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Italian Chef Mysteries #1
Penne Dreadful
Tomato sauce isn't the only thing that runs red...
Local chef Tessa Esposito is struggling to get back on her feet following her husband's fatal accident. And when the police knock on Tessa's door, things just get worse. They've discovered Dylan's death wasn't an accident after all, and they need Tessa to start filling in the blanks. Who would want her beloved husband dead, and why?
With the investigation running cold, Tessa decides it's time to save her sanity by reconnecting with her first love-cooking. And maybe the best way back into the kitchen is to infiltrate Dylan's favorite local pizza parlor, which also happens to be the last place he was seen before he died. But the anchovies aren't the only thing that stink inside the small family business, and with suspects around every corner, Tessa finds that her husband's many secrets might land her in hot water.
415 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2019
214 people are currently reading
1173 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Bruns
61 books905 followersCatherine is the USA Today bestselling author of the Cookies & Chance mysteries. She lives in Upstate New York with her very patient husband, three sons and several spoiled pets. She holds a dual B.A. in English and Performing Arts and is a former newspaper reporter and press release writer. Catherine also writes the Italian Chef, Maple Syrup, and Cindy York mysteries. Her book, For Sale by Killer, won the Daphne du Maurier award for Mainstream Mystery/Suspense.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
February 20, 2022
Penne Dreadful by Catherine Bruns
Italian Chef Mysteries book 1. Mystery. Cozy style but longer.
After Tessa’s husband dies, she turns back to cooking to recovery. It’s not just pizza being sold at the local shop and Tessa is in the middle of a mystery with bodies piling up around her.
Twist and turns, mob and coverups. It’s a maze of situations for Tessa and she’s not sure who to trust. A bit amusing and predictable. I was a bit worried it was too much food in the beginning but the depth of the story soon increased into mystery and interesting characters.
Italian Chef Mysteries book 1. Mystery. Cozy style but longer.
After Tessa’s husband dies, she turns back to cooking to recovery. It’s not just pizza being sold at the local shop and Tessa is in the middle of a mystery with bodies piling up around her.
Twist and turns, mob and coverups. It’s a maze of situations for Tessa and she’s not sure who to trust. A bit amusing and predictable. I was a bit worried it was too much food in the beginning but the depth of the story soon increased into mystery and interesting characters.
February 26, 2019
Well done to author Catherine Bruns for penning a cozy mystery unlike any other I have ever read. Her seemingly effortless writing once again ensures this will be another big hit for her.
PEENE DREADFUL wan an intriguing mystery with more twists than corkscrew pasta. With each new chapter came jaw dropping revelations that made this story so much more than it originally seemed.
Love, loss, deceit, betrayal, grief, hope . . . there was so much going on in this tale that I was left emotionally drained by the last page. However, the author included wonderful recipes at the end, so I bounced right back. 😉
If you’re a fan of cozies, surprises, and a good tomato sauce, look no further than PENNE DREADFUL!
PEENE DREADFUL wan an intriguing mystery with more twists than corkscrew pasta. With each new chapter came jaw dropping revelations that made this story so much more than it originally seemed.
Love, loss, deceit, betrayal, grief, hope . . . there was so much going on in this tale that I was left emotionally drained by the last page. However, the author included wonderful recipes at the end, so I bounced right back. 😉
If you’re a fan of cozies, surprises, and a good tomato sauce, look no further than PENNE DREADFUL!
May 1, 2019
PENNE DREADFUL is the first in a new series by Catherine Bruns featuring Tessa, a young, recently widowed Italian who loves to cook. The series, Italian Chef Series, is proposed to follow Tessa as she adjusts to widowhood, and, of course, solves mysteries she is compelled to solve.
In this first book of the series, Tessa is in the early stages of widowhood, finding it hard to get out and begin living again. This is immediately compounded when her policeman cousin, Gino, tells her the apparent accident that killed her husband was no accident but rather murder. He then suggests Tessa get a job at the local pizzeria where her husband was just prior to getting into his car and driving to his death.
Tessa agrees to this suggestion, determined to find the murderer of her husband. Later we learn the suggestion was not so much to engage Tessa in sleuthing but rather to get her out of the house. By that time, though, it is too late. Tessa has done some digging, been the target of some threatening activity and become more determined than ever to find out who was responsible for her husband’s death.
There are multiple twists and turns throughout the book as Tessa tried to investigate the owner of the pizzeria, his daughter, other employees, etc through her work. In addition, there is some suggestion that her former boyfriend who appears to still be carrying a torch for Tessa, may be guilty of the murder himself. Tessa spends her time running around town, asking pointed questions and snooping around places where her husband last spent his time, oblivious to the potential danger to herself.
The reader can easily follow Tessa as she explores the possibility of first one then another of the characters who might have a reason to have murdered her husband. She is routinely getting into sticky situations and taking risks that make it a bit hard to believe she would actually explore some of the places and/or people, It’s as if she has no clue what might be dangerous or what might be better left done with stealth or in a surreptitious way. This made it a bit hard to maintain believability in the book and Tessa’s activities.
The twist and reveal of the murderer at the end of the book was good although perhaps somewhat predictable to the veteran mystery reader. Hopefully, as the series continues Tessa will become more sophisticated in her investigative techniques.
There are some interesting side characters who will hopefully add depth and increase interest in the series. These include Gino, Tessa’s policeman cousin, Gabby, his sister and Tessa’s close friend, and Vince the new owner of the pizzeria and potentially Tessa’s partner. In addition, there are two men who present potential love interests for Tessa, Justin, a long-time friend and her husband’s best friend and Matt, her former boyfriend with whom she has a complicated history and relationship.
In addition to the mystery, the book also has several recipes appended to the end and promises more with future books. For anyone interested in trying new Italian recipes, this may be just the extra something they need to engage them in a new series. Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for an Advance Reader Copy of the novel in exchange for an unbiased review.
In this first book of the series, Tessa is in the early stages of widowhood, finding it hard to get out and begin living again. This is immediately compounded when her policeman cousin, Gino, tells her the apparent accident that killed her husband was no accident but rather murder. He then suggests Tessa get a job at the local pizzeria where her husband was just prior to getting into his car and driving to his death.
Tessa agrees to this suggestion, determined to find the murderer of her husband. Later we learn the suggestion was not so much to engage Tessa in sleuthing but rather to get her out of the house. By that time, though, it is too late. Tessa has done some digging, been the target of some threatening activity and become more determined than ever to find out who was responsible for her husband’s death.
There are multiple twists and turns throughout the book as Tessa tried to investigate the owner of the pizzeria, his daughter, other employees, etc through her work. In addition, there is some suggestion that her former boyfriend who appears to still be carrying a torch for Tessa, may be guilty of the murder himself. Tessa spends her time running around town, asking pointed questions and snooping around places where her husband last spent his time, oblivious to the potential danger to herself.
The reader can easily follow Tessa as she explores the possibility of first one then another of the characters who might have a reason to have murdered her husband. She is routinely getting into sticky situations and taking risks that make it a bit hard to believe she would actually explore some of the places and/or people, It’s as if she has no clue what might be dangerous or what might be better left done with stealth or in a surreptitious way. This made it a bit hard to maintain believability in the book and Tessa’s activities.
The twist and reveal of the murderer at the end of the book was good although perhaps somewhat predictable to the veteran mystery reader. Hopefully, as the series continues Tessa will become more sophisticated in her investigative techniques.
There are some interesting side characters who will hopefully add depth and increase interest in the series. These include Gino, Tessa’s policeman cousin, Gabby, his sister and Tessa’s close friend, and Vince the new owner of the pizzeria and potentially Tessa’s partner. In addition, there are two men who present potential love interests for Tessa, Justin, a long-time friend and her husband’s best friend and Matt, her former boyfriend with whom she has a complicated history and relationship.
In addition to the mystery, the book also has several recipes appended to the end and promises more with future books. For anyone interested in trying new Italian recipes, this may be just the extra something they need to engage them in a new series. Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for an Advance Reader Copy of the novel in exchange for an unbiased review.
July 26, 2019
Tessa Esposito is still grieving over the death of husband, Dylan, after a tragic car accident. However, when her cousin Gino, a detective, informs her that it might not have been such an accident after all, she vows to do anything to help the investigation. So she ties on an apron and nabs a job at Slice, a pizza parlor and the last place Dylan was seen alive. Soon she’s embroiled in a family business where everyone has something to hide. But the real trouble starts when her own husband’s secrets start to overboil.
Don’t be distracted by mouth-watering prose devoted to cheese-stacked pizza, sauce-laden pasta, and aromatic garlic bread. Along with plenty of rich descriptions of Italian favorites, Catherine Bruns has cooked up a delicious mystery.
A lot of this success relies on Tessa. Stuck at an incredibly low point only weeks after the death of her husband, she struggles pulling herself into a new, functional normal. And yet, when called into action to uncover the truth, she does so. Bruns expertly navigates her complex emotions as Tessa figures out how to conduct an investigation— whether she’s questioning suspects or using cooking as a distraction. The result is that Tessa feels real. Strong, funny, and focused on justice, she compellingly holds the story together.
She’s also backed up by a quirky yet realistic cast of secondary characters. Her cousin Gabby serves as her investigative partner of sorts and provides some refreshing relief when things get complicated. Gino proves an effective connection to the police department, doling out information while taking Tessa to task for getting too involved. And then there’s Slice, where everyone has their guard up while proving the ultimate foil to Tessa’s prying. Together, they form a fully realized community that’s easy to slip into.
All of this focus on complex characters is not to suggest that Bruns skimps on the mystery. Rather, she dishes out extra helpings. Tessa has a credible reason for getting involved as a sleuth— how can she not find justice for her husband? And from that comes a puzzle that bucks and weaves, twisting into a well-constructed mess. Just when everything seems to click into place, Bruns tosses out an extra piece. And yet, through all that chaos comes an ending that makes sense while offering a surprise or two.
A compelling sleuth. A difficult mystery. It’s like five-star dining with a bit of murder.
Note: I received a free ARC of this book through NetGalley.
Don’t be distracted by mouth-watering prose devoted to cheese-stacked pizza, sauce-laden pasta, and aromatic garlic bread. Along with plenty of rich descriptions of Italian favorites, Catherine Bruns has cooked up a delicious mystery.
A lot of this success relies on Tessa. Stuck at an incredibly low point only weeks after the death of her husband, she struggles pulling herself into a new, functional normal. And yet, when called into action to uncover the truth, she does so. Bruns expertly navigates her complex emotions as Tessa figures out how to conduct an investigation— whether she’s questioning suspects or using cooking as a distraction. The result is that Tessa feels real. Strong, funny, and focused on justice, she compellingly holds the story together.
She’s also backed up by a quirky yet realistic cast of secondary characters. Her cousin Gabby serves as her investigative partner of sorts and provides some refreshing relief when things get complicated. Gino proves an effective connection to the police department, doling out information while taking Tessa to task for getting too involved. And then there’s Slice, where everyone has their guard up while proving the ultimate foil to Tessa’s prying. Together, they form a fully realized community that’s easy to slip into.
All of this focus on complex characters is not to suggest that Bruns skimps on the mystery. Rather, she dishes out extra helpings. Tessa has a credible reason for getting involved as a sleuth— how can she not find justice for her husband? And from that comes a puzzle that bucks and weaves, twisting into a well-constructed mess. Just when everything seems to click into place, Bruns tosses out an extra piece. And yet, through all that chaos comes an ending that makes sense while offering a surprise or two.
A compelling sleuth. A difficult mystery. It’s like five-star dining with a bit of murder.
Note: I received a free ARC of this book through NetGalley.
August 2, 2019
Tessa Esposito has had her life turned upside down. Her husband has been killed in a car accident, leaving her a widow at 30. However, she is about to get another shock. Her cousin Gino, a cop, stops by to visit and drops the bombshell on her – the police don’t think the accident was an accident at all. Instead, they think it was murder. And he suggests that someone at Slice, the local pizza parlor where Dylan had lunch most days, might be responsible. After all, he was last seen alive leaving the restaurant. Tessa loves to cook, and Slice just happens to be advertising for a cook, so she snags the job, hoping to get a clue about what really happened to her husband. But her co-workers don’t seem to happy to see her. Is she going to be able to get anything out of them?
With Tessa’s husband being the victim, this book starts out with a more somber tone. Some events try to lighten it, but it didn’t quite work for me. After a bit of time to set up the characters and plot, things take off, and the book becomes impossible to put down. Tessa must unpeel the layers like an onion, and each new layer has a twist that kept me hooked until I reached the end. The suspects are all strong, and Tessa is a sympathetic lead character. It is easy to understand everything she is going through. The potential series regulars have a little room to grow, but that’s because they weren’t on the page too much. That’s what sequels are for, right? I did find some inconsistencies in the timeline late in the book, but nothing that ruins the plot at all. My biggest complaint is how much Tessa’s love life was a sub-plot; it’s something that should have been held until at least the next book in the series in my opinion. The book has some delicious sounding recipes at the end, including Tessa’s prize-winning tomato sauce. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to seeing what happens to Tessa next.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
With Tessa’s husband being the victim, this book starts out with a more somber tone. Some events try to lighten it, but it didn’t quite work for me. After a bit of time to set up the characters and plot, things take off, and the book becomes impossible to put down. Tessa must unpeel the layers like an onion, and each new layer has a twist that kept me hooked until I reached the end. The suspects are all strong, and Tessa is a sympathetic lead character. It is easy to understand everything she is going through. The potential series regulars have a little room to grow, but that’s because they weren’t on the page too much. That’s what sequels are for, right? I did find some inconsistencies in the timeline late in the book, but nothing that ruins the plot at all. My biggest complaint is how much Tessa’s love life was a sub-plot; it’s something that should have been held until at least the next book in the series in my opinion. The book has some delicious sounding recipes at the end, including Tessa’s prize-winning tomato sauce. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to seeing what happens to Tessa next.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
July 13, 2019
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Was local chef Tessa Esposito’s husband not the man she thought he was? A few weeks have passed since he was killed in a fatal accident and now police have decided he may have been murdered. Her cousin, Detective Gino Mancusi brings her the news and has an idea for her to help solve the case. He wants her to apply for a job at her husband’s favorite pizza place, a place he spent quite a bit of time, and work undercover keeping her eyes and ears open. Tessa agrees but she does more than that. She starts asking questions and nosing around on her own. Her husband was a successful accountant, why would anyone what him dead? She better be careful or she could be next.
I am shocked to see this is the first book I have read by this author. It sure won’t be the last.
Catherine Bruns has created wonderful three-dimensional characters. Tessa is a protagonist I get really get on board with. A chef with a dream of having her own Italian restaurant for families. She loves to cook for others. Her dream was shared by her husband Dylan and his death rocked her to her core. When she learns his death was not an accident she turns into a woman with such strength and courage to bring his killer down. She does make some poor decisions but she is hellbent on getting justice for her husband even as she learns the man had more secrets than she ever could ever imagine.
Her cousins Gino and Gabby play a major part in her life. Gino’s quest is to keep her safe and best friend Gabby is a great partner and sounding board. They stick together through thick and thin and scary.
The story the author has created has more of an edge than your typical cozy mystery. Right after one scene occurred I had to check to see if the story was actually classified as cozy. After that scene though we mostly get back to that cozier feel. I would rather have a scene like that in my cozy than the curse words that are seeming to pop up more and more these days in this genre.
Ms. Bruns does set a lively pace with plenty of action and twists. The closer we get to the end the pace accelerates more making it impossible to put this book down until the last page is reached. Tense moments prevail that truly did keep me right on the edge of my seat.
Oh my goodness, the food described throughout this mystery was absolutely mouthwatering. From pizzas to Tessa’s Tantalizing Tomato Sauce I was craving Italian food for days. Thankfully my husband has some great recipes up his sleeve. The author does include some recipes at the end of the story too.
I love the theme and these characters. I am beyond excited for the next book in this series.
Was local chef Tessa Esposito’s husband not the man she thought he was? A few weeks have passed since he was killed in a fatal accident and now police have decided he may have been murdered. Her cousin, Detective Gino Mancusi brings her the news and has an idea for her to help solve the case. He wants her to apply for a job at her husband’s favorite pizza place, a place he spent quite a bit of time, and work undercover keeping her eyes and ears open. Tessa agrees but she does more than that. She starts asking questions and nosing around on her own. Her husband was a successful accountant, why would anyone what him dead? She better be careful or she could be next.
I am shocked to see this is the first book I have read by this author. It sure won’t be the last.
Catherine Bruns has created wonderful three-dimensional characters. Tessa is a protagonist I get really get on board with. A chef with a dream of having her own Italian restaurant for families. She loves to cook for others. Her dream was shared by her husband Dylan and his death rocked her to her core. When she learns his death was not an accident she turns into a woman with such strength and courage to bring his killer down. She does make some poor decisions but she is hellbent on getting justice for her husband even as she learns the man had more secrets than she ever could ever imagine.
Her cousins Gino and Gabby play a major part in her life. Gino’s quest is to keep her safe and best friend Gabby is a great partner and sounding board. They stick together through thick and thin and scary.
The story the author has created has more of an edge than your typical cozy mystery. Right after one scene occurred I had to check to see if the story was actually classified as cozy. After that scene though we mostly get back to that cozier feel. I would rather have a scene like that in my cozy than the curse words that are seeming to pop up more and more these days in this genre.
Ms. Bruns does set a lively pace with plenty of action and twists. The closer we get to the end the pace accelerates more making it impossible to put this book down until the last page is reached. Tense moments prevail that truly did keep me right on the edge of my seat.
Oh my goodness, the food described throughout this mystery was absolutely mouthwatering. From pizzas to Tessa’s Tantalizing Tomato Sauce I was craving Italian food for days. Thankfully my husband has some great recipes up his sleeve. The author does include some recipes at the end of the story too.
I love the theme and these characters. I am beyond excited for the next book in this series.
March 29, 2020
Review to post soon.
August 4, 2019
Penne Dreadful is the first book in An Italian Chef Mystery series. Tessa Esposito is from a large Italian family and she is known for cooking up a delectable tomato sauce. She lost her beloved husband, Dylan five weeks ago and she has been holed up in her home ever since. When her cousin and police officer, Gino Mancusi tells that Dylan’s car had been tampered with, Tessa is determined to find out who committed the crime. As Tessa searches for the guilty party, we are introduced to a variety of characters (townspeople, Dylan’s co-workers, Tessa’s friends and family). I liked Gino, Gabby, Vince, and Justin. They enhance the story especially Gabby. Tessa also owns a tuxedo cat named Luigi. Tessa was a hard person for me to like from the way she acted in Penne Dreadful. She is determined to get answers no matter what the cost. We follow her as she makes enquiries and “sneaks” around looking for clues. Tessa is blunt when she asks questions and her snooping is not sneaky. Tessa frequently gets herself into sticky situations and takes unnecessary risks. I did not know if she had a death wish or was oblivious to the danger. I did not find some of the situations to be unbelievable, but, of course, this is fiction. I hope Tessa improves her questioning technique in future books along with her stealth. The mystery was multifaceted with red herrings, multiple suspects and a twist. Those who are not avid cozy mystery readers will be surprised by the guilty person’s identity. I thought Penne Dreadful was a slow starter, but the action does pick up in the second half of the book. There were repetitive details that could have been eliminated along with the foul language. I was surprised there was a love interest for Tessa so soon. I hope that the author will let the relationship progress at a relaxed pace. I enjoyed the descriptions of Tessa’s Italian dishes and there are recipes at the end of the book. Penne Dreadful has pizza pies, family meals, unexpected revelations, simmering sauce, suspicious suspects, and one determined widow.
February 11, 2019
I found it hard to suspend disbelief in this one. A recent widow discovers her husband's death was no accident and takes it upon herself to solve his murder. I didn't buy the motives or the introduction of a possible love interest (her beloved died, like, six weeks ago!) and I don't think I will be following this series.
*Thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
*Thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
February 25, 2025
I really enjoyed this! Penne Dreadful was full of characters and a rich Italian American setting. The fast pace was perfect for the plot - can’t wait to read more in this series!
October 28, 2021
Book 1 Tess husband Dylan died in a car accident. But come to find out it was tampered with.Dylan had so many secrets kept from Tess that this book 1 was really to much. About him being an accountant and embellised money to him having a cut of drug money to him diagnosed of him having heart deasese. I think it went a little over board. But the way Catherine writes stories it all fits together if you know what I mean. I might try to read book 2.
August 6, 2019
This book was so good that I devoured it in almost one sitting. It was so sweet in some places especially at the end when everything came together for Tessa. This was a complex case with a couple of different mysteries going on that sort of tied together. I don't want to say too much or spoil anything, but there was an exciting showdown where Luigi the cat came in very handy! The ending gave me leaky eyes, but happy ones! I really love the characters of Tessa, her police detective cousin Gino and his sister Gabby who happens to be Tessa's best friend. I'm really anxious now to read the next book!
June 9, 2020
AUTHOR Bruns, Catherine
TITLE Penne Dreadful
DATE READ 06/09/20
RATING 3.5/C+
FIRST SENTENCE
GENRE/ PUB DATE/PUBLISHER / # OF Cozy Mystery/2019/libby ebook/418 pgs
SERIES/STAND-ALONE #1 Italian Chef
CHALLENGE Good Reads 2020 Reading Goal 113/120;
GROUP READ
TIME/PLACE 2019/NY
CHARACTERS Tessa Esposito/widow Italian Chef
COMMENTS This was OK … Tessa is a recent widow and discovers the auto accident that her husband Dylan died in was not an accident. She also finds out he had other secrets and is determined to find out who murdered him. Not only did she go way overboard in her amateur detecting but she was sometimes encouraged by a police detective , her cousin. Lots of silliness, suspend belief but it had some cute moments.
TITLE Penne Dreadful
DATE READ 06/09/20
RATING 3.5/C+
FIRST SENTENCE
GENRE/ PUB DATE/PUBLISHER / # OF Cozy Mystery/2019/libby ebook/418 pgs
SERIES/STAND-ALONE #1 Italian Chef
CHALLENGE Good Reads 2020 Reading Goal 113/120;
GROUP READ
TIME/PLACE 2019/NY
CHARACTERS Tessa Esposito/widow Italian Chef
COMMENTS This was OK … Tessa is a recent widow and discovers the auto accident that her husband Dylan died in was not an accident. She also finds out he had other secrets and is determined to find out who murdered him. Not only did she go way overboard in her amateur detecting but she was sometimes encouraged by a police detective , her cousin. Lots of silliness, suspend belief but it had some cute moments.
February 26, 2019
Tessa Esposito is still struggling to get through her days. It's been a few weeks since her husband died in a car accident. Now she learns that his death was not an accident. Gino, her police officer cousin let her know before the news hit the streets. She is asked to take a job at one of the restaurants where her husband was last known to be, and to snoop around if possible.
While asking questions about Dylan's death, she learns that her marriage may not have been as happy as she had thought it was. Her husband had been keeping secrets from her. Lots of secrets. Now she questions who he really was, and if anything he had told her was the truth.
Tessa stirs up quite the hornets nest with her unwanted questions. And in the process puts not only her own life on the line, but also that of her cousin Gabby's, who owns a local book store.
This is a fun story that is more of a traditional mystery than that of a Cozy, which Catherine's other stories are. It has well developed characters, a strong story line, and descriptions that draw you into the story almost from the first line of the story and keeps your attention throughout.
I received this copy from NetGalley.
While asking questions about Dylan's death, she learns that her marriage may not have been as happy as she had thought it was. Her husband had been keeping secrets from her. Lots of secrets. Now she questions who he really was, and if anything he had told her was the truth.
Tessa stirs up quite the hornets nest with her unwanted questions. And in the process puts not only her own life on the line, but also that of her cousin Gabby's, who owns a local book store.
This is a fun story that is more of a traditional mystery than that of a Cozy, which Catherine's other stories are. It has well developed characters, a strong story line, and descriptions that draw you into the story almost from the first line of the story and keeps your attention throughout.
I received this copy from NetGalley.
February 26, 2020
Non conoscevo questa autrice, ma mi ha subito conquistato il suo modo di scrivere, fin dalle prime battute. Da italiana doc ho apprezzato il modo con cui descrive i nostri usi, anche culinari, a parte la gran passione americana per la pepperoni pizza (pizza al salame piccante) che non è proprio la pizza-tipo italiana. Bella la storia, anche per i suoi aspetti sentimentali. Leggerò sicuramente gli altri libri di questa serie, quando usciranno.
March 11, 2019
Suspense, betrayal and twists and turns abound in this debut book in the in the Italian Chef Mystery series. In picturesque Harvest Park, NY everyone knows everyone. Most of the businesses are locally owned and family ties and friendships are paramount. But a cloud of suspicion settles over the town when Tessa Esposito finds herself prematurely widowed at the age of 30 and the police deem the accident he died in was not so ‘accidental.’ Devastated and disconcerted, Tessa vows to find the individual responsible for her beloved husband’s death. She takes a job at her husband’s favorite lunch destination to learn more about the conversations he had shortly before his crash. But she quickly finds herself entangled in secrets and clues that lead her in all sorts of directions. This is a great start to a new cozy mystery series. There is a quirky ensemble of likable characters, the perfect ratio of charm to suspense and an amusing, satisfying and multilayered plot.
May 21, 2019
Startling Secrets Uncovered When a Husband Dies
Penne Dreadful is the debut novel in Catherine Bruns’ Italian Chef Mysteries series. The storyline flows smoothly in this steadily paced cozy whodunit, and the affable characters are well developed. There are plenty of twists and turns, red herrings, and suspects to keep the reader engaged. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy reading well-crafted cozy mysteries.
Tessa Esposito is a talented chef who recently lost her husband in a tragic automobile accident, and her family and friends are worried about her. As Tessa tries to cope with her loss, Gino Mancusi, her cousin and a Harvest Park detective, approaches her with startling news – they believe his vehicle was tampered with and that Dylan’s death might not have been an accident. Gino suggests she apply for a job at Dylan’s favorite pizza parlor, Slice Pizzeria, and keep her eyes and ears open and hopefully discover something that might help him get a warrant to search the place. Tessa begins to view everyone as a suspect, but quickly tries to dismiss each one, but Gabby, Gino’s younger sister and Tessa’s best friend who owns a small bookstore in Harvest Park, encourages her to keep an open mind and not dismiss anyone as a suspect. As Tessa looks into her husband’s death, she discovers startling secrets and realizes she may not have really known the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. As Tessa and Gabby try to sort through the things she learns and narrow down the suspect list, they find themselves in harm’s way.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Penne Dreadful is the debut novel in Catherine Bruns’ Italian Chef Mysteries series. The storyline flows smoothly in this steadily paced cozy whodunit, and the affable characters are well developed. There are plenty of twists and turns, red herrings, and suspects to keep the reader engaged. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy reading well-crafted cozy mysteries.
Tessa Esposito is a talented chef who recently lost her husband in a tragic automobile accident, and her family and friends are worried about her. As Tessa tries to cope with her loss, Gino Mancusi, her cousin and a Harvest Park detective, approaches her with startling news – they believe his vehicle was tampered with and that Dylan’s death might not have been an accident. Gino suggests she apply for a job at Dylan’s favorite pizza parlor, Slice Pizzeria, and keep her eyes and ears open and hopefully discover something that might help him get a warrant to search the place. Tessa begins to view everyone as a suspect, but quickly tries to dismiss each one, but Gabby, Gino’s younger sister and Tessa’s best friend who owns a small bookstore in Harvest Park, encourages her to keep an open mind and not dismiss anyone as a suspect. As Tessa looks into her husband’s death, she discovers startling secrets and realizes she may not have really known the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. As Tessa and Gabby try to sort through the things she learns and narrow down the suspect list, they find themselves in harm’s way.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
December 11, 2020
Tessa is grieving her husband who died just 5 weeks earlier, and is shocked when her police officer cousin confesses that they believe he was murdered. Tessa decides to investigate herself, and responds to a help wanted ad for a cook position at the pizzeria where her husband spent most of his time prior to his death. Her new co-workers are unhappy to see her but she's determined to stay until she learns something.
I enjoyed the cooking setup, and Tessa's family, particularly Gino and Gabby. I'm interested to learn more about Tessa and see where the story goes in future books. As the first in the series this is a perfect place for cozy mystery fans to begin this series!
I enjoyed the cooking setup, and Tessa's family, particularly Gino and Gabby. I'm interested to learn more about Tessa and see where the story goes in future books. As the first in the series this is a perfect place for cozy mystery fans to begin this series!
June 10, 2019
Tessa recently lost her husband in a car accident and has been struggling to make it through each day ever since. The only thing that brings her a touch of happiness is cooking and feeding those around her. When she learns that her husband Dylan's death wasn't actually an accident it throws her for a loop. Who would have wanted to kill her husband and why? Her husband was a great guy and everybody loved him. It doesn't look like the police are getting anywhere and Tessa is tired of waiting for them to figure things out so she decides that it is time for her to start her own investigation. She knows Dylan had been frequenting a pizza place more so than usual so she decides to start there. They have a help wanted sign in the window and she knows that she will have no problem blending in because she is a great cook. While there she soon realizes that something is going on other than pizzas and deliveries, she must delve deeper to find the answers. Along the way she starts learning things about her husband that just can't be true, at least she doesn't want them to be true. If what she finds out is real then she feels like she didn't really know the man she married. These knew feelings of hurt and betrayal don't stop her from looking into who killed him though. She needs answers and she needs them sooner rather than later, especially if she is ever to get any kind of closer on the whole matter. Follow along as Tessa's looks for clues and finds herself in trouble more times than she can count. Will she find the answers she seeks or will she find herself in the same boat as her husband, murdered? This was truly a great start to what I hope is a lengthy series. The characters were easy to get to know and I look forward to seeing where the author takes them to next.
I received an ARC of this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received an ARC of this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 13, 2022
to be fair, I have nobody to blame but myself for this
May 18, 2025
I DON'T BINGE READ COZY MYSTERY SERIES, BUT IF I DID - I'D DEFINITELY BINGE THIS ONE!!!
PREMISE: In this series we follow Tessa Esposito an Italian Chef from Harvest Park, New York who lives with her cat a Black Tuxedo named Luigi. In this first book, Tessa is grieving the death of her husband when a family memeber who is cop, advises her that her husbands death may not have been accidental. He advises Tessa to take a job at a local Italian restaurant who's employees are under suspicion. But when Tessa starts working there things come to light that she never would have suspected. Including secrets her husband was keeping from her!
THOUGHTS: This was a fantastic cozy! While I think the culinary side was a 4/5 and could've used a little more (personal preference) there was still enough of it to be considered decent. I also found the mystery intruguing especially since there was so much to discover around every single corner. What a fantastic book from Catherine Bruns. I definitely look forward to reading more.
5 Stars!
xoxo.
PREMISE: In this series we follow Tessa Esposito an Italian Chef from Harvest Park, New York who lives with her cat a Black Tuxedo named Luigi. In this first book, Tessa is grieving the death of her husband when a family memeber who is cop, advises her that her husbands death may not have been accidental. He advises Tessa to take a job at a local Italian restaurant who's employees are under suspicion. But when Tessa starts working there things come to light that she never would have suspected. Including secrets her husband was keeping from her!
THOUGHTS: This was a fantastic cozy! While I think the culinary side was a 4/5 and could've used a little more (personal preference) there was still enough of it to be considered decent. I also found the mystery intruguing especially since there was so much to discover around every single corner. What a fantastic book from Catherine Bruns. I definitely look forward to reading more.
5 Stars!
xoxo.
May 6, 2022
This was a good cozy mystery, featuring a main character, Liz, who is newly widowed. When it begins to appear that her husband's fatal vehicle wreck was no accident, she takes a job as a cook in a pizza place that her husband frequented and did accounting for. As she begins to investigate, she finds out some surprising things about her husband. She quickly finds several people who could be suspects and has to puzzle out what happened.
Liz was a great character, as were some of the secondary ones. The mystery moved along quickly and kept me interested. I'm already looking forward to the next book of the series.
Liz was a great character, as were some of the secondary ones. The mystery moved along quickly and kept me interested. I'm already looking forward to the next book of the series.
July 30, 2019
Penne Dreadful
Italian Chef Mystery, Book #1
Catherine Bruns
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Tomato sauce isn't the only thing that runs red...
Local chef Tessa Esposito is struggling to get back on her feet following her husband's fatal accident. And when the police knock on Tessa's door, things just get worse. They've discovered Dylan's death wasn't an accident after all, and they need Tessa to start filling in the blanks. Who would want her beloved husband dead, and why?
With the investigation running cold, Tessa decides it's time to save her sanity by reconnecting with her first love-cooking. And maybe the best way back into the kitchen is to infiltrate Dylan's favorite local pizza parlor, which also happens to be the last place he was seen before he died. But the anchovies aren't the only thing that stink inside the small family business, and with suspects around every corner, Tessa finds that her husband's many secrets might land her in hot water. (G00dreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. I enjoyed getting to meet Tessa and her cousins, Gabby and Gino. You can tell they are a close knit family and they would do anything for each other. When Tessa loses her husband, her cousins have to help her get over it, somehow. When Tessa finds out that her husband’s death may not have been an accident, she knows she has to find the person responsible before she can move on.
The writing style flows smoothly and it defines the characters very clearly by their actions and words. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. I also think the author is very capable of portraying an Italian family and how much family means. This made for a very emotional ride but there is also humor. I think that must be very hard for an author to do.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. This author always delivers in her books.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Poisoned Pen Press, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
Italian Chef Mystery, Book #1
Catherine Bruns
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Tomato sauce isn't the only thing that runs red...
Local chef Tessa Esposito is struggling to get back on her feet following her husband's fatal accident. And when the police knock on Tessa's door, things just get worse. They've discovered Dylan's death wasn't an accident after all, and they need Tessa to start filling in the blanks. Who would want her beloved husband dead, and why?
With the investigation running cold, Tessa decides it's time to save her sanity by reconnecting with her first love-cooking. And maybe the best way back into the kitchen is to infiltrate Dylan's favorite local pizza parlor, which also happens to be the last place he was seen before he died. But the anchovies aren't the only thing that stink inside the small family business, and with suspects around every corner, Tessa finds that her husband's many secrets might land her in hot water. (G00dreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. I enjoyed getting to meet Tessa and her cousins, Gabby and Gino. You can tell they are a close knit family and they would do anything for each other. When Tessa loses her husband, her cousins have to help her get over it, somehow. When Tessa finds out that her husband’s death may not have been an accident, she knows she has to find the person responsible before she can move on.
The writing style flows smoothly and it defines the characters very clearly by their actions and words. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. I also think the author is very capable of portraying an Italian family and how much family means. This made for a very emotional ride but there is also humor. I think that must be very hard for an author to do.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. This author always delivers in her books.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Poisoned Pen Press, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
July 23, 2019
Series: Italian Chef Mysteries - Book 1
Author: Catherine Bruns
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Culinary
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Page Count: 416
Publishing Date: July 30, 2019
From Poisoned Pen Press comes the first in a new cozy series “Italian Chef Mysteries” from author Catherine Burns, titled Penne Dreadful. Tessa is a recent widow who finds out that her husbands’ fatal accident was murder. Still grieving, she agrees to help the police find his killer.
Tessa is a talented chef who was idyllically in love with her husband, but when he is killed, she finds out that he had been keeping secrets from her. She begins to wonder if she knew him at all. These thoughts would be reasonable for anyone who finds out that their loved one had a secret life.
Throughout the book, Tessa keeps uncovering more of his secrets. She is torn between deep grief for the man she married, anger and sadness for the man she never knew. Tessa’s conflicted emotions and thoughts make an interesting character with depth but there needs to be less action that would in the real world have gotten Tessa killed quickly. Having the widow of a murdered man infiltrate the place where the police think her husband met his doom, would be a sure-fire way to tip off the bad guy{s} that the cops were on to them and would in all likelihood get the heroine eliminated.
Other characters such as Tessa’s cousins Gabby and Gino are very likable, entertaining and add a bit of humor to what would otherwise be an unhappy tale. Growth for characters in any series is essential, Ms. Burns has left ample room for character development. The setting in this cozy series has not been overtly detailed which leaves room to expand the town and surroundings in future volumes.
The killer’s motive for murder, although plausible in today’s day and age, were not as well written as I would expect. There are twists and turns throughout the book, yet I felt it lacked valid leads and any legitimate police investigation. Penne Dreadful is not fast-paced but it also does not crawl along to the point a reader will put it down and never finish reading it. This book holds enough intrigue to keep you coming back. There is potential for this cozy series to become well-liked and anticipated by readers with future additions.
Author: Catherine Bruns
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Culinary
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Page Count: 416
Publishing Date: July 30, 2019
From Poisoned Pen Press comes the first in a new cozy series “Italian Chef Mysteries” from author Catherine Burns, titled Penne Dreadful. Tessa is a recent widow who finds out that her husbands’ fatal accident was murder. Still grieving, she agrees to help the police find his killer.
Tessa is a talented chef who was idyllically in love with her husband, but when he is killed, she finds out that he had been keeping secrets from her. She begins to wonder if she knew him at all. These thoughts would be reasonable for anyone who finds out that their loved one had a secret life.
Throughout the book, Tessa keeps uncovering more of his secrets. She is torn between deep grief for the man she married, anger and sadness for the man she never knew. Tessa’s conflicted emotions and thoughts make an interesting character with depth but there needs to be less action that would in the real world have gotten Tessa killed quickly. Having the widow of a murdered man infiltrate the place where the police think her husband met his doom, would be a sure-fire way to tip off the bad guy{s} that the cops were on to them and would in all likelihood get the heroine eliminated.
Other characters such as Tessa’s cousins Gabby and Gino are very likable, entertaining and add a bit of humor to what would otherwise be an unhappy tale. Growth for characters in any series is essential, Ms. Burns has left ample room for character development. The setting in this cozy series has not been overtly detailed which leaves room to expand the town and surroundings in future volumes.
The killer’s motive for murder, although plausible in today’s day and age, were not as well written as I would expect. There are twists and turns throughout the book, yet I felt it lacked valid leads and any legitimate police investigation. Penne Dreadful is not fast-paced but it also does not crawl along to the point a reader will put it down and never finish reading it. This book holds enough intrigue to keep you coming back. There is potential for this cozy series to become well-liked and anticipated by readers with future additions.
September 19, 2022
Penne Dreadful is a great start to a cozy series. This book has been out for a while, but I'm just getting the chance to read it. The book starts out really good with a great setting and a relatable main character. My heart broke for her as she was grieving the loss of her husband and then finding out he was keeping things from her. Her determination to find out what really happened to her husband was a great set-up for the book.
As the story progresses, I had to suspend disbelief at times as Tessa barged into dangerous situations full force. However, I like the relationship between Tessa and her cousin/best friend Gabby and the way they can be honest with each other. The book kept my interest and I wanted to find out what would happen next. The hint of future romance was jarring since Tessa was such a recent widow and extremely grief-stricken. This is the biggest negative for me with the book. There were other parts of the story that were unrealistic and some were predictable. However, I enjoyed the book as a whole and would rate it 3.5 stars. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
As the story progresses, I had to suspend disbelief at times as Tessa barged into dangerous situations full force. However, I like the relationship between Tessa and her cousin/best friend Gabby and the way they can be honest with each other. The book kept my interest and I wanted to find out what would happen next. The hint of future romance was jarring since Tessa was such a recent widow and extremely grief-stricken. This is the biggest negative for me with the book. There were other parts of the story that were unrealistic and some were predictable. However, I enjoyed the book as a whole and would rate it 3.5 stars. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
July 11, 2019
This was such a wonderfully compelling mystery from start to finish. Even though the plot-line wasn't particularly new or original, the author, Catherine Bruns, had executed the story with such a fresh take that it was nothing short of hugely enjoyable. An engaging cast of characters and a fantastically well-thought-out mystery resulted in a novel chock full of, love, loss, deceit and betrayal that I was desperate to continue reading until the fulfilling conclusion.
I am already looking forward to the next instalment in this series! Very highly recommended.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
I am already looking forward to the next instalment in this series! Very highly recommended.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
December 26, 2019
First in a new series.Charming cozy mystery featuring Tessa Esposito.
Tessa is a chef trying to sort out life after her husband's death. The police have discovered his death was not an accident.
Gino, a local detective in charge of the investigation, and Tessa's cousin, suggests that Tessa take a job cooking in a local restaurant.
Tessa's husband did the accounting for this restaurant called Slice. Tessa decides to do some snooping on her own. Meanwhile, several things are not adding up at the restaurant.
And Tessa is right in the middle of a bunch of shady characters.
Its a recipe for trouble, but Tessa is determined to figure out what was really going on with her husband.
Fun cozy!
Tessa is a chef trying to sort out life after her husband's death. The police have discovered his death was not an accident.
Gino, a local detective in charge of the investigation, and Tessa's cousin, suggests that Tessa take a job cooking in a local restaurant.
Tessa's husband did the accounting for this restaurant called Slice. Tessa decides to do some snooping on her own. Meanwhile, several things are not adding up at the restaurant.
And Tessa is right in the middle of a bunch of shady characters.
Its a recipe for trouble, but Tessa is determined to figure out what was really going on with her husband.
Fun cozy!
March 16, 2019
This is a wonderful, yet sad, story. I cried so much throughout the book. Sad is not usually my cup of tea, but there was no way I could bring myself to stop reading it. Catherine Bruns brought this book to life and made me feel as if I was the main character. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley.
October 29, 2023
"Penne Dreadful" was the first book that I read by Catherine Bruns, and I absolutely loved it. It keeps you guessing the whole book on who did it. There is a lot of action in it, and it makes you want to keep reading to see what happens next. I will definitely continue on in this series. It was written very well, and I highly recommend reading it. There are also recipes at the end of the book that I can't wait to try and make.
October 16, 2019
This is a great new cozy series filled with fun characters, an interesting plot, and Italian food! What's not to love? I can't wait to see what happens next at Slice pizzeria. I'll definitely be checking out book 2.
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