Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Northwest Cozy Mystery #8

Murder and Food Porn

Rate this book
Food porn can be addictive, but is it worth murder?When her food photographer is murdered, the police ask Cassie's husband, ex-Mafia man, Al, to help. Al’s ways of solving murder don’t always follow police procedurals.A cozy mystery that leaves you with a smile on your face! As always plenty of dogs, mouth-watering food, and recipes.This is the eighth book in the popular Northwest Cozy Mystery Series by a two-time USA Today bestselling author. Download now by scrolling up this page and clicking on the Buy button.

152 pages, Paperback

Published September 2, 2018

545 people are currently reading
159 people want to read

About the author

Dianne Harman

298 books618 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
409 (61%)
4 stars
169 (25%)
3 stars
66 (9%)
2 stars
13 (1%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Uvi Poznansky.
Author 41 books359 followers
October 15, 2018
In Murder and Food Porn, Dianne Harman found an amusing way to combine food, sex, and murder into the genre she excels at, cozy mystery. The story opens with the murder of highly paid food photographer Toni, whose cover for YumYum magazine features fruit that is, in fact, arranged on a naked woman’s torso for best effect.

Police chief Dan Hewson asks Al, ex-mafia man, to be on the case, and Al— accompanied by the dog, Red—starts sifting through evidence. His accent is distinct, and makes him a fun character. “I don’t know much about food, apart from eaten’ it.’ Can he investigate the suspects and find the real culprit before Hillary, the victim’s sister, finds herself in danger, too?

The task is not easy, given the number of possible suspects. The story includes a big cast: Sophia, the woman who wants to possess Jace Carson, Toni’s adoring boyfriend. Tyler Alexander, who tries to squeeze money out of Toni. Hector the janitor, who is disappointed that Toni wouldn’t date guys like him. “Toni will pay for how she’s treated me, I’ll make sure of it.” Ethan Doyle, whose dental work has been one of many extravagant gifts from his wife, Toni’s mother, before she died. His grief is not stopping him, by any means, from lavishing his attention on other women, including Toni. Barrie Jones, who hates her boss, Toni, but fakes gratitude to her and promises, “You can count on me,” only to admit, “I’m sick of all of her stupid rules.” She wants to become a food photographer, so if Toni dies, her business would be put up for sale, taking her a step closer to her target. .

The story straddles both sides of the murder, revealing the thoughts of each suspect before the event, and Al’s investigation after the event, advancing toward solving the mystery.

Five stars.

I received the book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Julie Howard.
Author 2 books32 followers
January 18, 2021
I enjoyed this book. Mainly because it had a lot of familiar characters that we have met over the course of the series. When you say Northwest cozy mystery series I think of DeeDee and her husband Jake but with them off helping out, it is left to Cassie and Al to handle the investigation. Like normal the story starts with the murder and then goes over interactions between the main suspects and the victim, giving you an insight into why each person wanted her dead, then it's up to you and the main characters to figure out who had the biggest reason. I like the story written this way because it keeps you guessing and makes for an interesting investigation.
Cassie is writing a food book about someone of the interesting food she has blogged about and arranged a dinner with her photographer and her sister to discuss it. When Toni doesn't arrive they never thought it was because she had been murdered. Her sister finds the body and calls Cassie and Al for support and because they are the only people she knows in town. Al is handling all Jake's cases while he is out of town and knowing this the under staffed police chief asks Al to lend a hand. Toni was a popular food photographer but as Hilary helps Al get to know her dead sister they find out that not everybody liked her. But which one had the biggest reason to killer her?
I liked the narrator, she was laid back and softly spoken but you never had a problem knowing which character was talking.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
597 reviews4 followers
September 20, 2018
So far I have read everyone of the Northwest cozy Mystery series.
They make an easy entertaining read, great to relax for a while. These books can be read as stand-alone but I think you enjoy them more if you have gotten more background on the characters by reading them in order. In this series Dianne Harman always introduces all the characters with motives or desire to murder the victim often even before the murder took place. Sometimes you got the feeling that in some cases it came down to who got to the murder victim first. Lots of clues but even with those you can be way off. Having encountered Al in the previous stories the use of the dialect didn't annoy me but seeing he was such a main character in this one it did border on a bit much certainly to people who have not read the previous books so I feel it would be an improvement if the author would find a way to tone it down a bit without losing the essence of who Al is
2,287 reviews44 followers
October 25, 2020
For the second book in a row in Dianne Harman's Northwest Cozy Mystery series, Dee Dee and her husband Jake Rogers are off doing their own thing, leaving the sleuthing to Al De Duco and Luke Robertson. Toni Adams and her sister Hillary are getting ready to go off on a voyage to the glaciers. Before that happens, Toni is shot to death! The people in her life are shocked. Hillary hires Al and company to find the killer while she stays with Al and his wife Cassie. They discover that there are several people who had "beefs" with Toni and her food photography business on Bainbridge Island. Now they just need to narrow down the list of possible suspects until they find the cold blooded killer. Although I miss hearing about Dee Dee and Jake, the other characters in this series are interesting and keep me turning the pages to find out what happens next! This series is consistently good!
7,786 reviews50 followers
December 26, 2018
Toni was a good food photographer, being highly in demand she could set her prices. She had a knack how to take the food layouts they wanted, and clients seemed to like her. She still got irritating phone calls from her mother’s last husband. Ethan was convinced if Toni would just give him a chance she would love him. Both Toni and Hilary called him for what he was. Never worked a day, and got lonely women to give him the life style he wanted. Now he is desperate for money. Toni has an assistant that isn’t happy, and making mistakes that Toni doesn’t like. Who killed her, and why. The chief of police ask ex mafia Al to look into having Hillary hire him, so they would get the killer and closer. For me his accent, and his role was too much in the story. Otherwise another good mystery by the author.
Profile Image for Michele.
1,852 reviews62 followers
September 11, 2018
Oh-you just have to love the ex Mafia guy-Al DeDuca. He is certainly a character unto himself. He has been helping a friend out with his private detective work--yup--since he fell in love--and got married--even the police ask for his help. And Al knows how to get the job done--without any of the red tape!! His love for dogs proves just what a real softie he is inside! Of course some of his methods-----

Can an ex Mafia guy make you love him and have you laughing--this one certainly can!

The foods that are described in this book sound delicious--some of the recipes are at the end!
Murder and Food Porn
490 reviews
October 22, 2018
I LOVe the character Al De Dico. I liked him the instant he was introduced. This book features Al and his wife Cassie and their dog, Red. Red actually had a big role in this book! A friend of Cassie’s is murdered and Al and his two coworkers help solve the murder. There are many suspects and Al with help is able to find the killer. The book is delightful, easy reading, and there’s suspense at almost the end with Red helping out. The book ends with an addition of a pup named Spike and a lead into the next possible book which will include their friends , Jake and Deedee taking place in Al’s place in the Cayman Islands. Can’t wait!
Profile Image for Genevieve.
1,377 reviews13 followers
March 27, 2020
I really like this book. The characters are great I love , ex-Mafia man, Al, and the fact that he is suppose to be this tough mafia man but more than once Cassie his wife has to tell him not to cry or he will do something really sappy for his wife which I just love. The story line was good and fast moving with a lot of suspects that might have killed the victim.
The only complaint is one I have seen in other reviews we started off this series with one main character Dee Dee and now they are not even in the series and the series has changed into new people. I think the series should have changed names when they changed people.
2,740 reviews12 followers
December 3, 2021
So many suspects to choose from!

A Bainbridge Island resident is murdered. She is a friend of Cassie’s so her sister asks Cassie’s husband ex-Mafia man, Al De Duco, to solve the case. The plethora of suspects that might have wanted the food photographer dead will keep Al and his team busy chasing down clues.

Diane Harmon’s writes wonderful cozy mysteries. I especially like Al’s tough guy character. The Northwest Cozy Mystery Series books always have humor and drama, as well as tasty recipes to try out at the end of the book. I can’t wait to try the recipe for Julie’s Chocolate Chip Cookies at the back of this one.
Profile Image for Nancy Silk.
Author 5 books82 followers
October 16, 2018
"Great Characters And Story Line"

Here's another cozy mystery which will make you smile. There are lots of dogs, scrumptious food, and recipes. Oh,did I mention murder? Well, yes. Cassie's food photographer is killed while her ex-mafia husband, Al, steps forward to help. Al follows no laws, he has his own way of finding the murderer. Cripes, I loved this story! You'll love it, too, especially some recipes. Highly recommend.
231 reviews2 followers
October 26, 2019
Murder and Food Porn

Another fast mystery read from Diane Harman. Same usual plot. Describe the actual murder or find the body, introduce the possible murderers and then play detective and eliminate the suspects one by one. I love the Seattle/Bainbridge Island setting and specific to this book, a peek into food multimedia. Some great recipes tucked into back of book. To the proofreaders, you've missed a few.


Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,184 reviews7 followers
July 10, 2020
This is the 8th in the series. The main characters are Al and his wife Cassie. Al is running the PI business for Jack while Jack and his wife go back east. The couple is expecting company for dinner when Cassie gets a call that the main person coming has been found dead. Al gets there before the police and he gets permission to help the sister find out who did this and with the OK from the police he sets out to find out who did this. Can he figure it out before it too late ?
26 reviews
September 9, 2018
Waste of time

Unless the people in the northwest have started talking like they came from New Jersey this author has a strange handle on dialects At first it was just annoying, then the plot got sillier and sillier as possible guilty parties were thrown around like Pinata trinkets. Sorry I wasted my time, and even worse, I paid for it.
667 reviews8 followers
September 18, 2018
A Northwest cozy Mystery series book 8

This is another winner. I love all her characters and different series she writes. I have read all her mysteries and highly recommend all her books to everyone who love cozy mysteries. Also the recipes she has at the end of her books sound really yummy. Diana Romano
Profile Image for Kathy.
614 reviews12 followers
January 2, 2019
I don't understand why a series that starts out with one main character for several books (this is the 8th) can switch main characters. I was reading a series about a caterer named Dee Dee and her sister. Now I'm reading about her friend and the friend's husband. All in all a decent book but it should not be included in the series.
Profile Image for Lee Brothers.
1,395 reviews15 followers
August 6, 2020
What a twisted little story this is. Ms Harman has the imagination and the ability to write a great story. I might not have thought too much of it except it happened to me too. Love the addition of another dog!! And the next book is supposed to take place in the Caribbean!! I can’t wait to leave it!!
360 reviews
October 20, 2020
Murder and Food Porn

Awesome read, characters and storyline. Two sisters one moved to Florida to be closer to her mother, which she nor her sister trusted or liked her mother’s husband. One does Food Porn for a living. Sound interesting? It really is! Lots going on , a definite must read to find out all the goodies
Profile Image for Carolann Hiller.
312 reviews7 followers
September 10, 2018
Another great read

I particularly love the Norhwest series. It's special to be familiar with Seattle and Bainbridge island. Outstanding characters that seem like old friends now. Read all these books.
Profile Image for Marcia-Lee Finocchio.
604 reviews6 followers
September 13, 2018
What can one say, another fantastic story in this series by Dianne Harman. A friend of Al and Cassie is murdered, Al is hired to find the murderer and the storyline begins! Great reading as always. Love Dianne writing!
305 reviews
September 24, 2018
Another great cozy mystery

Love this author, she writes interesting stories about different places and venues. Live the food angle in this one. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. I jave jer books on my must read list.
685 reviews4 followers
February 4, 2019
Good story

Another good story. Love the characters but I still miss DeeDee and Jake. This was a good mystery although again I figured out who the murderer was. Looking to the next adventure.
16 reviews1 follower
March 2, 2019
Great

Recipes included with this great read only added to the delight in reading this book - totally enjoyable - in fact I read straight thru - looking forward to next book in series!
Profile Image for Judy Roberts.
88 reviews
April 4, 2019
Another great read

The book begins intensely and builds to quote the conclusion. Loved the characters along with Red, the dog detective. Engrossing reading, took my Kindle everywhere to keep reading!
Profile Image for Joan Mills.
118 reviews1 follower
November 1, 2019
Written in cozy mystery format, story unfolds as photography CEO is murdered in her home. Suspects range from disgruntled employee to boyfriend’s ex.
The plot is straightforward, and linear. Characters are realistic and consistent.
An enjoyable cozy mystery.
Profile Image for Patricia White.
293 reviews3 followers
July 6, 2020
Fantastic series

I’m liking this series. Al and his team are doing a great job solving these crimes. Cassie is always there in the motherly role I’d need be to lend a helping hand. And Red is always on guard dog duty! The book is well balanced. And the recipes are good.
273 reviews
July 17, 2020
Too many suspects

Who killed Toni and why? Follow Al the lovable ex mobster and his dog Red as they help Hillary, Toni’s sister, and the police solve the crime. You won’t be able to put the book down until you finish it.
1,115 reviews8 followers
July 3, 2022
8th book in the Northwest cozy mysteries finds Al and his PI team investigating the murder of a local food photographer on Bainbridge Island. Several folks had motive to kill her so it takes the team to work out who did it. Working my way through this series this weekend - light and fun reads
25 reviews
November 26, 2023
Which one killed Toni?

Insightful analysis of each suspect. Combination of action and detail. Reasons for dropping each from suspect list. Solving the crime isn't on the very last page of story.
411 reviews1 follower
November 10, 2024
and another good book

I’m thoroughly enjoying this series. I almost feel like I’m in Seattle with all of them. I’ve never been to bainbridge island but feel like I know it just from reading these books. I can’t wait to see where the next one takes place.
69 reviews1 follower
September 13, 2018
Good read

Well written just had a problem with one character's depiction of speech. It seemed to be too much. Otherwise, interesting book. Liked the location.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.