetizer would have won (he certainly scarfed down enough of them). Before Sherry and Erno can depart the station, the power goes out. When electricity is restored, Carmell Gordy is slumped over the news anchor desk with something metal sticking out of her neck. The weapon turns out to be a rug hooking tool that points the police in Erno’s direction. Erno ends up collapsing and on doctor ordered bed rest. Sherry and her friend, Amber Sherman come up with a plan to clear Erno and find the Carmell’s killer. They soon learn that Carmell was not popular at the station because of her ambitious nature. When the killer strikes again, Sherry knows she must be getting close. Which one of her suspects is guilty of the killings?
Final Roasting Place can be read as a standalone for those of you who have not picked up Expiration Date. The author provides the necessary background on Sherry, her friends, family and why she enters cooking competitions. I found Final Roasting Place easy to read with steady pacing. There is plenty of shopping, cooking and baking in the story. Food is worked into all aspects of the book. Sherry is a type A personality who likes things done a certain way and items their place. I am glad that her panic attacks are not as frequent, and she is learning to deal with them (breathing techniques). I am happy she went back to her maiden name of Oliveri, so she will quit telling people how to properly pronounce Frazzelle. Now, though, Detective Raymond Bease (like grease) is doing it. Sherry’s friend, Amber Sherman returns in Final Roasting Place. She is a lovely individual with a kind, caring personality. Amber rushes to town when she heard about Erno’s troubles and is offering to help with the shop and clear his name. The conversations between Sherry and father are awkward. I do like that they have a close relationship and Erno supports Sherry in her cooking endeavors. There is a similar problem with the dialogue between Sherry and Detective Raymond Bease. There are two cute dogs in the story, Bean and Chutney. Bean needs a home since his owner, Carmell passed away. The mystery has ties to the town’s upcoming Founder’s Day celebration. There is misdirection, several suspects and pointed clues. I loved the unique murder weapon. If you are an avid mystery reader, you will find the whodunit easy to solve. I enjoy the rug hooking aspects of the story. There is hand dyeing of yarn, descriptions of rugs and explanation on how to use the tool. I would love a cozy mystery series based on a rug hooking store. I am giving Final Roasting Place 3 out of 5 stars. There are recipes for a few of Sherry’s dishes at the end of the book. Final Roasting Place is a light-hearted cozy mystery with food descriptions that will have your mouth watering.
Final Roasting Place can be read as a standalone for those of you who have not picked up Expiration Date. The author provides the necessary background on Sherry, her friends, family and why she enters cooking competitions. I found Final Roasting Place easy to read with steady pacing. There is plenty of shopping, cooking and baking in the story. Food is worked into all aspects of the book. Sherry is a type A personality who likes things done a certain way and items their place. I am glad that her panic attacks are not as frequent, and she is learning to deal with them (breathing techniques). I am happy she went back to her maiden name of Oliveri, so she will quit telling people how to properly pronounce Frazzelle. Now, though, Detective Raymond Bease (like grease) is doing it. Sherry’s friend, Amber Sherman returns in Final Roasting Place. She is a lovely individual with a kind, caring personality. Amber rushes to town when she heard about Erno’s troubles and is offering to help with the shop and clear his name. The conversations between Sherry and father are awkward. I do like that they have a close relationship and Erno supports Sherry in her cooking endeavors. There is a similar problem with the dialogue between Sherry and Detective Raymond Bease. There are two cute dogs in the story, Bean and Chutney. Bean needs a home since his owner, Carmell passed away. The mystery has ties to the town’s upcoming Founder’s Day celebration. There is misdirection, several suspects and pointed clues. I loved the unique murder weapon. If you are an avid mystery reader, you will find the whodunit easy to solve. I enjoy the rug hooking aspects of the story. There is hand dyeing of yarn, descriptions of rugs and explanation on how to use the tool. I would love a cozy mystery series based on a rug hooking store. I am giving Final Roasting Place 3 out of 5 stars. There are recipes for a few of Sherry’s dishes at the end of the book. Final Roasting Place is a light-hearted cozy mystery with food descriptions that will have your mouth watering.
October 14, 2018
This book is the 2nd in the series and was just as good as the 1st. I'm really enjoying getting to know the characters. Sherry and Amber are a great duo and I hope Amber sticks around for the next book. Sherry's dad is also quite a character (as well as his lady friends) and Chutney and the gang add another layer of coziness. There were several twists and turns that kept me guessing all the way to a satisfying ending!
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
September 6, 2018
Final Roasting Place is a fun cozy mystery. Sherry is a strong, likeable character who is an amateur chef.
After winning another cooking contest, Sherry gets involved in another murder investigation, since her dad is a prime suspect.
The twists and turns will keep the reader guessing until the big reveal.
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
After winning another cooking contest, Sherry gets involved in another murder investigation, since her dad is a prime suspect.
The twists and turns will keep the reader guessing until the big reveal.
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
November 26, 2018
I found this book hard to get interested in and to stay interested. Erno is on the set to see his daugher, Sherry’s cook off appearance on TV.The ambitious Carmell has the producer and station owner eating out of her hand. Sherry wins and then the studio goes dark and Carmell is found stabbed. Sherry and her dad are being framed so Sherry has to prove who really did it.
November 15, 2018
I hadn't read the first book yet in this series and I do intend to do that, but I can't say I was ever lost in this one. The only thing I was a little bit confused on was Detective Bease's age--I kind of wanted to picture him as Columbo given his description, but I have a feeling he's closer in age to Sherry. I quickly got to know Sherry and her gotta-love-him dad, Erno. I got a kick out of her dad and his two lady friends who were quick to take care of him when he had a panic attack. Bease was a good detective too. I don't really know enough about him to hope Sherry takes him up on his lunch invitation or not. The next books I'm sure will reveal that.
Sherry had just won another cook-off at a TV station when the power went out, her dad was missing temporarily, and when the power came back on, one of the news anchors had been stabbed to death with a tool that came from Sherry's dad's rug making store. Sherry's good friend Amber came in to help her watch the store since Dad had had a panic attack while being questioned by Det. Bease. Sherry knew she'd better get to the bottom of this, especially after another murder occurred. Someone seemed to be trying to frame her father.
I really enjoyed these main characters! Erno was a well-respected businessman who had some quirky quotes he'd give on different occasions. Amber was a really awesome friend to Sherry when she came to pitch in at the store.
I had actually guessed the killer, but only because of an earlier clue. It was fun to see how this person got taken down at the end. When real life slows down a bit, I will be reading the first in this series so I can see how it all got started. Looking forward to the next book that I noticed comes out next June--I think by then I can have the first one read ;)
Sherry had just won another cook-off at a TV station when the power went out, her dad was missing temporarily, and when the power came back on, one of the news anchors had been stabbed to death with a tool that came from Sherry's dad's rug making store. Sherry's good friend Amber came in to help her watch the store since Dad had had a panic attack while being questioned by Det. Bease. Sherry knew she'd better get to the bottom of this, especially after another murder occurred. Someone seemed to be trying to frame her father.
I really enjoyed these main characters! Erno was a well-respected businessman who had some quirky quotes he'd give on different occasions. Amber was a really awesome friend to Sherry when she came to pitch in at the store.
I had actually guessed the killer, but only because of an earlier clue. It was fun to see how this person got taken down at the end. When real life slows down a bit, I will be reading the first in this series so I can see how it all got started. Looking forward to the next book that I noticed comes out next June--I think by then I can have the first one read ;)
September 13, 2018
Sherry has gone back to her maiden name, Oliveri, and is gearing up for another cooking contest at a local TV station; her dad, Erno, a prominent Augustin citizen, goes with her to cheer her on. While Erno heads to the bathroom after the competition, there is a blackout, and when the lights come back on, one of the news anchors is dead with Erno's hooking tool in her neck. Eek! Now Sherry must set out to prove that her dad is not the killer and shouldn't be on the suspect list, but Detective Ray Bease is unrelenting.
Sherry's friend, Amber, is back (and I'm hoping she'll become a permanent character) and is helping out at Erno's Ruggery; while Sherry is trying to clear her dad's name, lots of shocking things are taking place in town, including a family who insists their ancestor was the rightful founder of Augustin and want recognition at the annual Founder's Day picnic.
I'm happy Sherry was able to recover from solving the last murder and I'm excited to see how her character will develop as the series goes on. Chutney, Sherry's dog, has found a new doggie friend, Bean,whom Amber has adopted and pets always make a cozy mystery better. While Marla, Sherry's sister, made phone appearances, I was a little sad she wasn't in this story more - not that it was lacking, but I just really like her character. I feel that Sherry and I are similar in idiosyncrasies and Marla is more free-spirited, which I wish I could be sometimes :)
This book was a good, quick read and I'm excited to see what Devon Delaney has in store for her characters next. 3.7 stars.
I voluntarily reviewed this book on Netgalley. #netgalley #finalroastingplace #devondelaney
Sherry's friend, Amber, is back (and I'm hoping she'll become a permanent character) and is helping out at Erno's Ruggery; while Sherry is trying to clear her dad's name, lots of shocking things are taking place in town, including a family who insists their ancestor was the rightful founder of Augustin and want recognition at the annual Founder's Day picnic.
I'm happy Sherry was able to recover from solving the last murder and I'm excited to see how her character will develop as the series goes on. Chutney, Sherry's dog, has found a new doggie friend, Bean,whom Amber has adopted and pets always make a cozy mystery better. While Marla, Sherry's sister, made phone appearances, I was a little sad she wasn't in this story more - not that it was lacking, but I just really like her character. I feel that Sherry and I are similar in idiosyncrasies and Marla is more free-spirited, which I wish I could be sometimes :)
This book was a good, quick read and I'm excited to see what Devon Delaney has in store for her characters next. 3.7 stars.
I voluntarily reviewed this book on Netgalley. #netgalley #finalroastingplace #devondelaney
July 2, 2019
Phew another hot tale from the cook off camp! Sherry is taking place at a local cook off, being held by the local cable TV company, this means that her father can take a couple of hours off from running the hooked rug store and come along for support, just as they are packing up to leave (with Sherry clutching the trophy and a cheque!) the power is knocked out by a storm, a few minutes later when it comes back one of the presenters is lying slumped over, with a implement used for rug making stuck in her!
Now with Sherry's father, Erno, as suspect number one Sherry needs help from her friend Amber and she needs to keep the local detective from arresting her father! Oh and just to add a strange twist to the mix, there are potential problems with the commemoration of the town's founding, which Sherry also needs to sort out - is there any wonder her social life is currently non-existent!
Now with Sherry's father, Erno, as suspect number one Sherry needs help from her friend Amber and she needs to keep the local detective from arresting her father! Oh and just to add a strange twist to the mix, there are potential problems with the commemoration of the town's founding, which Sherry also needs to sort out - is there any wonder her social life is currently non-existent!
December 31, 2018
This is book 2 in A Cook-Off mystery series and can easily be read as a stand alone. The books are set in the world of competitive cooking contests and many times does not follow the rules as cooks are cut throat about winning. Sherrie enters a small competition in her home town for appetizers sponsored by the local TV station. She and her dad get caught up in murder. A good mystery set in a short time span. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
November 12, 2018
1.5 stars rounded up to 2.
Maybe its because this is part two of a series that I didn't read part 1 of, but I could not connect with this book and probably will not continue the series. If I used to DNF books this would have done it. Its about a chef who was forced to use her detective skills to clear her dad of murder / find the murderer of a local news reporter. Listen that synopsis had more suspense than the actual book. I was honestly bored for most of it. What really really annoyed me though was the weird associations the author made with food. It was random and everywhere. Bizarre associations like: "her grin warmed Sherry's heart as quickly as a spoonful of her slow-cooker chicken soup", "like football fans around a tray of buffalo wings" and the one that almost took me out "sometimes my family is harder to figure out than how to make mashed potatoes without lumps". Thats a direct quote. Like ... what?
That said it has good reviews on here so maybe its just me....
Maybe its because this is part two of a series that I didn't read part 1 of, but I could not connect with this book and probably will not continue the series. If I used to DNF books this would have done it. Its about a chef who was forced to use her detective skills to clear her dad of murder / find the murderer of a local news reporter. Listen that synopsis had more suspense than the actual book. I was honestly bored for most of it. What really really annoyed me though was the weird associations the author made with food. It was random and everywhere. Bizarre associations like: "her grin warmed Sherry's heart as quickly as a spoonful of her slow-cooker chicken soup", "like football fans around a tray of buffalo wings" and the one that almost took me out "sometimes my family is harder to figure out than how to make mashed potatoes without lumps". Thats a direct quote. Like ... what?
That said it has good reviews on here so maybe its just me....
September 29, 2018
Sherry Oliveri, a competitive cook, appeared on the local new channel’s cooking contest. She walked away as the first place winner. Before Sherry and her father, Erno, are able to leave the station, power was lost, and everything went dark. When the lights came back on, one of the news anchors was slumped over her desk with a strange object sticking out of her. The weapon turned out to be a rug hooking tool, the same kind as found in Erno’s store. Without an alibi, for the time of the blackout, Erno became the prime suspect. Sherry, unable to let her Dad take the blame for a crime she knew he didn’t commit, decided to investigate the crime herself.
I loved the premise of this mystery. It had a different feel to it than other of the cooking cozy mysteries. However, I had a hard time getting through all the similes and metaphors that related back to food and cooking. Great descriptions can really help a reader picture the scene an author is trying to paint, but only if the reader can relate to the descriptions. I found myself having to look up information about the items that the food and cooking were being compared to. Even one of the characters acknowledges this fact.
Sherri said, “Getting them all lined up and marching in somewhat of an order, youngest to oldest, is about as easy as getting a fresh coconut out of its shell.”
Damien asked, “I don’t know, is it hard or easy to get fresh coconut out of the shell?”
Perhaps if I was a more adept cook I would have understood the comparisons better. So for all the seasoned cooks out there, this book may be right up your alley.
Recipes are included, and they can be found at the end of the story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing me an ARC of this book. #FinalRoastingPlace #NetGalley
I loved the premise of this mystery. It had a different feel to it than other of the cooking cozy mysteries. However, I had a hard time getting through all the similes and metaphors that related back to food and cooking. Great descriptions can really help a reader picture the scene an author is trying to paint, but only if the reader can relate to the descriptions. I found myself having to look up information about the items that the food and cooking were being compared to. Even one of the characters acknowledges this fact.
Sherri said, “Getting them all lined up and marching in somewhat of an order, youngest to oldest, is about as easy as getting a fresh coconut out of its shell.”
Damien asked, “I don’t know, is it hard or easy to get fresh coconut out of the shell?”
Perhaps if I was a more adept cook I would have understood the comparisons better. So for all the seasoned cooks out there, this book may be right up your alley.
Recipes are included, and they can be found at the end of the story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing me an ARC of this book. #FinalRoastingPlace #NetGalley
September 24, 2018
This is the second in the series Cook-Off mystery. This books finds Sherry Frazzelle going back to Sherry Oliveri since her divorce to Charlie is final. The book starts out just as Sherry has won a cook-off contest at the local television station. Just as Sherry and her father Erno are getting ready to leave her Dad needs to hit the restroom and Sherry is left waiting watching the anchors and the crew getting ready and then the studio goes black. When the power is back up Carmell, the female anchor is slumped over her desk and is later pronounced dead. The weapon was a unique tool that was stabbed in her neck. The tool belongs to the Oliveri Ruggery and Sherry's Dad Erno becomes a prime suspect. Detective Ray Bease (rhymes with grease) is back and Sherry is outraged that he could even consider her father. Her Father has an anxiety attack when being questioned and must take it easy for a couple of weeks. Sherry has to work more at the store but fortunately her friend Amber is back in town and decides to stay and help out. Lots of twists and turns along with another murder. I did enjoy the story, however, one thing I did not like was Sherry's complete lack of knowledge of stuff going on in her Father's life. I thought they had a tight relationship yet her Father does not share information with her about his relationships (he has a girlfriend Sherry knew nothing about). This bothered me a bit as it seems just a quick heart to heart and so much could of been cleared up. It makes Sherry come off clueless about her own Dad and he did not tell her important info that could of cleared his name earlier. Will continue with this series. 3.5 Stars
September 3, 2018
Final Roasting Place by Devon Delaney delivers both mystery and humor. I love the way the characters bristle and fight between each other. Each one takes their opinion seriously. Then, there is the father daughter relationship on the pages. Sherry and her father seem to get along. I find it funny how he kept eating other foods except for his daughter's own dishes. Despite that, Sherry and her dad were charming characters. Sherry is a smart, quick, and talented sleuth. Her fast thinking and observations help solve the murder case.
News worthy stories are just about to get deadly. It might even get worse for Sherry Frazzelle and her father. A cookout show, containing contestants and delicious meals, starts off okay but ends with a big bang. Jealousy, greed, and a fear of change bring out a murderer. The suspects list grows with each page, just as all evidence points to Sherry's father, another clue proves someone else is the murderer. But who? A race to investigate and find the real killer keeps Sherry's hands full.
Final Roasting Place offers a lot of entertainment. Action, intrigue, and a bunch of clues as to who may or may not have committed the crime. The cast is enjoyable to follow along. Reminds me of the Murder She Wrote TV show.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
News worthy stories are just about to get deadly. It might even get worse for Sherry Frazzelle and her father. A cookout show, containing contestants and delicious meals, starts off okay but ends with a big bang. Jealousy, greed, and a fear of change bring out a murderer. The suspects list grows with each page, just as all evidence points to Sherry's father, another clue proves someone else is the murderer. But who? A race to investigate and find the real killer keeps Sherry's hands full.
Final Roasting Place offers a lot of entertainment. Action, intrigue, and a bunch of clues as to who may or may not have committed the crime. The cast is enjoyable to follow along. Reminds me of the Murder She Wrote TV show.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
October 3, 2018
Sherry Oliveri loves to cook and feed others. She also loves her father, Erno, and working at his rug shop. When she wins a local televised cooking contest, things seem to be great, up until one of the hosts is murdered. When the murder weapon is discovered, it seems Erno might be the culprit. Will Sherry be able to find the murdered, before it is too late?
Readers who are new to Devon Delaney will become instant fans. This is h second book and her characters show a wide range of emotions. This is a really fun, cozy mystery to kick back and enjoy. There are a few twists, to trick readers, while the friendship and father-daughter dynamics are relatable. Readers will be excited to discover more of Devon Delaney’s work.
Note:
This review was originally posted on the Ariesgrl Book Reviews website.
Readers who are new to Devon Delaney will become instant fans. This is h second book and her characters show a wide range of emotions. This is a really fun, cozy mystery to kick back and enjoy. There are a few twists, to trick readers, while the friendship and father-daughter dynamics are relatable. Readers will be excited to discover more of Devon Delaney’s work.
Note:
This review was originally posted on the Ariesgrl Book Reviews website.
October 26, 2018
This was more a 1.5 read, but I went the extra .5 because of the few recipes listed at the end of the book. I love cozy mysteries (as you can probably tell by my reading list) and cozy's that involve food are even better. Unfortunately, I didn't find this one appetizing.
My biggest issue were the painful never-ending monologues, some of which took almost a full-page. People spoke in complete sentences, with a beginning, middle, and end. In real life, we tend to speak in an abbreviated speech. It may be just me, but the see-spot-run type of writing had me grinding my teeth. The writing style took me out of the story and I couldn't enjoy what sounded like what could have been a good read.
I would have given this book one star, but the story was interesting enough I went up to two. But this will be the only book in the series I will read.
My biggest issue were the painful never-ending monologues, some of which took almost a full-page. People spoke in complete sentences, with a beginning, middle, and end. In real life, we tend to speak in an abbreviated speech. It may be just me, but the see-spot-run type of writing had me grinding my teeth. The writing style took me out of the story and I couldn't enjoy what sounded like what could have been a good read.
I would have given this book one star, but the story was interesting enough I went up to two. But this will be the only book in the series I will read.
July 9, 2019
A cozy mystery about a woman who loves to participate in cooking contests. She wins a contest at an appearance on a local tv show. When one of the anchors of the show is found dead at her desk after a short electrical black out, her father is framed for the murder. Sherry is newly divorced, and decides to protect her dad and their family name. But, where was he when Carmell was stabbed in the neck with a rug hooking tool (a tool taken from her father's store)? There are many suspects. Sherry checks them all out while cooking new dishes for new contests. The characters are not really well fleshed out and I found it a little hard to keep track of who was who. But, the story was entertaining, Sherry and her Dad were good characters, it was a quick read and I enjoyed the book.
August 17, 2018
Thank you NetGalley (and Publisher) for allowing me to read the arc for my honest review!
I finished the book last night, and I've been thinking about what I wanted to say. I LOVE cozy mysteries set in small towns with interesting people. Though I loved the overall aspect of the story, I had a really hard time liking the protagonist, Sherry. She seemed a little too bossy/demanding for me especially when she was around the (almost spineless) detective. I also had some issue with the relationships she had with her father, Erno, and her good friend, Amber. It ran hot and cold.
Overall, this is a three star read for me.
I finished the book last night, and I've been thinking about what I wanted to say. I LOVE cozy mysteries set in small towns with interesting people. Though I loved the overall aspect of the story, I had a really hard time liking the protagonist, Sherry. She seemed a little too bossy/demanding for me especially when she was around the (almost spineless) detective. I also had some issue with the relationships she had with her father, Erno, and her good friend, Amber. It ran hot and cold.
Overall, this is a three star read for me.
September 10, 2019
A fun cosy mystery in a series with a cook-off focus.
Sherry is a well established chef and she enters an appetizer cook-off completion and wins the contest as a murder takes place at the same setting as the contest. Her father is a prime suspect and Sherry tres to discover more about the murder in order to clear him of the crime.
I enjoyed the story , but the authors need to use some very "flowery" language was at times distracting.
There is such a focus now on cooking completions that it makes sense that a mystery series about them has emerged. This is the second in the series by Devon Delaney and I will try to get the first and subsequent books she has written.
Sherry is a well established chef and she enters an appetizer cook-off completion and wins the contest as a murder takes place at the same setting as the contest. Her father is a prime suspect and Sherry tres to discover more about the murder in order to clear him of the crime.
I enjoyed the story , but the authors need to use some very "flowery" language was at times distracting.
There is such a focus now on cooking completions that it makes sense that a mystery series about them has emerged. This is the second in the series by Devon Delaney and I will try to get the first and subsequent books she has written.
September 14, 2018
Classic cozy - read it as much for the recipes as for the story. Sherry is back trying to solve a murder = and this time her dad Erno is the suspect because a rug hooking tool was used as a weapon. He's not the most logical suspect so you'll follow the trail of twists to the truth. Sherry's interactions with her dad aren't always the best nor are those with Detective Ray Bease. I like Amber and I liked the new dogs. As with the last book, I think there's a better one in here. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
October 14, 2018
Sherry nee' Olivieri returns to the scene after winning another cook-off contest which also happens to be a crime scene at News 12 in the second book of the CookOff Mysteries. The authorities are looking at Sherry's dad, Erno, as Suspect Numero Uno and Sherry is on the case to clear her dad's name. The list of suspicious people is considerable especially in light of a second murder, the upcoming Founders Day Festival and the controversy surrounding the town's real creator. This one had me guessing for awhile.
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 18, 2024
Sherry Oliveri and her dad are on set during a cook show which is being taped. Sherry won the competition and now is trying to bring everything out to the car when the lights go out on the set and she is hanging onto the box. When the lights come on the main star of the show is dead with apparently one of her father's sticks in her throat. Can Sherry keep her wits and find out who really killed the main star of the TV show and make sure her father is not accused of the scene?
July 31, 2025
Another installment of a story that I just couldn't wait to get through - and not in a good way. I have the 3rd book in this series, but probably won't read it. I'm honestly not enjoying these enough to continue. The characters don't resonate to me; the main plots are decent, but the B & C plotline criss-cross way too much to be cohesive. I just feel like the stories jump around too much to hold my interest.
March 3, 2022
Tried to read this twice, got farther this time, but gave up at 74%. Didn't care who dunnit or why.
I didn't find Sherry likeable. She's kind of snappy and judgmental. Her relationship with her father was weird and also how he sort of disappeared after being considered a suspect yet had no motive.
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
I didn't find Sherry likeable. She's kind of snappy and judgmental. Her relationship with her father was weird and also how he sort of disappeared after being considered a suspect yet had no motive.
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
October 1, 2018
An enjoyable cozy mystery. Loved the ending. This appears to be part of a series, but this is my first exposure. Okay basic characters. Interesting town activities. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley.
September 11, 2019
This is the second book in this series and I found it just as interesting as the first book. It was a little easier to figure out the killer in this book then the first book. Again can’t wait to read the next book.
September 12, 2018
This book is good but I’ve realized that this series isn’t calling to me. I’m not feeling a connection with the characters at all. It’s not a bad book, it’s just not for me.
May 24, 2020
Took awhile to get into it, but once I did I was able to guess the villain. Otherwise, I would have given it 5 stars. A good follow up to the first one.
August 21, 2023
Another good one. I'm looking for the next one.
December 13, 2025
I struggled to follow the multiple characters. Love the main characte. Hopeful for a female duo.
November 29, 2021
While the story wasn't bad, I did feel like the thesaurus was a little too dog-eared.
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