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Mahalia Watkins Soul Food Mystery #3
Murder with Collard Greens and Hot Sauce
Mahalia’s Sweet Tea boasts the most flavorful soul food in all of Prince George’s County, Maryland. But as events at the beauty industry’s leading trade show turn ugly, owner Halia Watkins needs to bite into an unsavory new item on the menu—murder!
When the chicest hair convention of the year gets cooking in town, so does business at Mahalia’s Sweet Tea. Halia can barely handle the influx of customers looking to satisfy their appetites after spending the day surrounded by outrageous runway styles. As buzz builds around beauty mogul and pop culture icon Monique Dupree, collard greens start moving out of the kitchen faster than models strutting down the catwalk . . .
But the glitz fades the moment Monique is found shot to death. Turns out, the glamorous entrepreneur’s vanity empire was stained by bitter rivalries, explosive affairs, and backstabbers scheming for fame and fortune. With more suspects than ingredients listed on a bottle of deep conditioner, Halia and her cousin Wavonne rush to discover who pulled the trigger—before the conniving culprit dishes another deadly surprise . . .
When the chicest hair convention of the year gets cooking in town, so does business at Mahalia’s Sweet Tea. Halia can barely handle the influx of customers looking to satisfy their appetites after spending the day surrounded by outrageous runway styles. As buzz builds around beauty mogul and pop culture icon Monique Dupree, collard greens start moving out of the kitchen faster than models strutting down the catwalk . . .
But the glitz fades the moment Monique is found shot to death. Turns out, the glamorous entrepreneur’s vanity empire was stained by bitter rivalries, explosive affairs, and backstabbers scheming for fame and fortune. With more suspects than ingredients listed on a bottle of deep conditioner, Halia and her cousin Wavonne rush to discover who pulled the trigger—before the conniving culprit dishes another deadly surprise . . .
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2019
91 people are currently reading
725 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
March 27, 2019
Halia Watkins is so busy running her successful soul food restaurant, Mahalia’s Sweet Tea, she doesn’t even have time to think about doing her own hair. But that doesn’t stop her from catering a small event for Monique Dupree, the famous hair product entrepreneur. One hair expo, one massive house party, and a lot of fried food later, Monique is found dead and her husband is charged. However, Halia can’t help but think the police have the wrong man, and soon she’s caught up in an investigation of all things hair and glitz.
This is the third Mahalia Watkins Soul Food Mystery book, and somehow this series just keeps getting better and better. Author A.L. Herbert infuses this series with an unparalleled level of natural humor. His characters spar back and forth with each other, trading barbs and serving up playful cheek. It helps that they’re family, with Halia teaming up with her cousin Wavonne or mother. Even when a comment might start to cross a line, it’s always tamped down in a way that only a family can manage. One minute Wavonne needles Halia’s taste in clothes and the next they’re investigating a murder.
And it’s really the investigation that makes this book jell. Sure, these characters working in a restaurant makes for fun reading, but diving head-first into a murder mystery takes this everything over the edge. Halia is a smart woman, but that doesn’t stop her from utilizing some outlandish investigation techniques. Costumes, food bribery, and extensive snooping all make appearances. The fact that she’s totally unapologetic about nosing around makes this work.
The murder itself does not take place immediately. Rather, Herbert allows readers to get close to Monique, the victim, as Halia navigates the world of hair. This is refreshing because it solidifies Halia’s need to track down the killer— she has a tangible personal connection. With that, the final reveal was surprising but oh-so satisfying. Herbert knows how to weave a compelling mystery and tie up every single loose thread.
This book is just like the food at Mahalia’s Sweet Tea: delicious.
Note: I received a free ARC of this book through NetGalley.
This is the third Mahalia Watkins Soul Food Mystery book, and somehow this series just keeps getting better and better. Author A.L. Herbert infuses this series with an unparalleled level of natural humor. His characters spar back and forth with each other, trading barbs and serving up playful cheek. It helps that they’re family, with Halia teaming up with her cousin Wavonne or mother. Even when a comment might start to cross a line, it’s always tamped down in a way that only a family can manage. One minute Wavonne needles Halia’s taste in clothes and the next they’re investigating a murder.
And it’s really the investigation that makes this book jell. Sure, these characters working in a restaurant makes for fun reading, but diving head-first into a murder mystery takes this everything over the edge. Halia is a smart woman, but that doesn’t stop her from utilizing some outlandish investigation techniques. Costumes, food bribery, and extensive snooping all make appearances. The fact that she’s totally unapologetic about nosing around makes this work.
The murder itself does not take place immediately. Rather, Herbert allows readers to get close to Monique, the victim, as Halia navigates the world of hair. This is refreshing because it solidifies Halia’s need to track down the killer— she has a tangible personal connection. With that, the final reveal was surprising but oh-so satisfying. Herbert knows how to weave a compelling mystery and tie up every single loose thread.
This book is just like the food at Mahalia’s Sweet Tea: delicious.
Note: I received a free ARC of this book through NetGalley.
February 18, 2019
I’m always excited to return to Prince George County, Maryland and Halia Watkins soul food restaurant, Mahalia’s Sweet Tea!
Author A.L. Herbert writes a story filled with comical scenes. My tummy was growling at the descriptions of all the delicious home cooked food and desserts sprinkled throughout the book. Ms. Herbert creates a captivating plot centered around a beauty mogul, Monique, and her popular hair products and secretive personal life. While humor abounds, murder is skillfully woven into the sensational plot, and readers will need to go over the details with a fine-toothed comb to solve this intricate mystery.
This African American Cozy Series is a favorite of mine because I enjoy the rollicking antics between cousins Halia and Wavonne, and I appreciate the excellent mystery the author always delivers. I’m eagerly looking for the next treat of a story from this author.
I reviewed a galley arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.
Author A.L. Herbert writes a story filled with comical scenes. My tummy was growling at the descriptions of all the delicious home cooked food and desserts sprinkled throughout the book. Ms. Herbert creates a captivating plot centered around a beauty mogul, Monique, and her popular hair products and secretive personal life. While humor abounds, murder is skillfully woven into the sensational plot, and readers will need to go over the details with a fine-toothed comb to solve this intricate mystery.
This African American Cozy Series is a favorite of mine because I enjoy the rollicking antics between cousins Halia and Wavonne, and I appreciate the excellent mystery the author always delivers. I’m eagerly looking for the next treat of a story from this author.
I reviewed a galley arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.
February 28, 2019
In my quest to discover more cozy mystery series to love, the title on this one leaped to the eye and pulled me in for a closer inspection. Soul food and murder? I'll take a double helping of that, please.
Murder with Collard Greens and Hot Sauce is the third book in the series, but I had no difficulty diving in with this book. I could tell that a handful of characters were recurring, but there didn't seem to be a connecting series storyline that needed me to start from the beginning.
Mahalia and her lively cousin are getting their hair done at their usual stylist a few doors down from Halia's restaurant when they learn a local minor celebrity, a hair care gal, will be bringing her entourage to Latasha's salon because of how much Latasha has been able to sell of Monique's product. Halia and her mother make the refreshments for Monique's visit and this draws them in to the flashy and fabulous Monique's celebrity world just in time for a murder.
One of the wonderful things about cozies are how much attention they give to setting elements and to the average daily life of the characters as opposed to launching straight at the mystery and revving up the suspense. In this case, we have the world of hair care products and styling for black women and Halia's own mouth-watering kitchen creations in her restaurant and her family life. While, as a white gal, I found the styling side interesting at first, there was a point where I was ready to tap out if there was one more mention of straightener or anti-frizz or conditioner. Like Halia, I like low maintenance dos and I don't get into creative styling so I lost interest in the world of hair care rather quickly. Thankfully, the foodie angle and the lively cast of characters kept me going. Did I mention they end up at a drag queen event at a gay bar?
The murder takes a while to tease out between the long set up of the story introducing all the players and teasing out a bit about the regulars. I didn't mind this since this was my first encounter with the series. Plus, the added character development gave me a better idea of the suspects. I wasn't sure who did it and found the twist at the end to be a great surprise. This ended up being one of those stories that I was less into the book for the mystery as to enjoy the characters and their world. It wasn't riveting, but I did get 'cozy'.
Incidentally, the author graciously includes the recipes for all that mouthwatering food and beverages that Halia and her mama serve up.
So, if you are looking for a new cozy mystery series to try with a fun group of characters, some mouthwatering food, and a slowburn mystery, take a gander at this one.
I rec'd this book from Kensington via Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.
Murder with Collard Greens and Hot Sauce is the third book in the series, but I had no difficulty diving in with this book. I could tell that a handful of characters were recurring, but there didn't seem to be a connecting series storyline that needed me to start from the beginning.
Mahalia and her lively cousin are getting their hair done at their usual stylist a few doors down from Halia's restaurant when they learn a local minor celebrity, a hair care gal, will be bringing her entourage to Latasha's salon because of how much Latasha has been able to sell of Monique's product. Halia and her mother make the refreshments for Monique's visit and this draws them in to the flashy and fabulous Monique's celebrity world just in time for a murder.
One of the wonderful things about cozies are how much attention they give to setting elements and to the average daily life of the characters as opposed to launching straight at the mystery and revving up the suspense. In this case, we have the world of hair care products and styling for black women and Halia's own mouth-watering kitchen creations in her restaurant and her family life. While, as a white gal, I found the styling side interesting at first, there was a point where I was ready to tap out if there was one more mention of straightener or anti-frizz or conditioner. Like Halia, I like low maintenance dos and I don't get into creative styling so I lost interest in the world of hair care rather quickly. Thankfully, the foodie angle and the lively cast of characters kept me going. Did I mention they end up at a drag queen event at a gay bar?
The murder takes a while to tease out between the long set up of the story introducing all the players and teasing out a bit about the regulars. I didn't mind this since this was my first encounter with the series. Plus, the added character development gave me a better idea of the suspects. I wasn't sure who did it and found the twist at the end to be a great surprise. This ended up being one of those stories that I was less into the book for the mystery as to enjoy the characters and their world. It wasn't riveting, but I did get 'cozy'.
Incidentally, the author graciously includes the recipes for all that mouthwatering food and beverages that Halia and her mama serve up.
So, if you are looking for a new cozy mystery series to try with a fun group of characters, some mouthwatering food, and a slowburn mystery, take a gander at this one.
I rec'd this book from Kensington via Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.
January 29, 2019
Halia Watkins and Wavonne are back! Halia owns Sweet Tea, a soul food restaurant in Maryland, and she and cousin Wavonne are delighted to meet glamorous entrepreneur Monique, who has created an empire with her beauty products for African-American women. Of course, when there’s a murder after Monique’s over-the-top party, Halia gets involved, much to the annoyance of the local police. I usually find cozy mysteries pretty predictable, but this one kept me guessing until the end. Great characters coupled with humor and a well plotted story made Murder with Collard Greens and Hot Sauce another winner in this series for me.
November 8, 2020
I was excited for murder mystery book with black woman lead. While reading the book, certain things felt kind of funny (black characters saying African-American instead of just black, fixation on good hair, weight/look stereotypes, etc) but I kept brushing it off because sure my community has a unique experience with our hair. It wasn’t til near the end the boom I decide to google the author and bam a white Latino man who created the series because he found it to be a “missing niche.”
I think representation matters and would love for more authors to write/create non-white characters. However, this funny feeling I had while reading the book all came together. This white Latino author was TRYING to come off as a black woman. Now that’s not okay.
Not to mention, there is SO much back story before you get to the actual murder. There is a ton repetitive language or scenes. The actual solving of the murder was interesting but that’s about it.
I think representation matters and would love for more authors to write/create non-white characters. However, this funny feeling I had while reading the book all came together. This white Latino author was TRYING to come off as a black woman. Now that’s not okay.
Not to mention, there is SO much back story before you get to the actual murder. There is a ton repetitive language or scenes. The actual solving of the murder was interesting but that’s about it.
October 5, 2020
Do not read
March 21, 2019
Murder with Collard Greens and Hot Sauce by A. L. Herbert is the 3rd book in the Mahalia Watkins Soul Food Mystery series, and another fun addition. Mahalia owns Mahalia's Sweet Tea restaurant, her mother bakes all the desserts, and her cousin, Wavonne, is a waitress. The ladies get the chance to meet Monique Dupree, who is a pop culture icon and mogul for her hair products. When Monique is murdered Halia and Wavonne are determined to get to the truth. This series is so fun, but I have to admit that Wavonne can sometimes get on my nerves. If you're looking for a well developed funny cozy mystery book/series, give this book a try. It will also make you hungry. I recommend this book!
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.
July 8, 2020
They really make it look like this was written by a Black Woman but it’s by a Latino male (Patrick Sanchez) who wanted “to target an untapped niche”. Wtf
September 8, 2020
Monique Dupree, local girl who made a fortune in hair care products, starts a tour promoting her products in her hometown area. Mahalia, owner of Sweet Tea Cafe, meets Monique during a promo stop and is asked to cater an event at her private home. Of course, Mahalia gets drawn into solving a murder. This is a fun, enjoyable series, but can stand alone.
August 2, 2020
I didn’t finish the book. I hated the stereotypes and veiled racism of the book.
I wish the writer would stop writing these offensive books. Most non-POCs may not notice the issues of this entire series. However, as a women of color, the writers lack of knowledge is clear. I would hope the publishers of this series would reconsider this series and if it truly is the best representation of literature featuring black characters.
I didn’t feel the need to finish the book as I was so off put by the racist tropes littered through the first few chapters. I was too angry to even complete the book.
I had problems with the first two books so I started researching the writer. I think what surprised me the most is the fact he gets defensive when it is pointed to him the issues within his books.
I wish the writer would stop writing these offensive books. Most non-POCs may not notice the issues of this entire series. However, as a women of color, the writers lack of knowledge is clear. I would hope the publishers of this series would reconsider this series and if it truly is the best representation of literature featuring black characters.
I didn’t feel the need to finish the book as I was so off put by the racist tropes littered through the first few chapters. I was too angry to even complete the book.
I had problems with the first two books so I started researching the writer. I think what surprised me the most is the fact he gets defensive when it is pointed to him the issues within his books.
November 8, 2023
Murder with Collard Greens and Hot Sauce by A. L. Herbert
Mahalia Watkins Soul Food Mystery #3
284-page Paperback
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Culinary
Featuring: Prince George's County, Maryland; Soul Food Restaurant, Quadragenarian MC, Cousins, Drama, Stupidity, Hair Stylist, Investigation, Recipes
Rating as a movie: PG-15 for language and innuendos
Songs for the soundtrack: "Again" by Janet Jackson, "Creep" by TLC, "One in a Million" by Aaliyah, "You Mean the World to Me" by Toni Braxton, Queen Of The Night by Whitney Houston, "Sittin' Up In My Room" by Brandy, "Come & Talk to Me" by Jodeci, "Motownphilly" by Boyz II Men, "Poison" by Bell Biv DeVoe, "24K Magic" by Bruno Mars, "Heartbreak Hotel" by Whitney Houston featuring Kelly Price and Faith Evans, "Miss You Much" by Janet Jackson, "Gitty Up" by Salt-N-Pepa, "Toosie Slide" by Drake, "Work" Rhianna featuring Drake, "Blinding Lights" by The Weekend, "Family Affair" by Mary J. Blige, "2 Hype" by Kid 'n Play, "Get Me Bodied" by Beyoncé, "Hot Stuff" by Donna Summer, "Nasty" by Janet Jackson, "Knocked Out" by Paula Abdul, "Fat Bottomed Girls" by Queen
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½🥬🌶🥓🔪
My thoughts: Page 206 of 284 Ch. 29 - This story just isn't as good as the other two. There is a lot of discussion about hair and body types, but the story itself is also dull and the drama seems inauthentic. I wanted to stop after ch. 7 and ch. 16 but since I have to finish it anyway I kept going. I'm too sleepy to go on.
Well, this series has gone downhill. I'm hoping it's just a lull, but there is only one book left so I guess it doesn't matter. There was a lot of messy drama in this one which I can't properly complain about without spoilers. The mystery was okay, but the journey there was tiresome, there is definitely a formula to these books, he stole it from Poirot and Matlock and it worked, unfortunately it wasn't enough to save this storyline. The story wasn't bad but several nuisances stop it from being good.
Recommend to others: Sure. This is still a good series and perfect for those looking for cozy without romance.
Mahalia Watkins Soul Food Mystery
1. Murder with Fried Chicken and Waffles (2015)
2. Murder with Macaroni and Cheese (2016)
3. Murder with Collard Greens and Hot Sauce (2019)
4. Murder with Honey Ham Biscuits (2020)
Mahalia Watkins Soul Food Mystery #3
284-page Paperback
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Culinary
Featuring: Prince George's County, Maryland; Soul Food Restaurant, Quadragenarian MC, Cousins, Drama, Stupidity, Hair Stylist, Investigation, Recipes
Rating as a movie: PG-15 for language and innuendos
Songs for the soundtrack: "Again" by Janet Jackson, "Creep" by TLC, "One in a Million" by Aaliyah, "You Mean the World to Me" by Toni Braxton, Queen Of The Night by Whitney Houston, "Sittin' Up In My Room" by Brandy, "Come & Talk to Me" by Jodeci, "Motownphilly" by Boyz II Men, "Poison" by Bell Biv DeVoe, "24K Magic" by Bruno Mars, "Heartbreak Hotel" by Whitney Houston featuring Kelly Price and Faith Evans, "Miss You Much" by Janet Jackson, "Gitty Up" by Salt-N-Pepa, "Toosie Slide" by Drake, "Work" Rhianna featuring Drake, "Blinding Lights" by The Weekend, "Family Affair" by Mary J. Blige, "2 Hype" by Kid 'n Play, "Get Me Bodied" by Beyoncé, "Hot Stuff" by Donna Summer, "Nasty" by Janet Jackson, "Knocked Out" by Paula Abdul, "Fat Bottomed Girls" by Queen
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½🥬🌶🥓🔪
My thoughts: Page 206 of 284 Ch. 29 - This story just isn't as good as the other two. There is a lot of discussion about hair and body types, but the story itself is also dull and the drama seems inauthentic. I wanted to stop after ch. 7 and ch. 16 but since I have to finish it anyway I kept going. I'm too sleepy to go on.
Well, this series has gone downhill. I'm hoping it's just a lull, but there is only one book left so I guess it doesn't matter. There was a lot of messy drama in this one which I can't properly complain about without spoilers. The mystery was okay, but the journey there was tiresome, there is definitely a formula to these books, he stole it from Poirot and Matlock and it worked, unfortunately it wasn't enough to save this storyline. The story wasn't bad but several nuisances stop it from being good.
Recommend to others: Sure. This is still a good series and perfect for those looking for cozy without romance.
Mahalia Watkins Soul Food Mystery
1. Murder with Fried Chicken and Waffles (2015)
2. Murder with Macaroni and Cheese (2016)
3. Murder with Collard Greens and Hot Sauce (2019)
4. Murder with Honey Ham Biscuits (2020)
August 13, 2024
Murder with Collard Greens and Hot Sauce
Mahalia Watkins Soul Food Mystery, Book 3
I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series.
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Everand
Dates Read: 8/6/24 - 8/8/24
Rating: 3 Stars
Narrator(s): Janina Edwards
The Characters:
Mahalia Watkins:
Wavonne:
The Story:
All random thoughts review:
- I like these stories, and I like the cast but I’m still uncomfortable with the authors “niche” writing, so I did deduct some points.
- This book also seemed a little slower, the murder didn’t happen until almost halfway through the story.
- The characters in this one are messy and I was here for it.
- I can’t even remember who dun it.
Mahalia Watkins Soul Food Mystery, Book 3
I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series.
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Everand
Dates Read: 8/6/24 - 8/8/24
Rating: 3 Stars
Narrator(s): Janina Edwards
The Characters:
Mahalia Watkins:
Wavonne:
The Story:
All random thoughts review:
- I like these stories, and I like the cast but I’m still uncomfortable with the authors “niche” writing, so I did deduct some points.
- This book also seemed a little slower, the murder didn’t happen until almost halfway through the story.
- The characters in this one are messy and I was here for it.
- I can’t even remember who dun it.
March 19, 2024
Cute little cozy though the colorism and antiblackness of the author is seared all throughout the text this series is not written by a Black author and that’s important to note especially given the particular topic of this cozy mystery and can explain the racism in the text though plenty of Black authored books are also ripe with colorism and antiblackness so pick your poison
Read
June 3, 2019**** Clink link to my blog for the full review ****
At the end of it all I would read the other books in this series. I think it was well written and it held my attention throughout. Although I could have done without all of the stereotypes- they did not enhance the story.
The ending was a bit confusing because while the killer was not blatantly obvious to me certain things that pointed that person out would have been obvious to Mahalia long before. The conclusion was as dramatic and over the top as the rest of the book so in that regard it was pretty fitting. Perhaps this was done to allow some of the characters to be a little bit more fleshed out than they would have been had Halia put the pieces together quicker.
The character themselves, aside from shameless stereotypes, were all given unique voices. There were suspects that had equal motives to have killed Monique. The frenemy was an interesting character who stole the scene many times. From the beginning I wanted to know more about her.
Nathan is an unsavory character, that is clear, but I did like that Halia was able to push aside some things as she searched for the truth.
There were many people that wanted to upstage Monique and she sought out the motives and possibilities behind them all. With so many suspects I found myself looking forward to the finding out everyone’s bad deeds. And I was not disappointed- it was deliciously scandalous!
The soul food and culinary aspects of the book were pretty great. Food was woven well into the background and the descriptions of it were mouth watering. Mahalia’s restaurant, Sweet Tea, sounds fairy tale perfect. In that I think this book really stayed true to itself.
In listening to the audiobook version my one and only criticism would be that the accent of one of the characters was supposed to be Dominican but sounded more Jamaican. Otherwise I thought the narration was good.
The book had several hilarious moments brought to us mostly by Wavonne. But I suppose that happens when your sidekick is larger than life and more dramatic than a Broadway show.
At the end of it all I would read the other books in this series. I think it was well written and it held my attention throughout. Although I could have done without all of the stereotypes- they did not enhance the story.
The ending was a bit confusing because while the killer was not blatantly obvious to me certain things that pointed that person out would have been obvious to Mahalia long before. The conclusion was as dramatic and over the top as the rest of the book so in that regard it was pretty fitting. Perhaps this was done to allow some of the characters to be a little bit more fleshed out than they would have been had Halia put the pieces together quicker.
The character themselves, aside from shameless stereotypes, were all given unique voices. There were suspects that had equal motives to have killed Monique. The frenemy was an interesting character who stole the scene many times. From the beginning I wanted to know more about her.
Nathan is an unsavory character, that is clear, but I did like that Halia was able to push aside some things as she searched for the truth.
There were many people that wanted to upstage Monique and she sought out the motives and possibilities behind them all. With so many suspects I found myself looking forward to the finding out everyone’s bad deeds. And I was not disappointed- it was deliciously scandalous!
The soul food and culinary aspects of the book were pretty great. Food was woven well into the background and the descriptions of it were mouth watering. Mahalia’s restaurant, Sweet Tea, sounds fairy tale perfect. In that I think this book really stayed true to itself.
In listening to the audiobook version my one and only criticism would be that the accent of one of the characters was supposed to be Dominican but sounded more Jamaican. Otherwise I thought the narration was good.
The book had several hilarious moments brought to us mostly by Wavonne. But I suppose that happens when your sidekick is larger than life and more dramatic than a Broadway show.
May 2, 2019
I read the previous two books so I had to check in with Mahalia at Sweet Tea as the title and cover peaked my curiosity. It was a fairly simple read but I was not as entertained as the previous story. And the stereotypes were very heavy handed in this installment. Sometimes too many cultural references and slang were packed into the story. Wavonne was alot to take in the first two installments but shes much more of a caricature than character here. The murder had enough twists and turns to keep you second guessing.
I recieved an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I recieved an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 31, 2019
A cozy with an African American woman as the sleuth. She owns a restaurant, but like most of these sleuths, never seems to have to work.
A local woman who became a mogul in African hair care products visits the neighborhood. She winds up dead, and the sleuth tries to find the real killer. Entertaining, but I learned more than I cared to about African hair.
A local woman who became a mogul in African hair care products visits the neighborhood. She winds up dead, and the sleuth tries to find the real killer. Entertaining, but I learned more than I cared to about African hair.
March 30, 2025
Book review 🌟🌟🌟
Murder with Collard Greens and Hot Sauce by A.L. Herbert
This book threw me for a loop and snatched my edges a little bit 🤣 I didn’t know it was part of a series, so a few parts I was like, “Wait…Huh?!” but I was able to figure it out quickly. The plot twist did surprise me and I did not see the killer being who it was! It was a little drawn out, but it was still an enjoyable read! It also had recipes throughout the book, which was a great touch!
Synopsis
Mahalia’s Sweet Tea boasts the most flavorful soul food in all of Prince George’s County, Maryland. But as events at the beauty industry’s leading trade show turn ugly, owner Halia Watkins needs to bite into an unsavory new item on the menu—murder!
Add to your tbr!!
Murder with Collard Greens and Hot Sauce by A.L. Herbert
This book threw me for a loop and snatched my edges a little bit 🤣 I didn’t know it was part of a series, so a few parts I was like, “Wait…Huh?!” but I was able to figure it out quickly. The plot twist did surprise me and I did not see the killer being who it was! It was a little drawn out, but it was still an enjoyable read! It also had recipes throughout the book, which was a great touch!
Synopsis
Mahalia’s Sweet Tea boasts the most flavorful soul food in all of Prince George’s County, Maryland. But as events at the beauty industry’s leading trade show turn ugly, owner Halia Watkins needs to bite into an unsavory new item on the menu—murder!
Add to your tbr!!
March 20, 2019
Thank you, Netgalley, for this arc!
This series is fun and fresh, and each book is always a quick read for me. I was enthralled in this mystery about African-American women's hair products ... and there were plenty of descriptions of food to keep me salivating! The murderer was definitely a surprise, and I loved how all the ends were tied up in the epilogue. I will definitely keep reading this series!
This series is fun and fresh, and each book is always a quick read for me. I was enthralled in this mystery about African-American women's hair products ... and there were plenty of descriptions of food to keep me salivating! The murderer was definitely a surprise, and I loved how all the ends were tied up in the epilogue. I will definitely keep reading this series!
March 22, 2019
Food, beauty, culture, murder, mixed together all make for a mystery that you will not be able to put down. With suspects piling up, motives flowing out of the woodwork, it seems impossible to figure out whodunit.
This series is engaging right from the start. The characters are delightfully robust, and the more you read, the more you are submersed into their world. Full of plot twists that make you scratch your head, this book will not disappoint.
This series is engaging right from the start. The characters are delightfully robust, and the more you read, the more you are submersed into their world. Full of plot twists that make you scratch your head, this book will not disappoint.
November 10, 2019
One more cooking mystery abounds where Mahalia and her crazy cousin Wavonne investigate the murder of a cosmetology turned wealthy entrepreneur of hair products. Was it the husband? Her frenemy from the old days, her cook or her stylist? Check it out along with recipes featured in the book. While I enjoyed the adventures of these ladies, it took a time to get to the actual murder and investigation. Still worth a read of you've loved her previous books.
March 24, 2019
First time reading a book from this author. Very intriguing. I love the setting, characters, and the cool title. I will go back now and check out the others.
April 19, 2019
Murder Recipes
I really enjoyed the book,But I liked all the sweet tea recipes.Sweet tea family all the good food and all the cake goods.Waking in the next book.Thank you.
I really enjoyed the book,But I liked all the sweet tea recipes.Sweet tea family all the good food and all the cake goods.Waking in the next book.Thank you.
December 24, 2024
Nice cozy mystery.
November 27, 2020
I'm having an issue with the author allowing, what appears to me to be, culture as a literary costume.
The author is a man AND he's not of African descent. I hear he's Hispanic, but not sure of that.
His characters come off as caricatures.
This is, finally, the first book that features AA people as the predominate main characterS ←notice the 'S'. And I was happy for that. Somewhere in the ½-point of the first book I decided that I wanted to research this author as it's not ringing 'true' the story of a woman of colour.
Sure enough, A.L is a white dude!
I can wax poetical about how the hair is overly emphasized in EVERY book ~esp. this third~ to the point of, IMO, being disrespectful and Crow-like (you read that right. I'm not doing damage-control on it either.).
I am hoping this goes over well with other of the community. I hope it doesn't hurt them. And I hope it doesn't reinforce any stereotypes or make any new ones.
But I want to say I like this cozy mystery IDEA as much as I like Alexander McCall Smith's "#1 Ladies" (another book with African women as main characters written by a white dude. But there isn't anything about hair, neck-tossing, or degrading of other women in that series. ←product placement). The devil's in the details on this one.
If only A.L. would leave out all the hair and misogyny stuff, I would be raving about this.
If anyone has experience with any other cozy mysteries featuring AA women AS MAIN CHARACTERS, please comment ↓ below ↓ with the details (or 'deets', as Wavonne would say).
The author is a man AND he's not of African descent. I hear he's Hispanic, but not sure of that.
His characters come off as caricatures.
This is, finally, the first book that features AA people as the predominate main characterS ←notice the 'S'. And I was happy for that. Somewhere in the ½-point of the first book I decided that I wanted to research this author as it's not ringing 'true' the story of a woman of colour.
Sure enough, A.L is a white dude!
I can wax poetical about how the hair is overly emphasized in EVERY book ~esp. this third~ to the point of, IMO, being disrespectful and Crow-like (you read that right. I'm not doing damage-control on it either.).
I am hoping this goes over well with other of the community. I hope it doesn't hurt them. And I hope it doesn't reinforce any stereotypes or make any new ones.
But I want to say I like this cozy mystery IDEA as much as I like Alexander McCall Smith's "#1 Ladies" (another book with African women as main characters written by a white dude. But there isn't anything about hair, neck-tossing, or degrading of other women in that series. ←product placement). The devil's in the details on this one.
If only A.L. would leave out all the hair and misogyny stuff, I would be raving about this.
If anyone has experience with any other cozy mysteries featuring AA women AS MAIN CHARACTERS, please comment ↓ below ↓ with the details (or 'deets', as Wavonne would say).
May 20, 2019
Halia Watkins serves up delicious soul food at her restaurant in Maryland. She can barely keep up with the number of customers she has from the beauty convention in town. Despite the influx of customers, when beauty mogul Monique Dupree is found dead Halia get pulled into the drama. With numerous suspects can Halia figure out the killer before she’s in harm's way?
This is the 3rd book in the series but my first. I was able to enjoy the mystery without any major issues however I think I would have understood the characters a little better had a read at least book one first. This book is full of humor and the characters have wonderful chemistry. The mystery is well plotted and has several twists and turns along the way. I recommend this book to cozy mystery and food lovers.
I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book supplied by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
This is the 3rd book in the series but my first. I was able to enjoy the mystery without any major issues however I think I would have understood the characters a little better had a read at least book one first. This book is full of humor and the characters have wonderful chemistry. The mystery is well plotted and has several twists and turns along the way. I recommend this book to cozy mystery and food lovers.
I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book supplied by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
June 17, 2021
I was surprised when I was on page 72, and no one was dead yet. That seemed unusual for a murder mystery.
I started to feel like this was written my a man. It talks about two of the main characters being being big woman, then it says they are size 14 and 16. Definitely written by a man. Then one of them says something about using clothing to cover the others big butt, like a big butt is a bad thing. That's when I looked up the author. This was written by a man. He isn't even Black.
I would rather read a book featuring Black women, that was written by a Black woman. I couldn't read the rest of it. I did skim through to see who was murdered, and who did it.
I started to feel like this was written my a man. It talks about two of the main characters being being big woman, then it says they are size 14 and 16. Definitely written by a man. Then one of them says something about using clothing to cover the others big butt, like a big butt is a bad thing. That's when I looked up the author. This was written by a man. He isn't even Black.
I would rather read a book featuring Black women, that was written by a Black woman. I couldn't read the rest of it. I did skim through to see who was murdered, and who did it.
February 7, 2019
I love this author!
I always look forward to the recipes as much as the stories.
Each one is better and better! I finished it in one day!
While you don't need to start with the first one to enjoy this book, do yourself a favor and start with the first one.
I'm looking forward to the many books that are to come.
I always look forward to the recipes as much as the stories.
Each one is better and better! I finished it in one day!
While you don't need to start with the first one to enjoy this book, do yourself a favor and start with the first one.
I'm looking forward to the many books that are to come.
October 10, 2020
Angelia has to be the nosiest protagonist in the history of books. She's too busy for her hair, for a man, for a life outside of sweet tea but managed to have time to solve murders? I enjoyed this read very quick as usual.
Read
September 18, 2023This is the 3rd book in a series by A. L. Herbert and it receives a 0 rating for me.
As a black woman of a certain age who formerly lived in the DMV for 2 decades, I found the story insulting, mirthless and implausible on multiple accounts.
1) Characters: IMO the cultural references are contrived and insulting to black women/BBWs, drag community, Black Latinx/Caribbean community, PG county residents, etc. I did not enjoy any of the characters— their descriptions, actions, dialogue and dialects don’t ring true and feel more caricature-like.
The constant “good hair” references were eye roll- inducing
Low hanging fruit: Wavonne is a big, buxom, over-confident, underperforming, 20-something cousin to the main character, Halia, She is a character that the author all but calls a “hood rat” motivated only by gossip, food. scandal, European hair wigs, designer accessories and the possibility of making money without doing any real work. She invokes her PG County roots like it’s a threat (“I’m from PG County and I’ll [fill in the blank] a b*tch or and she is quick to call other black women who don’t talk or act like her “bourgie hos” —Really? Ugh, reminds me of Janet Evanovich’s “sassy, big, black former hooker-turned sleuthing sidekick in her ridiculously successful Stephanie Plum cozy series. These women are meant to be the canned comic relief characters, but I find them problematic and unfunny— particularly as penned by white authors.
Halia (nickname for Mahalia) the 1st person narrator of the story is obnoxious, gossipy, condescending (esp. towards her cousin— Halia chastises Wavonne like a child about her misuse of words, her tacky fashion, her bumbling actions or rambling talk when they “threaten to blow their cover“).
Author— I read book #1 of this series, “Murder with Chicken and Waffles” prior to book #3. The Only redeeming aspect of the book #1 in my opinion was the descriptive familiarity of setting. I’ve spent time in all the areas mentioned and have love for the DMV (District-Maryland-Virginia) area that was formerly my home. Despite the many issues I had with 1st book, I decided to try book #3 to see if there were improvements to the writing. Within the first few chapters I knew my opinion of Murder with Collard Greens and Hot Sauce was even lower! I had the same unfavorable reaction to the unlikeable characters, insulting dialogue, inane plot, revealed murderer confessions (I almost expected to hear the oh-so familiar, classic Scooby Doo unmasked criminal line:”And I would have gotten away with it if it weren’t for those meddling kids!” 🙄)
That’s when I looked up the author, to get more info about A.L. Herbert . . . et voilà! It became *crystal clear* to me why NONE of it rang true in either story. Look up the author, you won’t find legit pictures, and there’s a major reason why! Let it suffice to say that I am DONE with these books!
Audiobook narrator— I’ve listened to other books narrated by Janina Edwards (mainly Deesha Phillyaw’s “Secret Lives of Church Ladies and Jasmine Guillory’s novels). She predominantly voices black American characters and, regardless of gender, her vocal inflections often help to bring out the characters’ individual personalities as one would hope. Woe unto those characters who hail from other parts of the world though! Whether from England, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, etc they NEVER sound authentic. I don’t know if Ms. Edwards had formal coaching on various dialects/accents or if she has spent time listening to them on her own, but they start to sound like a comical interpretation to me.
It seems disrespectful to the people who hail from those countries and to the listeners who are familiar with the various countries’ regional accents/dialects. We, the listeners, must work harder to suspend our disbelief as the audiobook is narrated. Sorry, Ms. Edwards, but I finally had to say it!
In general, it has become clear to me that I’m not a fan of cozy mysteries because I always find the “amateur sleuth” protagonists to be annoyingly pushy and nosey, and incredibly smug and self-important with an “I-can-solve-this—murder-mystery-with-zero-professional-training-because-I’m-the-cleverest-and-most-observant-person-in-the-room” type of attitude. Thanks, but no thanks!
As a black woman of a certain age who formerly lived in the DMV for 2 decades, I found the story insulting, mirthless and implausible on multiple accounts.
1) Characters: IMO the cultural references are contrived and insulting to black women/BBWs, drag community, Black Latinx/Caribbean community, PG county residents, etc. I did not enjoy any of the characters— their descriptions, actions, dialogue and dialects don’t ring true and feel more caricature-like.
The constant “good hair” references were eye roll- inducing
Low hanging fruit: Wavonne is a big, buxom, over-confident, underperforming, 20-something cousin to the main character, Halia, She is a character that the author all but calls a “hood rat” motivated only by gossip, food. scandal, European hair wigs, designer accessories and the possibility of making money without doing any real work. She invokes her PG County roots like it’s a threat (“I’m from PG County and I’ll [fill in the blank] a b*tch or and she is quick to call other black women who don’t talk or act like her “bourgie hos” —Really? Ugh, reminds me of Janet Evanovich’s “sassy, big, black former hooker-turned sleuthing sidekick in her ridiculously successful Stephanie Plum cozy series. These women are meant to be the canned comic relief characters, but I find them problematic and unfunny— particularly as penned by white authors.
Halia (nickname for Mahalia) the 1st person narrator of the story is obnoxious, gossipy, condescending (esp. towards her cousin— Halia chastises Wavonne like a child about her misuse of words, her tacky fashion, her bumbling actions or rambling talk when they “threaten to blow their cover“).
Author— I read book #1 of this series, “Murder with Chicken and Waffles” prior to book #3. The Only redeeming aspect of the book #1 in my opinion was the descriptive familiarity of setting. I’ve spent time in all the areas mentioned and have love for the DMV (District-Maryland-Virginia) area that was formerly my home. Despite the many issues I had with 1st book, I decided to try book #3 to see if there were improvements to the writing. Within the first few chapters I knew my opinion of Murder with Collard Greens and Hot Sauce was even lower! I had the same unfavorable reaction to the unlikeable characters, insulting dialogue, inane plot, revealed murderer confessions (I almost expected to hear the oh-so familiar, classic Scooby Doo unmasked criminal line:”And I would have gotten away with it if it weren’t for those meddling kids!” 🙄)
That’s when I looked up the author, to get more info about A.L. Herbert . . . et voilà! It became *crystal clear* to me why NONE of it rang true in either story. Look up the author, you won’t find legit pictures, and there’s a major reason why! Let it suffice to say that I am DONE with these books!
Audiobook narrator— I’ve listened to other books narrated by Janina Edwards (mainly Deesha Phillyaw’s “Secret Lives of Church Ladies and Jasmine Guillory’s novels). She predominantly voices black American characters and, regardless of gender, her vocal inflections often help to bring out the characters’ individual personalities as one would hope. Woe unto those characters who hail from other parts of the world though! Whether from England, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, etc they NEVER sound authentic. I don’t know if Ms. Edwards had formal coaching on various dialects/accents or if she has spent time listening to them on her own, but they start to sound like a comical interpretation to me.
It seems disrespectful to the people who hail from those countries and to the listeners who are familiar with the various countries’ regional accents/dialects. We, the listeners, must work harder to suspend our disbelief as the audiobook is narrated. Sorry, Ms. Edwards, but I finally had to say it!
In general, it has become clear to me that I’m not a fan of cozy mysteries because I always find the “amateur sleuth” protagonists to be annoyingly pushy and nosey, and incredibly smug and self-important with an “I-can-solve-this—murder-mystery-with-zero-professional-training-because-I’m-the-cleverest-and-most-observant-person-in-the-room” type of attitude. Thanks, but no thanks!
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