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Kebab Kitchen Mystery #4
On the Lamb
Lucy Berberian is busy preparing her family’s Mediterranean restaurant for Easter on the Jersey Shore—but a batch of sweets is to die for . . .
Bikers are thundering into the seaside town of Ocean Crest for the annual Bikers on the Beach gathering that raises funds for injured veterans. It’s a big boost for the Kebab Kitchen, as well as for local businesses like Melanie Haven’s candy shop. But Melanie is about to find herself in a sticky situation.
When Melanie and Lucy attend a beach bonfire, a local landlord is found dead after apparently choking on a piece of salt water taffy. Melanie, who was known to have a contentious relationship with the victim, is quickly skewered as the prime suspect. But Lucy is determined to prove her friend’s innocence before the real killer coasts free . . .
Recipes included!
Praise for Tina Kashian’s Hummus and Homicide
“Clever and charming. . . . A culinary delight.”
— RT Book Reviews , 4 Stars
“Likable characters and a colorful kebab restaurant setting.”
— Library Journal
"A delectable read."
—Shelley Freydont
Bikers are thundering into the seaside town of Ocean Crest for the annual Bikers on the Beach gathering that raises funds for injured veterans. It’s a big boost for the Kebab Kitchen, as well as for local businesses like Melanie Haven’s candy shop. But Melanie is about to find herself in a sticky situation.
When Melanie and Lucy attend a beach bonfire, a local landlord is found dead after apparently choking on a piece of salt water taffy. Melanie, who was known to have a contentious relationship with the victim, is quickly skewered as the prime suspect. But Lucy is determined to prove her friend’s innocence before the real killer coasts free . . .
Recipes included!
Praise for Tina Kashian’s Hummus and Homicide
“Clever and charming. . . . A culinary delight.”
— RT Book Reviews , 4 Stars
“Likable characters and a colorful kebab restaurant setting.”
— Library Journal
"A delectable read."
—Shelley Freydont
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 25, 2020
58 people are currently reading
466 people want to read
About the author
Tina Kashian
11 books414 followersTina Kashian spent her childhood summers at the New Jersey shore, building sandcastles, boogie boarding, and riding the boardwalk Ferris wheel. She also grew up in the restaurant business where her Armenian parents owned a restaurant for thirty years. She worked almost every job—rolling silverware and wiping down tables as a tween, to hosting and waitressing as a teenager.
After college, Tina worked as a NJ Deputy Attorney General, a patent attorney, and a mechanical engineer. Her love of reading fiction for pleasure helped her get through years of academia. Her law cases inspired an inquiring mind of crime, and since then, Tina has been hooked on mysteries. The Kebab Kitchen Cozy Mystery series launches with Hummus and Homicide (3/18), followed by Stabbed in the Baklava and One Feta in the Grave by Kensington Books. Tina still lives in New Jersey with her supportive husband and two young daughters. Please visit www.tinakashian.com and join her Newsletter to enter free contests to win books, get delicious recipes, and to learn when her books will be released.
Tina is also an Amazon best-selling historical romance author and writes under the pseudonym Tina Gabrielle. Visit tinagabrielle.com to learn about her romances.
After college, Tina worked as a NJ Deputy Attorney General, a patent attorney, and a mechanical engineer. Her love of reading fiction for pleasure helped her get through years of academia. Her law cases inspired an inquiring mind of crime, and since then, Tina has been hooked on mysteries. The Kebab Kitchen Cozy Mystery series launches with Hummus and Homicide (3/18), followed by Stabbed in the Baklava and One Feta in the Grave by Kensington Books. Tina still lives in New Jersey with her supportive husband and two young daughters. Please visit www.tinakashian.com and join her Newsletter to enter free contests to win books, get delicious recipes, and to learn when her books will be released.
Tina is also an Amazon best-selling historical romance author and writes under the pseudonym Tina Gabrielle. Visit tinagabrielle.com to learn about her romances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
September 20, 2021
On the Lamb by Tina Kashian is the fourth book in the cozy Kebab Kitchen Mystery series. Each book of this series centers around a different mystery so they can be read as a standalone or in any order if choosing to do so. However, there is character building that carries over from book to book for those that follow the series from the beginning.
At the center of this series is Lucy Berberian who decided to quit her job at a Philadelphia law firm and return to her hometown in Ocean Crest, New Jersey along the Jersey shore. Lucy is now helping in her family’s business, a Mediterranean restaurant known as the Kebab Kitchen. Lucy doesn’t mind jumping into the business as she enjoys being close to her family and her old friend, Katie.
It’s now almost Easter in Ocean Crest and the town is being overrun by bikers attending the annual Bikers on the Beach fundraising rally. Business is booming in town including at the Kebab Kitchen with all the visitors. However, Lucy again finds herself on the trail of a murderer when another business owner, Melanie Haven, the owner of the local candy shop becomes a suspect when her landlord is found dead having choked on a piece of candy.
The Kebab Kitchen Mystery series is another cozy series that I have followed since the beginning and while it’s not as over the top quirky as some that I love I do still find myself chuckling and enjoying the stories. Really with each book of this series I have felt that it has grown on me just a bit more and Lucy has become a great lead to follow as she chases down the clues. Of course I will definitely be back for book five to see what happens with these characters next.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
At the center of this series is Lucy Berberian who decided to quit her job at a Philadelphia law firm and return to her hometown in Ocean Crest, New Jersey along the Jersey shore. Lucy is now helping in her family’s business, a Mediterranean restaurant known as the Kebab Kitchen. Lucy doesn’t mind jumping into the business as she enjoys being close to her family and her old friend, Katie.
It’s now almost Easter in Ocean Crest and the town is being overrun by bikers attending the annual Bikers on the Beach fundraising rally. Business is booming in town including at the Kebab Kitchen with all the visitors. However, Lucy again finds herself on the trail of a murderer when another business owner, Melanie Haven, the owner of the local candy shop becomes a suspect when her landlord is found dead having choked on a piece of candy.
The Kebab Kitchen Mystery series is another cozy series that I have followed since the beginning and while it’s not as over the top quirky as some that I love I do still find myself chuckling and enjoying the stories. Really with each book of this series I have felt that it has grown on me just a bit more and Lucy has become a great lead to follow as she chases down the clues. Of course I will definitely be back for book five to see what happens with these characters next.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
January 20, 2020
It's been almost a year now since Lucy Berberian quit her Philadelphia law firm and moved back to the Jersey Shore to work in her family's Mediterranean restaurant, Kebab Kitchen. In this 4th installment of the Kebab Kitchen Mysteries, Lucy is still adjusting to her new role as manager of Kebab Kitchen. She attends a beach bonfire with some of her closest friends. Everyone is having a good time until her friend, Melanie's landlord shows up, and they get into a heated argument about her unpaid rent. When Melanie finds his body later that night, she immediately becomes the police's main suspect. With the help of her best friend and sleuth partner, Katie, Lucy is determined to help Melanie prove her innocence and catch the murderer.
On the Lamb by Tina Kashian is a delightful cozy mystery, with a wonderful cast of characters and mouthwatering descriptions of food. Tina Kashian's engaging writing style and detailed descriptions of the charming town of Ocean Crest quickly drew me into the story and kept me turning the pages. I loved Lucy's family and the restaurant atmosphere. Lucy is the type of character that anyone can relate to. She's a hard worker and very devoted to her friends, family, and career. I thought she was a very good sleuth. She wasn't too nosey and I like that she always took Katie along to help her investigate instead of wandering off on her own, potentially putting herself in danger. Katie and Lucy make a great team and I look forward to solving more mysteries with them.
The murder mystery kept me guessing until the reveal. The author provides plenty of suspects and red herrings in a bid to throw readers off the scent. And it completely worked because the culprit wasn't even on my radar. Overall, I enjoyed my time with this book and look forward to the next one. As an added treat, delicious recipes are included.
I received an ARC from Kensington Books through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
On the Lamb by Tina Kashian is a delightful cozy mystery, with a wonderful cast of characters and mouthwatering descriptions of food. Tina Kashian's engaging writing style and detailed descriptions of the charming town of Ocean Crest quickly drew me into the story and kept me turning the pages. I loved Lucy's family and the restaurant atmosphere. Lucy is the type of character that anyone can relate to. She's a hard worker and very devoted to her friends, family, and career. I thought she was a very good sleuth. She wasn't too nosey and I like that she always took Katie along to help her investigate instead of wandering off on her own, potentially putting herself in danger. Katie and Lucy make a great team and I look forward to solving more mysteries with them.
The murder mystery kept me guessing until the reveal. The author provides plenty of suspects and red herrings in a bid to throw readers off the scent. And it completely worked because the culprit wasn't even on my radar. Overall, I enjoyed my time with this book and look forward to the next one. As an added treat, delicious recipes are included.
I received an ARC from Kensington Books through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 25, 2020
It didn’t take long after arriving at the boardwalk in Ocean Crest to know I was in love! The games, pizza, candy, taffy, french fries, funnel cakes, Madame Vega’s psychic salon, bike week, and the reason I was here to visit….the Kebab Kitchen. I had never met Lucy and the gang, but immediately felt welcome by everyone in the family’s Mediterranean restaurant. Lucy explained she had recently returned from Philly to manage the restaurant when her parents “semi-retired”. Lucy was happy to be back with her family, but needed to get her own apartment. Max her brother-in-law had the perfect place right on the beach in her price range….only one catch the bottom level is occupied by 80 something year old Eloisa Lubinski. Lucy decided to make that work, and immediately moved in. Eloisa’s nephew Gilbert (landlord to many locations in Ocean Crest) wants to put the spunky lady into assisted living with the intention to take possession of her home.
Not long into my visit Michael came to invite Lucy (and by extension me...yippee) to a bonfire on the beach. Things were great…. good food, good music, good friends, smores...that is until Gilbert showed up. He was giving Melanie a hard time about her rent. We (myself, Lucy, Melanie, Michael’s friends Pumpkin and Craig, and well just about everyone) made clear he was not welcome. Everything was getting back to normal, and we started roasting smores...when we heard a scream. Someone wanted to make sure Gilbert didn’t come back! He was dead after being struck in the head with a board, and a piece of Melanie’s taffy was shoved in his mouth. Yikes. My visit was about to get very interesting….
My thoughts:
I loved this book! I immediately ordered the first three to catch up in the series...it was so good. The cover is great, and I loved the punny title. The boardwalk setting is amazing. I was immediately hooked. Kashian did a great job painting the picture of the jersey shore, and the description of the mediterranean food sounded heavenly.
The mystery was fast paced, and I was guessing right up until the end. Plenty of worthy suspects. The characters were quirky and eccentric and really enjoyable! I hope Eloisa sticks around for a long time, and becomes a central character...she is a real hoot!
I’m anxiously waiting the arrival of the first three books! You should get yourself some of Azad’s hummus, and check out this book...you won’t regret it! Opa!
check out my blog at: http://beachbumbookworm.com/
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley, the author Tina Kashian, and the publisher for this opportunity.
Not long into my visit Michael came to invite Lucy (and by extension me...yippee) to a bonfire on the beach. Things were great…. good food, good music, good friends, smores...that is until Gilbert showed up. He was giving Melanie a hard time about her rent. We (myself, Lucy, Melanie, Michael’s friends Pumpkin and Craig, and well just about everyone) made clear he was not welcome. Everything was getting back to normal, and we started roasting smores...when we heard a scream. Someone wanted to make sure Gilbert didn’t come back! He was dead after being struck in the head with a board, and a piece of Melanie’s taffy was shoved in his mouth. Yikes. My visit was about to get very interesting….
My thoughts:
I loved this book! I immediately ordered the first three to catch up in the series...it was so good. The cover is great, and I loved the punny title. The boardwalk setting is amazing. I was immediately hooked. Kashian did a great job painting the picture of the jersey shore, and the description of the mediterranean food sounded heavenly.
The mystery was fast paced, and I was guessing right up until the end. Plenty of worthy suspects. The characters were quirky and eccentric and really enjoyable! I hope Eloisa sticks around for a long time, and becomes a central character...she is a real hoot!
I’m anxiously waiting the arrival of the first three books! You should get yourself some of Azad’s hummus, and check out this book...you won’t regret it! Opa!
check out my blog at: http://beachbumbookworm.com/
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley, the author Tina Kashian, and the publisher for this opportunity.
January 31, 2020
On the Lamb is another great mystery in the Kebab Kitchen series. Restaurant manager Lucy Berberian has just moved into her own place where she rents the upstairs of the home of an elderly lady who lives downstairs. Lucy, her BFF Katie, and friends head to the beach with her friend and next door bike shop manager Michael and two of his friends for the first bonfire of the season. It is Bikers on the Beach week and the south Jersey shore town of Ocean Crest is filled with motorcycles. It is almost Easter and still chilly, especially at night, so the bonfire is a fun way to spend the night with food, music, and fun...that is until Gilbert, a grumpy landlord, shows up to give Melanie, owner of a candy shop grief over a late rent payment. Things really go bad when Melanie is found later standing over Gilbert's body. Lucy and Katie set out to prove Melanie's innocence by finding the real killer. Lucy's landlady is Gilbert's aunt and she is one of the suspects along with many others, including Gilbert's estranged wife, as it turns out that Gilbert is also a loan shark, hated by many.
It is always fun to return to Ocean Crest and visit with recurring characters and a new mystery to solve. Lucy and Kebab Kitchen Chef Azad are spending more time together dating. Things seem to be going well. This is another winner in the series and one of my favorites.
I received a complimentary ARC from Kensington Books through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
It is always fun to return to Ocean Crest and visit with recurring characters and a new mystery to solve. Lucy and Kebab Kitchen Chef Azad are spending more time together dating. Things seem to be going well. This is another winner in the series and one of my favorites.
I received a complimentary ARC from Kensington Books through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
March 1, 2020
I have never tasted Mediterranean food. Never even thought to try it. However, every time I read another installment in the Kebab Mysteries, my stomach growls, and I want to find the nearest Mediterranean restaurant.
With, ON THE LAMB, author Tina Kashian has somehow managed to improve on a series that needed no improvement. With each book in this series slightly edging out the prior one as my favorite, there is nothing “slightly” with ON THE LAMB. It blows the first three out of the ouzo!
While, ON THE LAMB not only showcases the characters readers have come to love, we’re also introduced to a new one (actually two, because I can’t see one without the other) that I hope we see more of in future installments.
Well plotted with many twists and turns, this strong, superbly written mystery gave me the run around as I tried in vain to help protagonist, Lucy Berberian, solve the case and clear her friend. Let’s put it this way. If it was me instead of Lucy trying to solve this, friend Melanie would be sitting on death row.
ON THE LAMB is the 5 star mystery you’ve been waiting to seek your teeth into. Oh, and there are recipes! Opa!!!
With, ON THE LAMB, author Tina Kashian has somehow managed to improve on a series that needed no improvement. With each book in this series slightly edging out the prior one as my favorite, there is nothing “slightly” with ON THE LAMB. It blows the first three out of the ouzo!
While, ON THE LAMB not only showcases the characters readers have come to love, we’re also introduced to a new one (actually two, because I can’t see one without the other) that I hope we see more of in future installments.
Well plotted with many twists and turns, this strong, superbly written mystery gave me the run around as I tried in vain to help protagonist, Lucy Berberian, solve the case and clear her friend. Let’s put it this way. If it was me instead of Lucy trying to solve this, friend Melanie would be sitting on death row.
ON THE LAMB is the 5 star mystery you’ve been waiting to seek your teeth into. Oh, and there are recipes! Opa!!!
March 11, 2021
Spring is in the air in Ocean Crest, New Jersey, and with it, changes. Lucy Berberian has gotten her own place, and it’s near the beach and her family’s Mediterranean restaurant, which she manages. The worst part is dealing with her landlady’s nephew, Gilbert, who is determined to get his aunt into a retirement home so he can get his hands on the valuable piece of land. A rare Saturday night to enjoy a bonfire on the beach ends when Lucy and her friends find Gilbert’s body in the sand. Lucy’s friend Melanie becomes the prime suspect, and she begs Lucy to figure out what is going on. Can she clear her friend?
It had been a while since I read the previous book in the series, but it wasn’t long before I was caught up with Lucy and the rest of the cast again. I was happy to see relationships and characters continuing to grow. The mystery is good, with several viable suspects and plenty of secrets for Lucy to uncover. The climax was logical and suspenseful. I did have some problems with logic in other places, like character’s ages. I can make it work, but it would have been nice having things like that actually spelled out for us. I would love to visit Ocean Crest if it were real. Even at the down time of Spring, when this book is set, it sounds like a fun town. We get another three delicious sounding recipes at the end of the book. If you’ve enjoyed the previous entries in the series, you’ll be happy you to catch up with Lucy and the gang again here.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
It had been a while since I read the previous book in the series, but it wasn’t long before I was caught up with Lucy and the rest of the cast again. I was happy to see relationships and characters continuing to grow. The mystery is good, with several viable suspects and plenty of secrets for Lucy to uncover. The climax was logical and suspenseful. I did have some problems with logic in other places, like character’s ages. I can make it work, but it would have been nice having things like that actually spelled out for us. I would love to visit Ocean Crest if it were real. Even at the down time of Spring, when this book is set, it sounds like a fun town. We get another three delicious sounding recipes at the end of the book. If you’ve enjoyed the previous entries in the series, you’ll be happy you to catch up with Lucy and the gang again here.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
March 7, 2020
Dollycas’s Thoughts
It’s almost Easter in Ocean Crest and Lucy is excited about getting her family together. She is also busy with the family restaurant and business has picked up for most of the businesses in town with the annual Bikers on the Beach event that raising money for injured vets. Part of the event is a huge bonfire on the beach. Lucy was invited by her friend Michael who is the manager of the bike shop next to her family’s restaurant. She takes along her BFF Katie and their friend Melanie. Gilbert Lubinski, local landlord of many apartments and businesses tries to ruin the party when he barges in to remind Melanie that her rent is due and to remember it has been increased.
A short time later someone screams. People rush to the sound and find Melanie standing over Gilbert’s dead body. With the earlier public altercation, a piece of taffy found in the victim’s throat, and the one finding the body, Melanie finds herself at the top of the suspect list. Lucy knows her friend is innocent and she is going to prove it.
This is such an entertaining series!
Lucy’s parents have decided to take a step back from the family business, The Kebab Kitchen, and leave the day to day management in her hands. Her mom still pops in to keep up with Lucy’s cooking lessons and to approve the head chef Azad Zakarian menus. Her dad likes to keep his hand in with the inventory and other office tasks. Lucy knows change is hard for them but she has had a few minor victories so she is fine with them taking their time. She also takes a big step within these pages that coincides nicely with the murder investigation she and Katie have got themselves wrapped up in. Ms. Kashian has created such genuine characters. I am always excited to see what they are all up to.
Kashian has also introduced some great new characters this time which include Eloisa Lubinski and her Shih Tzu, Cupid. Eloisa stole my heart immediately. I wish I had half her spunk and energy. Her nephew Gilbert is our victim and with his death, all his secrets were revealed leading to many more suspects. including a couple of bikers, his business partner, and his almost ex-wife. A few more come out of the woodwork when Lucy uncovers his little side business. All these characters evolve as the story continues some in very meaningful ways.
Talk about red herrings, this story is full of them. I loved it even though I fell for most of them and was caught totally by surprise at the reveal. I really enjoy the way Lucy and Katie sleuth together. When one drops the ball the other can pick it up and weave a tale like a pro. They also don’t give up. The author sets a brisk pace and gives us plenty of drama and action. There are also some truly funny moments too.
So much of the story takes place on the boardwalk. Lucy’s daily runs helped her sort through the clues and she also gets a little advice when she stops to visit psychic Madame Vega and learns something when she finds herself at the tattoo parlor. All this goes on with a loudspeaker blaring ” Watch the tramcar please!” as the tramcar goes up and down the boardwalk. Ms. Kashian really sets the scene wonderfully, not only on the boardwalk but at the Kebab Kitchen, the beach, Melanie’s candy shop, and all around Ocean Crest.
On The Lamb has everything I look for in a cozy mystery, engaging and entertaining characters, a mystery I can sink my teeth into, and just a little romance and humor to balance everything out.
Speaking of sinking my teeth into, there are several recipes in the back of the book. I have never eaten Armenian, Lebanese, or Greek food with the exception of a gyro back in my college days. The descriptions of the food in this series do make my mouth water. This small-town girl may have to step out of her comfort zone and give these recipes a try.
I am already looking forward to my next visit to the Jersey Shore because they are always some really great things happening there along with a little bit of murder.
It’s almost Easter in Ocean Crest and Lucy is excited about getting her family together. She is also busy with the family restaurant and business has picked up for most of the businesses in town with the annual Bikers on the Beach event that raising money for injured vets. Part of the event is a huge bonfire on the beach. Lucy was invited by her friend Michael who is the manager of the bike shop next to her family’s restaurant. She takes along her BFF Katie and their friend Melanie. Gilbert Lubinski, local landlord of many apartments and businesses tries to ruin the party when he barges in to remind Melanie that her rent is due and to remember it has been increased.
A short time later someone screams. People rush to the sound and find Melanie standing over Gilbert’s dead body. With the earlier public altercation, a piece of taffy found in the victim’s throat, and the one finding the body, Melanie finds herself at the top of the suspect list. Lucy knows her friend is innocent and she is going to prove it.
This is such an entertaining series!
Lucy’s parents have decided to take a step back from the family business, The Kebab Kitchen, and leave the day to day management in her hands. Her mom still pops in to keep up with Lucy’s cooking lessons and to approve the head chef Azad Zakarian menus. Her dad likes to keep his hand in with the inventory and other office tasks. Lucy knows change is hard for them but she has had a few minor victories so she is fine with them taking their time. She also takes a big step within these pages that coincides nicely with the murder investigation she and Katie have got themselves wrapped up in. Ms. Kashian has created such genuine characters. I am always excited to see what they are all up to.
Kashian has also introduced some great new characters this time which include Eloisa Lubinski and her Shih Tzu, Cupid. Eloisa stole my heart immediately. I wish I had half her spunk and energy. Her nephew Gilbert is our victim and with his death, all his secrets were revealed leading to many more suspects. including a couple of bikers, his business partner, and his almost ex-wife. A few more come out of the woodwork when Lucy uncovers his little side business. All these characters evolve as the story continues some in very meaningful ways.
Talk about red herrings, this story is full of them. I loved it even though I fell for most of them and was caught totally by surprise at the reveal. I really enjoy the way Lucy and Katie sleuth together. When one drops the ball the other can pick it up and weave a tale like a pro. They also don’t give up. The author sets a brisk pace and gives us plenty of drama and action. There are also some truly funny moments too.
So much of the story takes place on the boardwalk. Lucy’s daily runs helped her sort through the clues and she also gets a little advice when she stops to visit psychic Madame Vega and learns something when she finds herself at the tattoo parlor. All this goes on with a loudspeaker blaring ” Watch the tramcar please!” as the tramcar goes up and down the boardwalk. Ms. Kashian really sets the scene wonderfully, not only on the boardwalk but at the Kebab Kitchen, the beach, Melanie’s candy shop, and all around Ocean Crest.
On The Lamb has everything I look for in a cozy mystery, engaging and entertaining characters, a mystery I can sink my teeth into, and just a little romance and humor to balance everything out.
Speaking of sinking my teeth into, there are several recipes in the back of the book. I have never eaten Armenian, Lebanese, or Greek food with the exception of a gyro back in my college days. The descriptions of the food in this series do make my mouth water. This small-town girl may have to step out of her comfort zone and give these recipes a try.
I am already looking forward to my next visit to the Jersey Shore because they are always some really great things happening there along with a little bit of murder.
March 5, 2020
My mouth waters every time I read a book in this series. I love Mediterranean food and the thought of a hummus bar just puts me over the top! Food aside, this series has a perfect equation of mystery, intrigue, romance, and quirky characters that draw me in each and every time.
I was drawn into this story from the beginning. Lucy's search for affordable housing is something I can relate to in Texas. It is hard to find a decent place at an affordable place. Lucy gets lucky and her agent helps her find an apartment in a senior's home so she can fend off her nephew's attempts to move her into a nursing home. Eloisa is a hoot! She doesn't care what anyone thinks about her and does her own thing. Unfortunately, it is her nephew that ends up dead and she becomes a suspect.
Melanie is a friend of Lucy's that is also a prime candidate for the murder because of an argument. I enjoyed getting to know a little bit more about Melanie and her sister. There is tension and deception surrounding her, but could Melanie have killed someone?
The mystery is well written and there are several possible killers in the mix but the author doesn't reveal anything too soon and throws other possible suspects into the mix. I was a bit surprised, but not too much when the killer was revealed. The character wasn't on my radar as a strong possibility....there were too many other good choices!
The romance between Lucy and Azad continues to heat up and I enjoy their relationship. There is a friend of Lucy's, Michael, that could have been a contender for Lucy's heart but there is something about her past with Azad that pulls her in to him.
I'm glad to see Lucy's parents slowly letting her truly manage the restaurant. I know that her father continues to push back against change, but sometimes there are better ways to do things, like digitizing inventory. Part of me feels like they don't trust her, but part of me also realizes it is hard to give something up that you have controlled for thirty years.
Side note - I was able to meet the author at Bouchercon in 2019. She is delightful and appreciates her readers!
Overall we loved this book and suggest reading the whole series (in order) if you haven't yet.
I was drawn into this story from the beginning. Lucy's search for affordable housing is something I can relate to in Texas. It is hard to find a decent place at an affordable place. Lucy gets lucky and her agent helps her find an apartment in a senior's home so she can fend off her nephew's attempts to move her into a nursing home. Eloisa is a hoot! She doesn't care what anyone thinks about her and does her own thing. Unfortunately, it is her nephew that ends up dead and she becomes a suspect.
Melanie is a friend of Lucy's that is also a prime candidate for the murder because of an argument. I enjoyed getting to know a little bit more about Melanie and her sister. There is tension and deception surrounding her, but could Melanie have killed someone?
The mystery is well written and there are several possible killers in the mix but the author doesn't reveal anything too soon and throws other possible suspects into the mix. I was a bit surprised, but not too much when the killer was revealed. The character wasn't on my radar as a strong possibility....there were too many other good choices!
The romance between Lucy and Azad continues to heat up and I enjoy their relationship. There is a friend of Lucy's, Michael, that could have been a contender for Lucy's heart but there is something about her past with Azad that pulls her in to him.
I'm glad to see Lucy's parents slowly letting her truly manage the restaurant. I know that her father continues to push back against change, but sometimes there are better ways to do things, like digitizing inventory. Part of me feels like they don't trust her, but part of me also realizes it is hard to give something up that you have controlled for thirty years.
Side note - I was able to meet the author at Bouchercon in 2019. She is delightful and appreciates her readers!
Overall we loved this book and suggest reading the whole series (in order) if you haven't yet.
February 23, 2020
On the Lamb by Tina Kashian has Lucy Berberian enjoying a bonfire with her friends until a scream rings out. They find Melanie Haven, the local candy maker, standing by the prone body of Gilbert Lubinski. Melanie and Gilbert had a small altercation earlier in the evening which puts Melanie at the top of the detective’s suspect list. Melanie asks that Lucy use her sleuthing prowess to find the guilty party. Gilbert was not liked in the community, not even by his aunt who he was trying to oust from her home. Lucy has her work cut out for her if she is to prove Melanie’s innocence. On the Lamb can be read as a standalone for those new to A Kitchen Kebab Mystery series. Everything a new reader needs to know is included in On the Lamb. Lucy has been working hard at the family’s Mediterranean restaurant which she manages and is looking forward to evening with her friends enjoying the first bonfire of the season. I like the descriptions of Ocean City, New Jersey. I especially enjoy hearing about the boardwalk, the tram and the various shops. The word imagery brings the scenes alive in my mind. There is a nice balance between mystery and time spent with Lucy, her friends, family and boyfriend. The main characters are established, and a unique new character is introduced. Lucy finally moves into her own apartment. It is right on the beach much to her delight. Her new landlord, Eloisa Lubinski is delightful with her eccentric clothing and zest for life. Eloisa is hoping having Lucy live there will keep her nephew, Gilbert from pestering her about moving into an assisted living facility. Of course, Gilbert ends up dead. Lucy, with assistance from her best friend, Katie Watson, sets out to find the real culprit. They talk to numerous suspects, verify alibis, and do a little illegal searching (when the opportunity strikes, you cannot pass it up). It will depend upon your sleuthing level on whether you solve this whodunit. The clues are there for you to find. Lucy is trying to bring the family restaurant into the twenty-first century, but her father is stubborn (if it has worked for thirty years, why change it now is his philosophy). It is a good thing that Lucy is equally tenacious. Her romance with Azad is moving forward (personally, I prefer Michael). I enjoyed the mouthwatering descriptions of the food and there are recipes included at the end of the book. On the Lamb is a charming cozy mystery that will have you wanting to visit the Jersey shore. On the Lamb has terrific taffy, a blazing bonfire, a snappy shih tzu, mouthwatering meals, a ghastly landlord, surfeit of suspects, and a conniving killer.
January 26, 2020
Lucy has given up her big city law career, returning to her hometown to manage her parents' seaside restaurant. When an unpopular man is murdered on the beach, Lucy and her friend Katie decide to investigate. There are quite a few suspects since so many people disliked the victim, among them his almost ex, his business partner, and others he had victimized in some way. I am enjoying this well-plotted new cozy series, with likeable characters and a seaside setting, and look forward to reading more by this author. Thanks to the publisher and to Netgalley for the ARC.
February 25, 2020
Lucy Barberian has been back working at her parent's restaurant in New Jersey for about a year now and gotten quite the reputation for getting involved and helping to solve several murder cases. At a bonfire a despicable landlord is murdered and the owner of the local candy store is implicated. While trying to keep her friend out of jail, she juggles moving to a new apartment and plans to host her first Easter dinner. Lucy is a strong, sensible heroine who makes good decisions, usually. Plus the rest of of the secondary characters are all engaging and interesting. Excellent series! Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2020
I have read all books so far in the series. This book was better than the last. However, I wish the author wouldn't rehash the suspects and their motives.
March 5, 2020
I love Lucy Berberian! She’s such a great heroine, and her blend of several cultures adds even further layers to her character. Her loyalty to her family, her love of the family restaurant and the boardwalk, her determination & fearlessness to solve the murders that seem to inevitably cross her path. She’s definitely a character I would love to have as a friend – especially if she kept me supplied in hummus, fresh pita, kebabs, and baklava. I also love her family, her boyfriend Azad and her BFF Katie … and the stray cat Gadoo (‘cat’ in Armenian) who has claimed Lucy as his human. And in On the Lamb we meet her new landlady Mrs. Lubinski who is a hoot and a half – and kept bringing Betty White to mind haha. I am looking forward to seeing more of this eccentrically delightful new character in future books.
The murder is well plotted, and while I ultimately wasn’t surprised by whodunnit I wasn’t convinced I knew the culprit until the reveal. We automatically don’t like the victim and with each new tidbit of info we uncover we like him even less. Plenty of suspects have plausible motives and potential means – and Kashian provides several twists, turns, and red herrings to move the plot and Lucy’s sleuthing along at a steady pace.
My only complaint is that the narrative seemed to go over the same information more than once – as though recapping the events of the story in case, for some reason, someone picked it up in the middle. This unfortunately disrupted my reading flow as I paused to consider why we needed to know this again – a ‘didn’t we just cover this?’ thought or two – and definitely didn’t add to the story.
Bottom Line: The Kebab Kitchen Mystery series is one of my faves, and On the Lamb reminds me why. Engaging and vividly drawn characters (main and supporting), mouthwatering food from the Mediterranean restaurant to the boardwalk, heartwarming friendships, a dash of romance, well-timed humor, and a not-as-simple-as-it-first-appears mystery to solve make this a wonderfully diverse & entertaining read.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Reviewer’s Note: Readers may want to be aware that there are some infrequent curse words scattered throughout – most are mild, there’s one instance of a stronger one.
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
The murder is well plotted, and while I ultimately wasn’t surprised by whodunnit I wasn’t convinced I knew the culprit until the reveal. We automatically don’t like the victim and with each new tidbit of info we uncover we like him even less. Plenty of suspects have plausible motives and potential means – and Kashian provides several twists, turns, and red herrings to move the plot and Lucy’s sleuthing along at a steady pace.
My only complaint is that the narrative seemed to go over the same information more than once – as though recapping the events of the story in case, for some reason, someone picked it up in the middle. This unfortunately disrupted my reading flow as I paused to consider why we needed to know this again – a ‘didn’t we just cover this?’ thought or two – and definitely didn’t add to the story.
Bottom Line: The Kebab Kitchen Mystery series is one of my faves, and On the Lamb reminds me why. Engaging and vividly drawn characters (main and supporting), mouthwatering food from the Mediterranean restaurant to the boardwalk, heartwarming friendships, a dash of romance, well-timed humor, and a not-as-simple-as-it-first-appears mystery to solve make this a wonderfully diverse & entertaining read.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Reviewer’s Note: Readers may want to be aware that there are some infrequent curse words scattered throughout – most are mild, there’s one instance of a stronger one.
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
March 6, 2020
On The Lamb
Kebab Kitchen Mystery, Book #4
Tina Kashian
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Lucy Berberian is busy preparing her family's Mediterranean restaurant for Easter on the Jersey Shore--but a batch of sweets is to die for . . .
Bikers are thundering into the seaside town of Ocean Crest for the annual Bikers on the Beach gathering that raises funds for injured veterans. It's a big boost for the Kebab Kitchen, as well as for local businesses like Melanie Haven's candy shop. But Melanie is about to find herself in a sticky situation.
When Melanie and Lucy attend a beach bonfire, a local landlord is found dead after apparently choking on a piece of salt water taffy. Melanie, who was known to have a contentious relationship with the victim, is quickly skewered as the prime suspect. But Lucy is determined to prove her friend's innocence before the real killer coasts free . . .
Recipes included! (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. I so enjoy Lucy and Katie and their sleuthing adventures. It does not seem to bother Katie that her husband is a policeman, she will do anything when she and Lucy are looking for a killer. They seem to be fearless when they are on the case, and they are definitely on the case to prove their friends innocence. I also enjoy getting to spend time with Lucy’s family and friends, they add a lot to the story. I especially enjoyed getting to meet Lucy’s landlady, Eloisa Lubinski. She is quirky and slightly bizarre and I loved her.
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 those descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. The mystery was well plotted and moved along at a steady pace. There were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through, and with some red herrings thrown in just for fun, it was not easily solved. And that is the way I like my mysteries.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I think this series is wonderful, and all I can say to the author is “keep them coming”.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
Kebab Kitchen Mystery, Book #4
Tina Kashian
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Lucy Berberian is busy preparing her family's Mediterranean restaurant for Easter on the Jersey Shore--but a batch of sweets is to die for . . .
Bikers are thundering into the seaside town of Ocean Crest for the annual Bikers on the Beach gathering that raises funds for injured veterans. It's a big boost for the Kebab Kitchen, as well as for local businesses like Melanie Haven's candy shop. But Melanie is about to find herself in a sticky situation.
When Melanie and Lucy attend a beach bonfire, a local landlord is found dead after apparently choking on a piece of salt water taffy. Melanie, who was known to have a contentious relationship with the victim, is quickly skewered as the prime suspect. But Lucy is determined to prove her friend's innocence before the real killer coasts free . . .
Recipes included! (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. I so enjoy Lucy and Katie and their sleuthing adventures. It does not seem to bother Katie that her husband is a policeman, she will do anything when she and Lucy are looking for a killer. They seem to be fearless when they are on the case, and they are definitely on the case to prove their friends innocence. I also enjoy getting to spend time with Lucy’s family and friends, they add a lot to the story. I especially enjoyed getting to meet Lucy’s landlady, Eloisa Lubinski. She is quirky and slightly bizarre and I loved her.
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 those descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. The mystery was well plotted and moved along at a steady pace. There were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through, and with some red herrings thrown in just for fun, it was not easily solved. And that is the way I like my mysteries.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I think this series is wonderful, and all I can say to the author is “keep them coming”.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
March 3, 2020
This is my second book from what is proving to be a wonderfully entertaining series. Although I hadn't read books #1 and #2, Hummus and Homicide, and Stabbed in the Baklava, I jumped in at book#3, One Feta in the Grave. This one,
On the Lamb,
is book #4 in the 'A Kebab Kitchen Mystery' series. Though I am, in part, familiar with the characters' histories, I think anyone who hasn't read any of the books in this series should have no trouble reading this as a standalone.
On the Lamb started great and just kept getting better and better! Lucy Berberian is slowly adjusting to her new role as manager of Kebab Kitchen, her family's Mediterranean restaurant on the Jersey Shore. The mystery was really intriguing and it kept me guessing. I enjoyed meeting up with the recurrent characters again and I liked their interaction. Tina Kashian's engaging writing style and detailed descriptions of the charming seaside town of Ocean Crest quickly drew me into the story and kept me turning the pages, as did the author's mouthwatering descriptions of food. Lucy's family dynamic and the restaurant atmosphere were wonderfully articulated and the locale was fun. This was a quick, light and joyous read, with plenty of action, worthy suspects and red herrings that ticked all the boxes for me as far as cozies are concerned.
Definitely an all-round winner, I would recommend On the Lamb, and I hope this series continues so I can continue to follow Lucy's exploits!
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my request, from Kensington Books via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
On the Lamb started great and just kept getting better and better! Lucy Berberian is slowly adjusting to her new role as manager of Kebab Kitchen, her family's Mediterranean restaurant on the Jersey Shore. The mystery was really intriguing and it kept me guessing. I enjoyed meeting up with the recurrent characters again and I liked their interaction. Tina Kashian's engaging writing style and detailed descriptions of the charming seaside town of Ocean Crest quickly drew me into the story and kept me turning the pages, as did the author's mouthwatering descriptions of food. Lucy's family dynamic and the restaurant atmosphere were wonderfully articulated and the locale was fun. This was a quick, light and joyous read, with plenty of action, worthy suspects and red herrings that ticked all the boxes for me as far as cozies are concerned.
Definitely an all-round winner, I would recommend On the Lamb, and I hope this series continues so I can continue to follow Lucy's exploits!
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my request, from Kensington Books via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
January 30, 2020
Lucy Berberian is adjusting to her life on the Jersey shore, happy to be working in her parent's restaurant once again.
Lucy is also beginning to rekindle old feelings for her old flame, so life seems pretty good for her at the moment.
Discovering a dead body was not part of her plan, but it seems Lucy has a habit of finding them. Her previous career as an attorney helps her when it comes to asking questions, so it doesn't take Lucy long to find herself caught up in another investigation.
I enjoy the easy camaraderie among the characters. They all work well together and bring their own unique brand of humor to the series.
I'm looking forward to reading more by the talented Tina Kashian.
#OntheLamb #NetGalley
Lucy is also beginning to rekindle old feelings for her old flame, so life seems pretty good for her at the moment.
Discovering a dead body was not part of her plan, but it seems Lucy has a habit of finding them. Her previous career as an attorney helps her when it comes to asking questions, so it doesn't take Lucy long to find herself caught up in another investigation.
I enjoy the easy camaraderie among the characters. They all work well together and bring their own unique brand of humor to the series.
I'm looking forward to reading more by the talented Tina Kashian.
#OntheLamb #NetGalley
March 5, 2020
First book in series I’ve read. Lucy who manages the family restaurant, solves the murder of her landlord’s nephew. Variety of people, each one vibrant and enriches the story line. First chapter from the next in the series was bonus. Enjoyed the Sweet bread recipe!
February 26, 2020
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.On the Lamb by Tina Kashian is an aloof cozy mystery. I was wrong on every account of who dun it.
Who killed Gilbert, and why?
Lucy Berberian
Lucy is our main character and one of our sleuths. The other is her best friend, Katie, who has a husband on the police force and shouldn't be investigating these crimes. Lucy and Katie are known around town as the two people to go to if you need help clearing your names. Well, mostly just Lucy, as Katie can't get too involved. Lucy is a fabulous character that I enjoyed learning about in One Feta in the Grave, and now this one.
The Mystery
The big mystery is who killed Gilbert and why? Gilbert was a local landlord who no one knew had a difficult life. That's the thing about when you die a mysterious death; all your secrets come out to haunt you. Gilbert had that happen to him, and it was so hard to figure out who killed him. Especially figuring out who has the best motive. I fell for a lot of the red herrings, and I was a bit shocked when it was revealed who actually did it.
Five Stars for On the Lamb by Tina Kashin
Ms. Kashin did a fantastic job of stumping me that I just had to give this book five stars. I loved every minute of reading this book. I can't wait for the next one to see what happens to Lucy. Coming back to this small beach town is spectacular, and I love seeing new sides of these marvelous characters in each one as well. I am so recommending this to anyone that reads cozy mysteries. Don't forget your snack when reading; otherwise, your tummy may be grumbling.
Oh, and don't forget to check out the recipes in the back of the book!
Other Books in the Series
Prize: (3) Print Copy of On the Lamb (A Kebab Kitchen Mystery) by Tina Kashian U.S. Only
Tour Organized by:
Who killed Gilbert, and why?
Lucy Berberian
Lucy is our main character and one of our sleuths. The other is her best friend, Katie, who has a husband on the police force and shouldn't be investigating these crimes. Lucy and Katie are known around town as the two people to go to if you need help clearing your names. Well, mostly just Lucy, as Katie can't get too involved. Lucy is a fabulous character that I enjoyed learning about in One Feta in the Grave, and now this one.
The Mystery
The big mystery is who killed Gilbert and why? Gilbert was a local landlord who no one knew had a difficult life. That's the thing about when you die a mysterious death; all your secrets come out to haunt you. Gilbert had that happen to him, and it was so hard to figure out who killed him. Especially figuring out who has the best motive. I fell for a lot of the red herrings, and I was a bit shocked when it was revealed who actually did it.
Five Stars for On the Lamb by Tina Kashin
Ms. Kashin did a fantastic job of stumping me that I just had to give this book five stars. I loved every minute of reading this book. I can't wait for the next one to see what happens to Lucy. Coming back to this small beach town is spectacular, and I love seeing new sides of these marvelous characters in each one as well. I am so recommending this to anyone that reads cozy mysteries. Don't forget your snack when reading; otherwise, your tummy may be grumbling.
Oh, and don't forget to check out the recipes in the back of the book!
Other Books in the Series
Prize: (3) Print Copy of On the Lamb (A Kebab Kitchen Mystery) by Tina Kashian U.S. Only
Tour Organized by:
To find all the tour information, click the banner at the top of the page.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of On the Lamb by Tina Kashian. Don't forget to enter the giveaway!
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
February 23, 2020
On the Lamb is the fourth book in Tina Kashian’s Kebab Kitchen Mystery series. The mystery is solid and well plotted, the storyline is engaging, and the characters are well developed and affable. This book moves at a steady pace with plenty of suspects, twists and turns, and red herrings.
When Lucy Berberian quit her job as an attorney at a Philadelphia law firm, she returned to her hometown of Ocean Crest, New Jersey, and took over the management of Kebab Kitchen, her family’s restaurant, as her parents, Angela and Raffi, ease into retirement. Her dad’s teaching her the ropes of the daily running of the restaurant, her mother is teaching her how to cook, and she hired her ex-boyfriend, Azad Zakarian, as head chef. She’s been staying with her best friend, Katie Watson, who works at Ocean Crest’s town hall, and her police officer husband, Bill, but decides it’s time to find her own place. Lucy’s brother-in-law helps her find a place she can afford, and she rents the second story of Eloisa Lubinski’s home. She’s pleased that she can bring Gadoo, the stray cat she adopted, with her, and she has an awesome view of the ocean, but there are a few downsides to her new residence. There is no lock on the door separating the two floors, and her elderly landlady lives downstairs with her Shih Tzu, Cupid, who doesn’t seem to like either Lucy or Gadoo. The town is preparing for the annual Bikers on the Beach, an event that raises money for injured veterans, and Lucy’s friend, Michael Citteroni, who manages the bicycle rental shop next door to Kebab Kitchen, invites Lucy and her friends to attend a pre-event beach bonfire. When Eloisa’s nephew, Gilbert, is found murdered on the beach during the bonfire, Melanie Haven, Lucy’s friend and local candy shop owner, becomes the prime suspect due to an argument she had with him earlier that evening. Since Lucy and her sidekick, Katie, can’t help sticking their noses in murders that occur in their community, they don their amateur sleuth hats to clear Melanie’s name. They discover that in addition to being a greedy and nasty landlord, who’s trying to force Eloisa out of her home, Gilbert also has a side business that adds even more people to their growing suspect list.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
When Lucy Berberian quit her job as an attorney at a Philadelphia law firm, she returned to her hometown of Ocean Crest, New Jersey, and took over the management of Kebab Kitchen, her family’s restaurant, as her parents, Angela and Raffi, ease into retirement. Her dad’s teaching her the ropes of the daily running of the restaurant, her mother is teaching her how to cook, and she hired her ex-boyfriend, Azad Zakarian, as head chef. She’s been staying with her best friend, Katie Watson, who works at Ocean Crest’s town hall, and her police officer husband, Bill, but decides it’s time to find her own place. Lucy’s brother-in-law helps her find a place she can afford, and she rents the second story of Eloisa Lubinski’s home. She’s pleased that she can bring Gadoo, the stray cat she adopted, with her, and she has an awesome view of the ocean, but there are a few downsides to her new residence. There is no lock on the door separating the two floors, and her elderly landlady lives downstairs with her Shih Tzu, Cupid, who doesn’t seem to like either Lucy or Gadoo. The town is preparing for the annual Bikers on the Beach, an event that raises money for injured veterans, and Lucy’s friend, Michael Citteroni, who manages the bicycle rental shop next door to Kebab Kitchen, invites Lucy and her friends to attend a pre-event beach bonfire. When Eloisa’s nephew, Gilbert, is found murdered on the beach during the bonfire, Melanie Haven, Lucy’s friend and local candy shop owner, becomes the prime suspect due to an argument she had with him earlier that evening. Since Lucy and her sidekick, Katie, can’t help sticking their noses in murders that occur in their community, they don their amateur sleuth hats to clear Melanie’s name. They discover that in addition to being a greedy and nasty landlord, who’s trying to force Eloisa out of her home, Gilbert also has a side business that adds even more people to their growing suspect list.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
January 30, 2020
On the Lamb is the fourth installment in the Kebab Kitchen Mystery series which is centered around a wonderful Armenian/Greek/Lebanese family and their restaurant. Lucy, our main character, seems to be settling back into life in Ocean Crest quite well - except for her penchant for finding dead bodies. Her relationship with her parents, sister, and niece play a central role in the series, which I very much enjoy. Lucy is the type of main character that most readers will find relatable. She is smart, warm, hard-working, not afraid of a challenge and stands by her friends and family. I think Ms. Kashian does a good job of balancing Lucy's sleuthing with just the right amount of nosiness and risk-taking. The mystery kept me interested and guessing until the very end. The victim in this book is not the pillar of the community so there are plenty of suspects to choose from. Lucy works to clear her friend from murder charges while trying to keep herself from being arrested for interfering in a police investigation. This time around, she has some help from old friends as well as her new landlady who adds some humor.
I found this to be an all-around entertaining read, with the series as a whole being very enjoyable. Plus, I love reading about the delicious-sounding food created in her family's restaurant. I will definitely be back for more in the series.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through Netgalley.
I found this to be an all-around entertaining read, with the series as a whole being very enjoyable. Plus, I love reading about the delicious-sounding food created in her family's restaurant. I will definitely be back for more in the series.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through Netgalley.
January 11, 2020
Lucy Berberian is working as the manager at her parents' restaurant, Kebab Kitchen, having moved back home to the Jersey shore after working for several years as an attorney out-of-state. Her parents are semi-retired, and Lucy's boyfriend is the current head chef. While attending a bonfire on the beach, part of the Bikers on the Beach event to raise money for veterans, Lucy's friend Melanie finds a dead body. The dead man is Melanie's landlord, whom she argued with right before he died. Evidence on his body also points to Melanie as the killer. Lucy doesn't believe Melanie is a killer, so she launches an investigation.
I definitely recommend this cozy mystery centering Lucy, a first generation American who is Armenian, Lebanese, and Greek. The characters are well sketched out. Setting the book in a Mediterranean restaurant was fascinating and I liked Lucy's family and friends. The mystery moved along at a nice pace, with plenty of suspects and motives. There is also a great slow burn romance between characters with quite a bit of history.
This is the first book I've read in the series but I had no trouble jumping in here. I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future. 4.5 stars
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC. The opinions in this review are honest and my own. #OnTheLamb #cozymystery #mystery
I definitely recommend this cozy mystery centering Lucy, a first generation American who is Armenian, Lebanese, and Greek. The characters are well sketched out. Setting the book in a Mediterranean restaurant was fascinating and I liked Lucy's family and friends. The mystery moved along at a nice pace, with plenty of suspects and motives. There is also a great slow burn romance between characters with quite a bit of history.
This is the first book I've read in the series but I had no trouble jumping in here. I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future. 4.5 stars
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC. The opinions in this review are honest and my own. #OnTheLamb #cozymystery #mystery
June 25, 2020
This latest installment of the Kebab Kitchen mystery series is even better than the last! What could be better than the fun characters, tantalizing food descriptions, and a murder! There were so many twists and turns that I was kept guessing until the very end. The author generously included some authentic recipes that I would love to try out. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series!!
February 26, 2021
4 stelle e mezza
La serie mi piace e si legge che un piacere, ma a volte mi sembra che la protagonista si prenda un po' troppi rischi e viaggi sempre al limite della legge...
La serie mi piace e si legge che un piacere, ma a volte mi sembra che la protagonista si prenda un po' troppi rischi e viaggi sempre al limite della legge...
February 25, 2020
ON THE LAMB by Tina Kashian
The Fourth Kebab Kitchen Mystery
An early springtime bonfire on the beach with friends is just the thing Lucy Berberian needs to celebrate the annual Bikers on the Beach fundraiser and the upcoming Easter holiday. The mood is seriously dampened when Lucy's friend, Melanie, finds her landlord dead on the beach shortly after he crashed the party and started an argument with her. Things look even worse when a piece of Melanie's taffy is found lodged in his throat. Managing the Kebab Kitchen and settling in to her new apartment still leaves Lucy plenty of time to satisfy her curiosity, especially when Melanie asks for her help. Plenty of people could have wanted the man dead, but who actually did the deed? The wife he was in the midst of divorcing? It couldn't be his feisty, but elderly, aunt who happens to be Lucy's new landlady...or could it? The more people Lucy meets who knew the man, the more people with motives she finds...including two of Michael's motorcycle friends. Lucy wants to believe that Melanie is innocent, but she's hiding something. Is it the fact they she really did kill her landlord?
Compelling characters and a variety of relationships add flavor and nuances to this fourth Kebab Kitchen Mystery. I love how both of Lucy's parents are dealing with their semi-retirement and their reactions to celebrity Chef Kurt make me smile. Perhaps he'll have a starring role in an upcoming book?! The relationships between sisters as well as aunt and nephew also play important roles here. Don't get me started about Lucy and Azad...I can't stop smiling. Although I worry that Lucy may be playing with fire with her friendship with Michael.
I generally like it better when the murder victim is a louse. Landlord Gilbert Lubinski is absolutely despicable and I am glad he was murdered, especially if what what another tenant said about him was true! Having a horrible person killed also greatly increases the number of suspects making for a trickier puzzle to solve. I love how Lucy and Katie subtly, and at times not so subtly, investigate all the possible murderers, yet still stay in contact with the police. I also love how Mrs. Lubinski gets involved and look forward to seeing more of her and Cupid in the future.
An intricate mystery, an abundance of motives, a large dollop of intriguing characters, and a pinch of romance blended with a hint of salt from the Jersey Shore blend together to make ON THE LAMB a fun heartwarming story.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
The Fourth Kebab Kitchen Mystery
An early springtime bonfire on the beach with friends is just the thing Lucy Berberian needs to celebrate the annual Bikers on the Beach fundraiser and the upcoming Easter holiday. The mood is seriously dampened when Lucy's friend, Melanie, finds her landlord dead on the beach shortly after he crashed the party and started an argument with her. Things look even worse when a piece of Melanie's taffy is found lodged in his throat. Managing the Kebab Kitchen and settling in to her new apartment still leaves Lucy plenty of time to satisfy her curiosity, especially when Melanie asks for her help. Plenty of people could have wanted the man dead, but who actually did the deed? The wife he was in the midst of divorcing? It couldn't be his feisty, but elderly, aunt who happens to be Lucy's new landlady...or could it? The more people Lucy meets who knew the man, the more people with motives she finds...including two of Michael's motorcycle friends. Lucy wants to believe that Melanie is innocent, but she's hiding something. Is it the fact they she really did kill her landlord?
Compelling characters and a variety of relationships add flavor and nuances to this fourth Kebab Kitchen Mystery. I love how both of Lucy's parents are dealing with their semi-retirement and their reactions to celebrity Chef Kurt make me smile. Perhaps he'll have a starring role in an upcoming book?! The relationships between sisters as well as aunt and nephew also play important roles here. Don't get me started about Lucy and Azad...I can't stop smiling. Although I worry that Lucy may be playing with fire with her friendship with Michael.
I generally like it better when the murder victim is a louse. Landlord Gilbert Lubinski is absolutely despicable and I am glad he was murdered, especially if what what another tenant said about him was true! Having a horrible person killed also greatly increases the number of suspects making for a trickier puzzle to solve. I love how Lucy and Katie subtly, and at times not so subtly, investigate all the possible murderers, yet still stay in contact with the police. I also love how Mrs. Lubinski gets involved and look forward to seeing more of her and Cupid in the future.
An intricate mystery, an abundance of motives, a large dollop of intriguing characters, and a pinch of romance blended with a hint of salt from the Jersey Shore blend together to make ON THE LAMB a fun heartwarming story.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
January 17, 2020
I would call this an average cozy mystery. There was nothing special about it but nothing really wrong with it either. Just a typical a murder happens, the main character decides to investigate, gets into trouble and is rescued, while the killer is revealed. In this case the killer is a surprise at the end. The boy does get the girl in the end as well. It's enjoyable. #OntheLamb #NetGalley
February 6, 2020
ON THE LAMB, the fourth book in the Kebab Kitchen Mystery series by Tina Kashian, is a delightful read that immerses the reader in the boardwalk culture of Ocean Crest, New Jersey. Ms. Kashian does a fabulous job with her descriptive voice and I felt like I was there experiencing the beachy tourist destination and beautiful ocean views. The protagonist, Lucy Berberian, works as the manager for her family’s Mediterranean restaurant, Kebab Kitchen. I love how close-knit her family is, from her parents (who are trying to ease into semi-retirement) to her sister, Emma, along with her sweet niece and brother-in-law. Their interaction seems realistic and the support between the family members is also extended to the other employees who work at their restaurant. The author also creates many memorable characters that adds to the entertainment of the book, such as Lucy’s new elderly landlady…she’s a hoot…and a Harley-riding biker named Pumpkin.
When her landlady’s nephew is found murdered on the beach during a bonfire event, the local candy shop owner, Melanie, becomes a suspect because of an argument she had with him shortly before his demise. Melanie begs Lucy to find the truth so she begins to ask questions around town. Assisting Lucy is her best friend, Katie. They make a great team and I enjoyed how they not only egg each other on, but then they try to talk sense into each other before getting into danger. This leads to some humorous situations. There were plenty of suspects who hated the dead man and keeps the reader guessing. With an edge-of-your seat reveal, the author kept me turning pages faster and faster until I’d read the very last page.
Not only does Lucy run Kebab Kitchen, but she’s dating the head chef, Azad, and is planning to host her very first family Easter dinner. There are so many mouth-watering mentions of food throughout the book and, luckily for the reader, Ms. Kashian provides a few recipes at the end.
I was provided an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When her landlady’s nephew is found murdered on the beach during a bonfire event, the local candy shop owner, Melanie, becomes a suspect because of an argument she had with him shortly before his demise. Melanie begs Lucy to find the truth so she begins to ask questions around town. Assisting Lucy is her best friend, Katie. They make a great team and I enjoyed how they not only egg each other on, but then they try to talk sense into each other before getting into danger. This leads to some humorous situations. There were plenty of suspects who hated the dead man and keeps the reader guessing. With an edge-of-your seat reveal, the author kept me turning pages faster and faster until I’d read the very last page.
Not only does Lucy run Kebab Kitchen, but she’s dating the head chef, Azad, and is planning to host her very first family Easter dinner. There are so many mouth-watering mentions of food throughout the book and, luckily for the reader, Ms. Kashian provides a few recipes at the end.
I was provided an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 6, 2020
Tina Kashian has done it again with another cracking story!
Lucy is preparing to move out of her friends house, so her brother in law has been looking for properties that are within her budget, he finds a house share (Lucy would have the upstairs, Mrs Lubinski (Eloisa) the downstairs, this way Eloisa can stop her somewhat greedy nephew from placing her in a care home and cashing the house (which is near the shore) in. Lucy is not sure, she doesn't want to be a caregiver after all, but it turns out that Eloisa is still as sharp as anything and so the deal is struck, Lucy then has the misfortune of running across Gilbert Lubinski at the house and then at the first beach bonfire of the year, the third time she sees him though is the killer, or more to the point he has been killed! and a friend of Lucy's family (Melanie Haven of Haven's Sweets) is the prime suspect.
Now Lucy and her friend Katie need to side step around Katie's police officer husband and find out the truth, otherwise Melanie won't be making any more fudge and taffy but rather wearing orange and cooking prison food!
Lucy is preparing to move out of her friends house, so her brother in law has been looking for properties that are within her budget, he finds a house share (Lucy would have the upstairs, Mrs Lubinski (Eloisa) the downstairs, this way Eloisa can stop her somewhat greedy nephew from placing her in a care home and cashing the house (which is near the shore) in. Lucy is not sure, she doesn't want to be a caregiver after all, but it turns out that Eloisa is still as sharp as anything and so the deal is struck, Lucy then has the misfortune of running across Gilbert Lubinski at the house and then at the first beach bonfire of the year, the third time she sees him though is the killer, or more to the point he has been killed! and a friend of Lucy's family (Melanie Haven of Haven's Sweets) is the prime suspect.
Now Lucy and her friend Katie need to side step around Katie's police officer husband and find out the truth, otherwise Melanie won't be making any more fudge and taffy but rather wearing orange and cooking prison food!
February 3, 2020
The perfect compliment to this feast of a series! Good food, engaging characters, and a mystery that will keep you as captivated as a delicious plate full of baklava. The author does a good job building on already established character relationships all while building new ones with the perfect amount of guessing. A superb read!
March 1, 2020
Another great cozy with likable relatable to me characters but what I enjoyed most was the closeness of family and also that the "who did it" wasn't so easily recognized because almost everybody was a suspect! Also I love love love it when recipes are included!
I was given a free copy for an honest review.
I was given a free copy for an honest review.
November 20, 2021
By far the best book in the series as I haven't been a huge fan of the other ones. I would give this one 3.5 stars but bumped it to 4 since Goodreads wouldn't do half stars. I do think that if the elderly landlady wasn't in this one I might not have enjoyed it as much as I did but she was a hoot!! :)
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