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Marygene Brown Mystery #2
Southern Sass and a Crispy Corpse
On Georgia’s picturesque Peach Cove Island, a killer is serving up a two-for-one special . . .
After their mama's passing, Marygene Brown returned to Peach Cove Island to help her sister Jena Lynn run the family diner, renowned for its homemade peach desserts. But Mama is never too far away—her sassy spirit haunts the island, and more specifically Marygene. Lately Mama has been warning her that the dead will seek her out to solve their murders, an idea Marygene is far from peachy keen on.
But that prophecy appears to be coming true when she goes skinny-dipping off the island and swims right into a woman's charred corpse floating in the waves. And when Marygene and her brother Sam come upon a second burned body in a wine cellar at an event they're catering, it appears they have a double homicide on their hands. It soon turns out the victims have more in common than their charred remains, and Marygene will need to double down to find a killer who has no aversion to playing with fire. Good thing Mama has her back . . .
Includes Seven Recipes from Marygene’s Kitchen!
After their mama's passing, Marygene Brown returned to Peach Cove Island to help her sister Jena Lynn run the family diner, renowned for its homemade peach desserts. But Mama is never too far away—her sassy spirit haunts the island, and more specifically Marygene. Lately Mama has been warning her that the dead will seek her out to solve their murders, an idea Marygene is far from peachy keen on.
But that prophecy appears to be coming true when she goes skinny-dipping off the island and swims right into a woman's charred corpse floating in the waves. And when Marygene and her brother Sam come upon a second burned body in a wine cellar at an event they're catering, it appears they have a double homicide on their hands. It soon turns out the victims have more in common than their charred remains, and Marygene will need to double down to find a killer who has no aversion to playing with fire. Good thing Mama has her back . . .
Includes Seven Recipes from Marygene’s Kitchen!
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2020
39 people are currently reading
1199 people want to read
About the author
Kate Young
23 books1,164 followersKate Young writes Southern mystery novels. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and Georgia Writers Association. Kate lives in a small town in Georgia with her husband, three kids, and Shih Tzu.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
May 11, 2020
Marygene Brown has recently moved back home to Peach Cove, a small island off the Georgia coast, to help her sister and brother run the family diner. Her deceased mother may be physically gone, but her spirit haunts the island, and more specifically Marygene. According to her mother, because of their connection, spirits will seek Marygene out to solve their murders. And much to Marygene's dismay, this turns out to be true. When she goes skinny dipping off the island, she swims right into a woman's charred corpse. Later, she finds a second burned corpse in her friend's wine cellar. The investigation reveals that the remains belong to twins, Kayla and Pamela Dryer, who both vanished two decades ago. Marygene is determined to uncover the truth, especially when it becomes apparent that the people closest to her know a lot more about the twins than they're letting on.
This delightful read is full of humor, southern charm, and memorable characters. The writing style flows smoothly, and the story has a good pace that will keep the reader engaged and turning pages. The author did a wonderful job with the descriptions, which made it easy to visualize the lovely island setting and to feel like you're part of the small tight-knit community of Peach Cove. Marygene is a feisty and likable main character. I enjoyed getting to know her and the residents of Peach Cove. Her friend and co-worker, Betsy, was a hoot, and I loved Marygene's interactions with her mom and Javier. I didn't care for Alex and his short temper and would much rather see Javier as her love interest. The murder mystery had enough twists, turns, and suspects to keep me guessing until the action-packed reveal.
Overall, this was a charming cozy mystery, with mouthwatering descriptions of food, a touch of paranormal, and a well-crafted murder mystery. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This delightful read is full of humor, southern charm, and memorable characters. The writing style flows smoothly, and the story has a good pace that will keep the reader engaged and turning pages. The author did a wonderful job with the descriptions, which made it easy to visualize the lovely island setting and to feel like you're part of the small tight-knit community of Peach Cove. Marygene is a feisty and likable main character. I enjoyed getting to know her and the residents of Peach Cove. Her friend and co-worker, Betsy, was a hoot, and I loved Marygene's interactions with her mom and Javier. I didn't care for Alex and his short temper and would much rather see Javier as her love interest. The murder mystery had enough twists, turns, and suspects to keep me guessing until the action-packed reveal.
Overall, this was a charming cozy mystery, with mouthwatering descriptions of food, a touch of paranormal, and a well-crafted murder mystery. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2021
In this second book in the 'Marygene Brown Mystery' series, the baker/amateur sleuth discovers two crispy corpses. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
Marygene Brown escaped from an abusive marriage and returned to her home in Peach Cove Island, Georgia. There Marygene helps run the Peach Diner with her sister Jena Lynn. Marygene is a wonderful baker, and prepares most of the diner's scrumptious desserts.
Marygene has a secret that's shared only with her best friend Betsy. Marygene is haunted by the ghost of her Mama - Clara Brown - whose spirit is tied to Peach Cove Island until she 'makes amends.'
The amends involve Mama getting Marygene to investigate local murders, so the perpetrators can be brought to justice. Because of this 'jinx' Marygene is always finding dead bodies.
In this book Marygene finds two corpses, both burnt to a crisp. The first body bumps into Marygene when she's skinny-dipping in the ocean, and Marygene finds the second body when she's catering a home-viewing event.
Mama's ghost tells Marygene she has to solve the murders so Mama can get 'points' toward entering the pearly gates.
Marygene's biological father, Eddie Carter, is the sheriff of Peach Cove Island, and Marygene vows to help him solve the crimes.....much to Eddie's chagrin.
In any case Marygene snoops around and wheedles information out of her 'informants', including Deputy Sheriff Alex Myers and coroner Teddy Gaskin.
It turns out the murders are cold cases tied to some of Peach Cove Island's older residents, including Marygene's deceased Mama and Betsy's Meemaw. The scenes with Meemaw - who has a healthy appetite and blurts out whatever's on her mind - are very amusing.
While Marygene is investigating the murders she's also dealing with events in her personal life. Marygene and deputy Alex Myers were 'a thing' until Alex was caught flirting with a blonde knockout.
While Marygene is debating what to do about Alex she's attracted to a new deputy sheriff, Javier Reyes.
This 'triangle' leads to jealousy and potential conflict in the sheriff's office. (In my opinion Marygene should look OUTSIDE the sheriff's office for a love interest.)
The book has an array of colorful characters, including Marygene's friend Yvonne - who's starting a career in home makeovers; Marygene's brother Sam - who cooks at the Peach Cove Diner; Evelyn Gentry - the snobby wife of the mayor; Junior Gentry - Evelyn's son, who's hired as a busboy; Aunt Vi - who likes yoga pants and string bikinis; and more.
The story builds to an exciting climax where the killer is revealed. The perp was a surprise to me, so well done Kate Young. 😊
Like other 'culinary cozies' there's a good deal of cooking, baking, and eating in the story, with recipes included at the end.
This is an enjoyable cozy, recommended to fans of light mysteries.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author (Kate Young), and the publisher (Kensington Books) for a copy of the book.
Recipes in the book include:
Cheese Biscuits
Broccoli and Cheese Soup
Sourdough Croutons
Roadkill (Ground Beef)
Chicken and Dumplings
Peach Muffins
Lime Cream Puffs
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
June 18, 2020
Southern Sass and a Crispy Corpse by Kate Young is the second book in the paranormal cozy Marygene Brown Mystery series. Each book of this series has it’s own mystery that is fully solved within so they can be read as a standalone if choosing to do so. There is however some character development that carries over book to book for those that read from the beginning.
Marygene Brown grew up in Peach Cove Island off the Georgia coast where her family has run the Peach Diner for generations. Marygene had left Peach Cove Island when she married but now after her divorce and her mother’s passing Marygene has returned to help her sister run the family business. Shortly after Marygene had returned and begun to work in the diner with her sister she gets a visit from the ghost of her mother.
Not only is Marygene able to communicate with the ghost of her mother but her mother has warned her that she is open to the spirits and others will track her down for help. Unfortunately for Marygene this seems to be true when she finds a body in the water while out swimming and then a short time later she and her brother stumble upon another corpse while working at an event leaving Marygene needing to track down the killer before more bodies turn up.
I am one that is always looking for those books that are a bit out of the ordinary so paranormal cozies always catch my attention. The Marygene Brown Mystery series is one that has that bit of extra quirkiness that I love with the main character communicating with a ghost as she pokes around in an investigation so I had to come back for book two and it was just as much fun as the first. I’ll definitely look forward to coming back to this small town cozy series in the future.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Marygene Brown grew up in Peach Cove Island off the Georgia coast where her family has run the Peach Diner for generations. Marygene had left Peach Cove Island when she married but now after her divorce and her mother’s passing Marygene has returned to help her sister run the family business. Shortly after Marygene had returned and begun to work in the diner with her sister she gets a visit from the ghost of her mother.
Not only is Marygene able to communicate with the ghost of her mother but her mother has warned her that she is open to the spirits and others will track her down for help. Unfortunately for Marygene this seems to be true when she finds a body in the water while out swimming and then a short time later she and her brother stumble upon another corpse while working at an event leaving Marygene needing to track down the killer before more bodies turn up.
I am one that is always looking for those books that are a bit out of the ordinary so paranormal cozies always catch my attention. The Marygene Brown Mystery series is one that has that bit of extra quirkiness that I love with the main character communicating with a ghost as she pokes around in an investigation so I had to come back for book two and it was just as much fun as the first. I’ll definitely look forward to coming back to this small town cozy series in the future.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
May 30, 2020
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Who knew a little skinny dipping would land Marygene smack dab in the middle of a murder investigation and earn her a lecture from her deceased mother too. Of course, she never imagined she would swim into a charred corpse and then find another burned body in the basement at an event she was catering. Looks like a double homicide but Marygene soon learns it is so much more and people she loves may have the answers she needs to solve the case.
This is just the second book and I am already so invested in these characters. After what Marygene has been through I the best for her but she faces several trials and tribulations. One that had tears rolling down my face. The emotions invoked shows the high attention to detail the author puts into her character development. I love that the Peach Diner is a true family business with now Marygene joining her brother Sam and sister Jena Lynn. The family is close and Sheriff Eddie Carter now revealed as Marygene’s biological father that adds another great limb to the family tree. Of course, her mother’s spirit dropping in unexpectedly adds even more charm.
Ms. Young does a stellar job of blending real-life happenings with a complicated murder mystery while keeping the mystery the main focus. There turn out to be a good number of suspects and twist upon twist to keep readers on our toes. Definitely not an easy mystery to solve. I was kept guessing right up to the exciting reveal.
Peach Cove Island is full of Southern charm and a place I would love to visit. The author’s descriptive style brings the island alive.
Southern Sass and a Crispy Corpse is not your typical cozy mystery is it so much more. A great mystery with such strong characters. The perfect amounts of humor, drama, conflict, and romance take this story to another level. I loved this story. Oh, there are recipes too!! Look for this book on my Best Reads of 2020 List.
Who knew a little skinny dipping would land Marygene smack dab in the middle of a murder investigation and earn her a lecture from her deceased mother too. Of course, she never imagined she would swim into a charred corpse and then find another burned body in the basement at an event she was catering. Looks like a double homicide but Marygene soon learns it is so much more and people she loves may have the answers she needs to solve the case.
This is just the second book and I am already so invested in these characters. After what Marygene has been through I the best for her but she faces several trials and tribulations. One that had tears rolling down my face. The emotions invoked shows the high attention to detail the author puts into her character development. I love that the Peach Diner is a true family business with now Marygene joining her brother Sam and sister Jena Lynn. The family is close and Sheriff Eddie Carter now revealed as Marygene’s biological father that adds another great limb to the family tree. Of course, her mother’s spirit dropping in unexpectedly adds even more charm.
Ms. Young does a stellar job of blending real-life happenings with a complicated murder mystery while keeping the mystery the main focus. There turn out to be a good number of suspects and twist upon twist to keep readers on our toes. Definitely not an easy mystery to solve. I was kept guessing right up to the exciting reveal.
Peach Cove Island is full of Southern charm and a place I would love to visit. The author’s descriptive style brings the island alive.
Southern Sass and a Crispy Corpse is not your typical cozy mystery is it so much more. A great mystery with such strong characters. The perfect amounts of humor, drama, conflict, and romance take this story to another level. I loved this story. Oh, there are recipes too!! Look for this book on my Best Reads of 2020 List.
December 18, 2020
Marygene Brown, after a bad marriage in Savannah, has returned home to Peach Cove Island for good. She's taken her part in ownership of the family restaurant as the main baker, and is living inthe home her mother left her after she passed. But her mother never passed away permanently -- she's returned on and off as a spirit that only Marygene can see. Oh, there are people who believe in island spirits, but it's mainly the older ones and her friend Betsy, who waitresses at the restaurant.
The thing is, her mother only shows up now and again when she needs to tell Marygene something or help her, and right now, when Marygene is skinny dipping in the river, she needs to help her...because a charred body is floating near her. After Marygene has done screaming and putting herself together, she calls Eddie, who's her father and also the sheriff.
But things are never easy these days: Eddie has hired a deputy who looks on her with suspicion, and her relationship with her ex-boyfriend Alex is heated again. But when she's catering a party for her friend Yvonne, it takes a nasty turn: another body is found in the cellar by Margene and her brother Sam. Yet that's not the worst of it, and Marygene is finding herself in a firestorm of trouble, one that could get her killed once again...
This is the second book in the series and I have to say that I enjoyed it quite as much as the first. This series is like a breath of fresh air in the cozy genre; there is no 'evil nemesis' (at least none permanent), which I absolutely loathe when it occurs. Nothing takes away from a good story than a person who ruins it by trying to destroy the life of someone.
Marygene is a damaged soul: she has a past that still causes her pain and she's having trouble moving on from it, and now she has her mother as a guardian spirit - with rules: her mother isn't allowed to be with her all the time, and comes and goes without Marygene being able to determine. She's also trying to create a different relationship with Eddie, whom she's only known was her father since she was sixteen. But she has a strong relationship with her sister Jena Lynn and brother Sam; and, of course, Betsy, who sticks by her and understands about the island ghosts like no one else.
Still, there's the matter of the bodies: it seems they've been identified as twins who disappeared twenty-five years ago. But there are complications: there's a group of women - one of which was Marygene's mother Clara - who knew them and the living ones might have clues as to what happened. But since they're all giving different stories, Eddie isn't getting anywhere with it. And Marygene thinks Eddie might be hiding something himself. Now Marygene is determined to find out the truth since if she doesn't, her mother told her the spirits could be vengeful.
We also have the return of reporter Calhoun, and I like him even more in this book than I did in the last. He's a reporter with ethics, and he cares about Marygene. I definitely like him more than Alex, who has a hair-trigger temper. I'd like to see more come of it, although I don't think even if it did that it would be awhile. I'm just glad he's still in the narrative. He was good to her in the last book, and just so in this one, too. We also have a new deputy in the picture who has an attraction for Marygene, but rightly she's working through her issues, which are primary to her.
The mystery was a very good one, and it took time to sift through suspects and what really became of the young women so long ago, and why their bodies surfaced just now. When everything started to come together, it was a strange and sad tale all at the same time. Desperation and sadness make people do things that I've never understood and probably never will.
All in all, it was an intriguing mystery that kept me reading and trying to filter out the clues as to finding a killer; it was written well and the climax was done nicely. I would love nothing more than to read the next in the series immediately; so I will have to patiently wait until that comes about. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy from the publisher and NetGalley but it it no way influenced my review.
https://joannesbooks.blogspot.com/202...
The thing is, her mother only shows up now and again when she needs to tell Marygene something or help her, and right now, when Marygene is skinny dipping in the river, she needs to help her...because a charred body is floating near her. After Marygene has done screaming and putting herself together, she calls Eddie, who's her father and also the sheriff.
But things are never easy these days: Eddie has hired a deputy who looks on her with suspicion, and her relationship with her ex-boyfriend Alex is heated again. But when she's catering a party for her friend Yvonne, it takes a nasty turn: another body is found in the cellar by Margene and her brother Sam. Yet that's not the worst of it, and Marygene is finding herself in a firestorm of trouble, one that could get her killed once again...
This is the second book in the series and I have to say that I enjoyed it quite as much as the first. This series is like a breath of fresh air in the cozy genre; there is no 'evil nemesis' (at least none permanent), which I absolutely loathe when it occurs. Nothing takes away from a good story than a person who ruins it by trying to destroy the life of someone.
Marygene is a damaged soul: she has a past that still causes her pain and she's having trouble moving on from it, and now she has her mother as a guardian spirit - with rules: her mother isn't allowed to be with her all the time, and comes and goes without Marygene being able to determine. She's also trying to create a different relationship with Eddie, whom she's only known was her father since she was sixteen. But she has a strong relationship with her sister Jena Lynn and brother Sam; and, of course, Betsy, who sticks by her and understands about the island ghosts like no one else.
Still, there's the matter of the bodies: it seems they've been identified as twins who disappeared twenty-five years ago. But there are complications: there's a group of women - one of which was Marygene's mother Clara - who knew them and the living ones might have clues as to what happened. But since they're all giving different stories, Eddie isn't getting anywhere with it. And Marygene thinks Eddie might be hiding something himself. Now Marygene is determined to find out the truth since if she doesn't, her mother told her the spirits could be vengeful.
We also have the return of reporter Calhoun, and I like him even more in this book than I did in the last. He's a reporter with ethics, and he cares about Marygene. I definitely like him more than Alex, who has a hair-trigger temper. I'd like to see more come of it, although I don't think even if it did that it would be awhile. I'm just glad he's still in the narrative. He was good to her in the last book, and just so in this one, too. We also have a new deputy in the picture who has an attraction for Marygene, but rightly she's working through her issues, which are primary to her.
The mystery was a very good one, and it took time to sift through suspects and what really became of the young women so long ago, and why their bodies surfaced just now. When everything started to come together, it was a strange and sad tale all at the same time. Desperation and sadness make people do things that I've never understood and probably never will.
All in all, it was an intriguing mystery that kept me reading and trying to filter out the clues as to finding a killer; it was written well and the climax was done nicely. I would love nothing more than to read the next in the series immediately; so I will have to patiently wait until that comes about. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy from the publisher and NetGalley but it it no way influenced my review.
https://joannesbooks.blogspot.com/202...
April 27, 2020
Sadly this book did not hold my attention. I finished it hoping it would "hook" me or grab me in some way but it didn't. I don't know if it was the book or what is going on in life at the moment with COVID-19 so don't hold my review against the book. Try it for yourself and see if you enjoy it.
I was given an eARC by the publisher through NetGalley.
I was given an eARC by the publisher through NetGalley.
March 31, 2020
Marygene recently returned to Peach Cove Island, Georgia after divorcing an abusive husband, and is now running their family diner with her sister. Marygene's mama is gone...kind of. Mama's spirit is haunting Marygene, and claims that because of their connection the dead will seek Marygene out to solve their murders. Much to Marygene's chagrin this appears to be true. While skinnydipping on an isolated beach, Marygene swims into a charred corpse. Later, she finds a second burned corpse in a wine cellar.
This fast-paced amateur sleuth mystery was well-written, and Marygene is a strong character. Although some serious topics were addressed, they were balanced by humor and an abundance of quirky characters. Romantic interests are an important subplot in this book but they did not, in my opinion, overwhelm the main mystery. I loved that Marygene really considered what she wanted from a relationship and what she deserved.
Recipes are included. This is the second in the series but I had no problem beginning with this book.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. The opinions in this review are honest and my own.
This fast-paced amateur sleuth mystery was well-written, and Marygene is a strong character. Although some serious topics were addressed, they were balanced by humor and an abundance of quirky characters. Romantic interests are an important subplot in this book but they did not, in my opinion, overwhelm the main mystery. I loved that Marygene really considered what she wanted from a relationship and what she deserved.
Recipes are included. This is the second in the series but I had no problem beginning with this book.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. The opinions in this review are honest and my own.
May 20, 2020
Southern Sass and a Crispy Corpse by Kate Young is the 2nd A Marygene Brown Mystery. It can be read as a standalone because the needed background information is provided. We return to Peach Cove Island, Georgia where deceased souls who have been murdered are drawn to Marygene Brown. Marygene gets a help with the cases from her mama, Clara who is in limbo (she should have done more good deeds while alive). Marygene co-owns The Peach Diner with her sister, Jena Lynn. Marygene is a wonderful baker whose pastries are in demand by the island’s residents and tourists. Marygene is having relationship troubles with beau, Deputy Alex Myers. Alex was seen doing something that landed him in hot water with Marygene. Alex wanted his cake and to eat it too (if you get my drift). Deputy Javier Reyes is new to the force and sparks fly between him and our protagonist. It looks like Alex has competition. I wish less time had been devoted to Marygene’s love life. It was a little much for me. Marygene deserves a good guy who is understanding, kind, and loyal. There are a variety of colorful characters whose antics had me laughing. Betsy, an employee and friend, is a hoot. The food descriptions will have your mouth watering. Thankfully, there are recipes at the end of the book. I like the author’s conversational writing style which made Southern Sass and a Crispy Corpse was easy to read. The story moved along quickly. The mystery was an enjoyable one to solve. It was complex (love that) with a variety of clues, several suspects and misdirection. I had a good time assembling the clues and arriving at a solution. There is a dramatic reveal where I got to see if my deductions were correct. There was plenty of action in this story that helped move this story along quickly toward the end. The paranormal element is fun and enhances the series. Southern Sass and a Crispy Corpse is a capricious cozy mystery with a disdainful deputy, unabashed bathing beauty, a chill cellar, pretty pastries, a defensive dad, and crispy corpses.
April 13, 2020
The second book in the Marygene Brown Mystery series was just as enjoyable of a read as the first book in the series. Set in the south, Georgia, this book is full of wonderful characters that have wit, charm, and humor. Marygene has had a rough road, coming home after being in an abusive marriage and is making her way with the help of her family and friends. Unfortunately, her deceased mother who comes to her as a ghost is also the reason she is stumbling over dead bodies. This time around, it's two bodies that are part of a cold-case, over 25 years old. In addition to the dead bodies, there is a new deputy in town that may or may not be a potential new interest for Marygene. I liked the character of Javier. He has been a relationship where he has been betrayed so he understands Marygene's trust issues. In this book, a friendship between the seems to be taking hold.
I really liked the mystery in this book. It kept me engaged and guessing until the very end. The discovery of two dead bodies opens up a missing person case that is over 20 years old. This gives the author plenty of suspects to choose from - this time it's the older generation of the town who hold all of the secrets surrounding the death of two young women. What I liked is that as the clues were unraveled and the layers peeled away it let to more secrets and lies that have to be unraveled. There were plenty of tense moments when Marygene found herself in trouble because of her ability. In the end, I didn't guess the identity of the killer and was surprised by the outcome.
I really enjoy this series and I am looking forward to many more books to come from the author. I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through Netgalley.
I really liked the mystery in this book. It kept me engaged and guessing until the very end. The discovery of two dead bodies opens up a missing person case that is over 20 years old. This gives the author plenty of suspects to choose from - this time it's the older generation of the town who hold all of the secrets surrounding the death of two young women. What I liked is that as the clues were unraveled and the layers peeled away it let to more secrets and lies that have to be unraveled. There were plenty of tense moments when Marygene found herself in trouble because of her ability. In the end, I didn't guess the identity of the killer and was surprised by the outcome.
I really enjoy this series and I am looking forward to many more books to come from the author. I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through Netgalley.
June 21, 2020
The second book in the "A Marygene Brown Mystery" culinary paranormal series by Kate Young, Southen sass, and a Crispt Corpse, is a great read. Published by Kensington Books, this book and series will have you hungry for more, and dessert!
Marygene has inherited more than a little bit of psychic power. She is seeing and talking to the ghost of her mother and isn't sure she likes it. She misses her mother, but talking to her is starting to make things awkward. People see her talking to herself, and they wonder if she has lost her mind. Finding one body after another isn't helping. In this delicious culinary paranormal series, Marygene is the lead character, but readers will find themselves enjoying the other cast member just as much. Aunt Vi is a free spirit who may not be what people think she is. Marygenes BF, Yvonne, is the best friend a girl could have, but she has her problems to deal with. Other characters are equally exciting and believable.
I love a good culinary cozy, but when you add in the paranormal aspect, it gets my attention and keeps it. Kate Young is a writer who knows her characters and her subject matter. She writes with a real sense of what people think and feels under challenging circumstances. She also understands how food, dessert, in particular, can comfort people even in the worst of times. The southern setting of Georgia is a perfect fit for a series that has all the earmarks of having been written by an old fashioned southern girl.
The murder is unusual, as the victims were killed over twenty years ago, and their bodies happen to be found by Marygene. But her mama warned her that the dead would seek her out. Marygene hopes that the dead don't do it all the time. The suspects are older people who have a lot of secrets, and this is what makes this culinary paranormal book so inviting. After all, everyone has secrets that we carry with us throughout our lives, and not all of them are good. Marygene has to uncover the secrets of those involved with the killing, including those of her father.
In the end, Marygene solves the crimes, confronts the killer and saves herself, her sister, and everyone else. Southern Sass and a Crispy Corpse is a genuinely enjoyable read that keeps readers guessing and turning the page. This is a culinary paranormal mystery that readers will want to gobble up with recipes in the back that will help them end their day with a beautiful meal idea. I am happy to recommend this book and series and look forward to the continuing adventures of Marygene.
Marygene has inherited more than a little bit of psychic power. She is seeing and talking to the ghost of her mother and isn't sure she likes it. She misses her mother, but talking to her is starting to make things awkward. People see her talking to herself, and they wonder if she has lost her mind. Finding one body after another isn't helping. In this delicious culinary paranormal series, Marygene is the lead character, but readers will find themselves enjoying the other cast member just as much. Aunt Vi is a free spirit who may not be what people think she is. Marygenes BF, Yvonne, is the best friend a girl could have, but she has her problems to deal with. Other characters are equally exciting and believable.
I love a good culinary cozy, but when you add in the paranormal aspect, it gets my attention and keeps it. Kate Young is a writer who knows her characters and her subject matter. She writes with a real sense of what people think and feels under challenging circumstances. She also understands how food, dessert, in particular, can comfort people even in the worst of times. The southern setting of Georgia is a perfect fit for a series that has all the earmarks of having been written by an old fashioned southern girl.
The murder is unusual, as the victims were killed over twenty years ago, and their bodies happen to be found by Marygene. But her mama warned her that the dead would seek her out. Marygene hopes that the dead don't do it all the time. The suspects are older people who have a lot of secrets, and this is what makes this culinary paranormal book so inviting. After all, everyone has secrets that we carry with us throughout our lives, and not all of them are good. Marygene has to uncover the secrets of those involved with the killing, including those of her father.
In the end, Marygene solves the crimes, confronts the killer and saves herself, her sister, and everyone else. Southern Sass and a Crispy Corpse is a genuinely enjoyable read that keeps readers guessing and turning the page. This is a culinary paranormal mystery that readers will want to gobble up with recipes in the back that will help them end their day with a beautiful meal idea. I am happy to recommend this book and series and look forward to the continuing adventures of Marygene.
May 9, 2020
SOUTHERN SASS AND A CRISPY CORPSE is the second book in the Marygene Brown Mystery Series by Kate Young. The action starts right from the very first in this edgy cozy mystery. Protagonist Marygene Brown gets involved in a decades-old cold case after accidentally bumping into the remains of the missing young woman while skinny-dipping in the ocean off the coast of Peach Cove Island in Georgia. From this set up, the mystery takes a unique and entertaining twist in that Marygene doesn’t want to be involved in solving the mystery, nor has she ever wanted to be an amateur sleuth. Except her deceased mother’s ghost is quite insistent that Marygene do so… or else… Adding to the twists in Marygene’s life is the fact that she’s the daughter of Sheriff Eddie Carter, the result of an affair between the sheriff and her mother. Marygene is pulled between her mother’s ghost and her sheriff father while working alongside her half-sister and half-brother at the family-owned Peach Diner. Ms. Young’s vivid imagery leaps from the pages as the story unfolds. The reader feels the emotional angst the protagonist feels, smells the delectable peach treats baking at the family diner, hears the sound of the waves on the beach, and sees a ghost that shouldn’t be there. With each turn of the page I felt like there was something new to discover.
Ms. Young crafts a fast-paced plot. There are layers upon layers of mystery surrounding the cold case(s) and plenty of suspects for Marygene to discover. The author has created some terrific characters, especially in the island’s older generation that were around when the cold case occurred. These memorable characters added some humor and humanity which I found important since the book covers some serious topics that can be quite tragic. It adds an element of emotional depth and I appreciated that each scene is written with sensitivity and weaves into the story without detracting from the flow. With a heart stopping reveal, Ms. Young wraps up the threads of the plots and subplots in one highly satisfying conclusion, making me count the months until the next book in this series is released.
With the Peach Diner serving up all sorts of delicious Southern food and delectable peach treats, the reader will get hungry reading the descriptions. Fortunately there are several recipes at the back of the book to whet any appetite.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ms. Young crafts a fast-paced plot. There are layers upon layers of mystery surrounding the cold case(s) and plenty of suspects for Marygene to discover. The author has created some terrific characters, especially in the island’s older generation that were around when the cold case occurred. These memorable characters added some humor and humanity which I found important since the book covers some serious topics that can be quite tragic. It adds an element of emotional depth and I appreciated that each scene is written with sensitivity and weaves into the story without detracting from the flow. With a heart stopping reveal, Ms. Young wraps up the threads of the plots and subplots in one highly satisfying conclusion, making me count the months until the next book in this series is released.
With the Peach Diner serving up all sorts of delicious Southern food and delectable peach treats, the reader will get hungry reading the descriptions. Fortunately there are several recipes at the back of the book to whet any appetite.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 25, 2020
When reviewing an author's book I don't tell you what it's about. You can read for yourself the synopsis of the book either on a site like this or another literary online site.
What I do do is tell you what I thought about the book .
I had read Kate Young's debut book in this series, "Southern Sass and Killer Cravings" about a month ago and really enjoyed the story. So, I ordered the second in the series which is Southern Sass and a Crispy Corpse and I am so very glad I did. This book was terrific! Oh my, I wish I could give it a higher rating than the five stars.
Kate gave us a very good storyline, fun and likeable characters and a mystery that is the best that I have read in a very long time. The last few chapters had me anxious for the characters who were in harms way. Unless it's a hardcore murder mystery that I'm reading I don't get those feelings. And this from a "cozy" mystery is rare if at all.
In closing I'd like to say that if Kate Young continues her brilliant writing career with reads like this one she's bound to be compared to the likes of Mary Higgins Clark in the mystery genre!
What I do do is tell you what I thought about the book .
I had read Kate Young's debut book in this series, "Southern Sass and Killer Cravings" about a month ago and really enjoyed the story. So, I ordered the second in the series which is Southern Sass and a Crispy Corpse and I am so very glad I did. This book was terrific! Oh my, I wish I could give it a higher rating than the five stars.
Kate gave us a very good storyline, fun and likeable characters and a mystery that is the best that I have read in a very long time. The last few chapters had me anxious for the characters who were in harms way. Unless it's a hardcore murder mystery that I'm reading I don't get those feelings. And this from a "cozy" mystery is rare if at all.
In closing I'd like to say that if Kate Young continues her brilliant writing career with reads like this one she's bound to be compared to the likes of Mary Higgins Clark in the mystery genre!
March 15, 2020
The first book of this series, Southern Sass and Killer Cravings, was one of my favorite books of 2019. This book, the second in the series, is even better. I am not usually a fan of paranormal cozies, but in this series, the ghost doesn’t bother me. I love the setting - a small island off the coast of Georgia. The main character, Marygene Brown, and her family and friends are very believable and likable. I would love to visit Peach Cove Island and the Peach Diner, which has been in Marygene’s family for several generations and is a gathering spot on the island.
I highly recommend this series.
I won a Advanced Reading Copy of this book. This is my fair and honest opinion of the book.
I highly recommend this series.
I won a Advanced Reading Copy of this book. This is my fair and honest opinion of the book.
June 3, 2020
Southern Sass And A Crispy Corpse
Marygene Brown Mysteries, Book #2
Kate Young
5 Stars
Synopsis:
On Georgia's picturesque Peach Cove Island, a killer is serving up a two-for-one special . . .
After their mama's passing, Marygene Brown returned to Peach Cove Island to help her sister Jena Lynn run the family diner, renowned for its homemade peach desserts. But Mama is never too far away--her sassy spirit haunts the island, and more specifically Marygene. Lately Mama has been warning her that the dead will seek her out to solve their murders, an idea Marygene is far from peachy keen on.
But that prophecy appears to be coming true when she goes skinny-dipping off the island and swims right into a woman's charred corpse floating in the waves. And when Marygene and her brother Sam come upon a second burned body in a wine cellar at an event they're catering, it appears they have a double homicide on their hands. It soon turns out the victims have more in common than their charred remains, and Marygene will need to double down to find a killer who has no aversion to playing with fire. Good thing Mama has her back . . .
Includes Seven Recipes from Marygene's Kitchen! (Amazon)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded. I thought that Marygene, her sister, Jena Lynn and her friend, Betsy, made a great team. They were not afraid to pursue the truth, even if it put them in harm’s way. And her Mama, who happens to be a ghost, Does whatever she can to help her daughter. I really enjoyed that there was a ghost in this book, I enjoy a great ghost story.
The writing style flows smoothly and it defines the characters very clearly through their actions and words. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. The southern charm just oozes from the pages and I would live to go and visit Marygene and her family and friends on Peach Cove Island.
The mystery was well plotted and there were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider. This mystery was a little more complex and not easily solved.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written cozy mystery. I am looking forward to the next book in this series, I want to see what trouble Marygene gets into.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
Marygene Brown Mysteries, Book #2
Kate Young
5 Stars
Synopsis:
On Georgia's picturesque Peach Cove Island, a killer is serving up a two-for-one special . . .
After their mama's passing, Marygene Brown returned to Peach Cove Island to help her sister Jena Lynn run the family diner, renowned for its homemade peach desserts. But Mama is never too far away--her sassy spirit haunts the island, and more specifically Marygene. Lately Mama has been warning her that the dead will seek her out to solve their murders, an idea Marygene is far from peachy keen on.
But that prophecy appears to be coming true when she goes skinny-dipping off the island and swims right into a woman's charred corpse floating in the waves. And when Marygene and her brother Sam come upon a second burned body in a wine cellar at an event they're catering, it appears they have a double homicide on their hands. It soon turns out the victims have more in common than their charred remains, and Marygene will need to double down to find a killer who has no aversion to playing with fire. Good thing Mama has her back . . .
Includes Seven Recipes from Marygene's Kitchen! (Amazon)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded. I thought that Marygene, her sister, Jena Lynn and her friend, Betsy, made a great team. They were not afraid to pursue the truth, even if it put them in harm’s way. And her Mama, who happens to be a ghost, Does whatever she can to help her daughter. I really enjoyed that there was a ghost in this book, I enjoy a great ghost story.
The writing style flows smoothly and it defines the characters very clearly through their actions and words. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. The southern charm just oozes from the pages and I would live to go and visit Marygene and her family and friends on Peach Cove Island.
The mystery was well plotted and there were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider. This mystery was a little more complex and not easily solved.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written cozy mystery. I am looking forward to the next book in this series, I want to see what trouble Marygene gets into.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
April 11, 2021
If someone had asked me yesterday how i envisioned a perfect day, I would have told them a morning swim in the ocean followed by a day on a lounge chair with a good book and an ice-cold drink.
Marygene discovers a charred corpse while skinny dipping in the ocean near her home. She and Betsy start sleuthing when a second body is found during an open house.
This has quickly become one of my favorite series. I love the characters and the setting. Having Marygene's mom pop in and out to deliver cryptic messages adds to the mystery.
The new deputy in town could be a potential love interest. I really hate love triangles but it looks like Alex may be on his way out. He was an absolute jerk to Marygene most of the book.
Betsy is the perfect best friend. She sticks with Marygene through thick and thin. I love their relationship.
Lots of town secrets come to light during the investigation which also includes an old missing persons case. Revelations about Marygene's mom and her contemporaries are well done. Aunt Vi is hands down my favorite secondary character. You have to love a woman of a certain age that is secure enough to wear a string bikini.
The Peach Diner seems like a place I would visit over and over. The dishes sound delicious and I really enjoyed the recipes provided at the end of the book.
The mystery plot was very well done. The culprit reveal was a bit unexpected. Overall, this is a great mystery and I look forward to reading the next book very soon.
Marygene discovers a charred corpse while skinny dipping in the ocean near her home. She and Betsy start sleuthing when a second body is found during an open house.
This has quickly become one of my favorite series. I love the characters and the setting. Having Marygene's mom pop in and out to deliver cryptic messages adds to the mystery.
The new deputy in town could be a potential love interest. I really hate love triangles but it looks like Alex may be on his way out. He was an absolute jerk to Marygene most of the book.
Betsy is the perfect best friend. She sticks with Marygene through thick and thin. I love their relationship.
Lots of town secrets come to light during the investigation which also includes an old missing persons case. Revelations about Marygene's mom and her contemporaries are well done. Aunt Vi is hands down my favorite secondary character. You have to love a woman of a certain age that is secure enough to wear a string bikini.
The Peach Diner seems like a place I would visit over and over. The dishes sound delicious and I really enjoyed the recipes provided at the end of the book.
The mystery plot was very well done. The culprit reveal was a bit unexpected. Overall, this is a great mystery and I look forward to reading the next book very soon.
May 11, 2020
“Southern Sass and a Crispy Corpse“ by Kate Young is the 2nd instalment in the "A Marygene Brown Mystery" series. I was excited to visit Peace Cove Island, Georgia again and the Peach Diner. I love the island setting and Marygene and her diner family. The story is filled with quirky characters, and the addition of Aunt Vi was a hoot. I like the little bit of island lore and spirit aspect that is in this series.
I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it in one sitting. It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and I didn’t completely guess whodunnit until Marygene did.
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends and I can’t wait for book 3 to come out!
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it in one sitting. It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and I didn’t completely guess whodunnit until Marygene did.
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends and I can’t wait for book 3 to come out!
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
April 21, 2020
Honestly, I just don't know where to start. Southern Sass and a Crispy Corpse by Kate Young is full of fun, ghosts and mystery. That doesn't sound like a good mix but somehow Young brings it all together. Before I go any further with my review I do need to warn you that this is not the first book in the series. Not having read the first book, I had to pay close attention to some of the characters and their back story. But truthfully. the storyline is so well explained that it didn't take away from enjoying this book.. Marygene is struggling with relationships, friendships and the ghost of her mother. It doesn't help that she keeps finding burned corpses. Most of us would run the other way but Marygene really doesn't have a choice in the matter. At the insistence of her dead mother, she has to solve the murder of the two bodies. Even though the book is about burned bodies and ghosts it is so much fun to read! The way Young ties the characters together and brings the past into the present kept me interested from the very first. And of course I love being surprised. I did not figure out the ending and had to read it twice to make sure I understood who the actual murderer was. I sure didn't see that one coming! This is definitely a five-star read. This is a curl up and read from beginning to end book.
July 2, 2020
This book was a fun quick, entertaining read. Marygene and her friends are such relatable characters. My favorite is still her best friend, Betsy. She has such a vibrant personality and I love how she is always there for Marygene. The mystery was good. I look forward to reading more in this series.
July 20, 2020
Peach Cove Island in Georgia is where you want to be !! And you want Kate Young to be your tour guide. The Marygene Brown Mystery series is an absolute must read series !! And Southern Sass and a Crispy Corpse, the second book in this series is explosive !!!
When you read a cozy mystery you know that there is going to be a murder and a dead body or two. You are guaranteed that this will happen fairly quickly when you start reading, sometimes it takes a few chapter as the author takes their time setting the stage. Others may give you the first chapter before revealing the dead body. Young , on the other hand, only gives the reader the first paragraph before there is a dead body to deal with !!! How can you not continue reading with that set up ???
Main character Marygene Brown has moved back home to help her sister run the family diner after their mother passed away....only she hasn't moved to her final resting place, is in limbo and only Marygene can see and communicate with her. And her mother only shows up when someone is in danger or there is a dead person. Marygene's father is also the Sheriff and her on and off boyfriend Alex is a deputy with the department.
While Marygene is out taking an early morning swim in the ocean she is hit by a dead, burned body. Before anyone can figure out who the deceased is, Marygene and her brother, Sam, find another burned body at a catering event. When the bodies are identified as two sisters that went missing over two decades ago, Marygene learns that the island has a lot of old secrets it is holding on to and they involve her mother and her group of old friends. While Marygene tries to weed through things and solve the case, there is someone that is willing to do whatever it takes to keep her quiet. Will she stop before it's too late ??
Her mother warned her.... She told her that "when one of us is forced to remain, it creates an energy around the person we're communicating with. An aura, if you will. The deceased will be drawn to you." Marygene has to do what she does for everyone....alive and dead....until she gets justice for the deceased.
I am a HUGE fan of this series and the way Young presents the story will knock you off your feet !! I highly recommend picking up the books in this series and letting Young take you on a trip. Just make sure you clear your schedule because you won't be able to tear yourself away once you start reading !!!
June 1, 2020
This is the first book I have ready by this author and wow! What a story she weaves with interesting characters and backstories and the mystery itself? One I did not expect.
This is the 2nd in the series and if you have followed my reviews for any length of time, you know I prefer to read a series in order. For some reason, I decided to go ahead and read this book and while there was a little bit about Marygene's past I did not know about, the author did a good job of giving some detail so I didn't feel totally in the dark. I still think that it would be best to start with the first book in this series to have a better understanding of the characters, but the mystery is unique to this book.
Marygene has some baggage, and that might be an understatement. She has a complicated past and she is leery of trusting anyone outside of her immediate family. On top of that, she sees her mother's ghost who prods her into investigating the crimes. Her mother is limited as to what she can tell Marygene about the incidents but she does help save a few people indirectly. There is a fleeting relationship with Alex, a deputy that works for her dad, but a potentially innocent incident has Marygene thinking that perhaps they don't need to be together. Enter newer deputy, Javier Reyes. I believe he is in the first book, but he and Marygene seem to come to an understanding in this book. Could he be a potential love interest? Only time will tell.
The mystery of the "crispy corpses" was interesting because I don't believe any other cozy I have read had this as the crime. It left an interesting picture in my mind. On top of that, Marygene discovers the first body while skinny dipping. She is a brave soul to bare it all and then to end up finding the first body. Yup, there is more than one to find. And the ties to the past regarding these bodies added a nice twist. When the full truth was revealed you could have knocked me over with a feather. While I suspected one person involved with the crime, the full story was not one that even crossed my mind. Many people were shocked by the revelations.
Overall we enjoyed this cozy and I plan to go back and read the first book to gain a better understanding of Marygene and her family. We give this book 4 paws up.
This is the 2nd in the series and if you have followed my reviews for any length of time, you know I prefer to read a series in order. For some reason, I decided to go ahead and read this book and while there was a little bit about Marygene's past I did not know about, the author did a good job of giving some detail so I didn't feel totally in the dark. I still think that it would be best to start with the first book in this series to have a better understanding of the characters, but the mystery is unique to this book.
Marygene has some baggage, and that might be an understatement. She has a complicated past and she is leery of trusting anyone outside of her immediate family. On top of that, she sees her mother's ghost who prods her into investigating the crimes. Her mother is limited as to what she can tell Marygene about the incidents but she does help save a few people indirectly. There is a fleeting relationship with Alex, a deputy that works for her dad, but a potentially innocent incident has Marygene thinking that perhaps they don't need to be together. Enter newer deputy, Javier Reyes. I believe he is in the first book, but he and Marygene seem to come to an understanding in this book. Could he be a potential love interest? Only time will tell.
The mystery of the "crispy corpses" was interesting because I don't believe any other cozy I have read had this as the crime. It left an interesting picture in my mind. On top of that, Marygene discovers the first body while skinny dipping. She is a brave soul to bare it all and then to end up finding the first body. Yup, there is more than one to find. And the ties to the past regarding these bodies added a nice twist. When the full truth was revealed you could have knocked me over with a feather. While I suspected one person involved with the crime, the full story was not one that even crossed my mind. Many people were shocked by the revelations.
Overall we enjoyed this cozy and I plan to go back and read the first book to gain a better understanding of Marygene and her family. We give this book 4 paws up.
June 13, 2020
Southern Sass and a Crispy Corpse is the second book in Kate Young’s Marygene Brown Mysteries series. This book is a little edgier than most cozies and contains adult language. The storyline is well plotted and flows smoothly at a steady pace, and the characters are well developed. The plot has lots of twists and turns, more than a few suspects, and a touch of the paranormal. The reveal came as a surprise to me.
After leaving an abusive marriage, Marygene Brown moved back home to Peach Cove, a small island off the Georgia coast, and into her childhood home. She’s rebuilding her relationship with her half-sister, Jena Lynn, her half-brother, Sam, and her biological father, Edward “Eddie” Carter. When their mother, Clara Brown, passed, she left the house to Marygene and the family business, the Peach Diner, to both sisters. Jena Lynn has been running the diner since their mother’s death, and Sam has been manning the kitchen, but now Marygene is working with them. The ghost of her deceased mother, Clara Brown, has been tied to the island since the day she passed, and when a deceased needs help finding justice, she appears to Marygene.
While skinny-dipping in the ocean, Marygene discovers a burned corpse, and then she and Sam find a second burned corpse in the wine cellar of a home where they are catering an event. Peach Cove’s Sheriff, Eddie Carter, Deputy Alex Myer, Marygene’s high school boyfriend, and a new deputy, Javier Reyes, are investigating, but Marygene and her friend, Betsy Myers, decide to get involved. The two women uncover lots of secrets and find themselves in over their heads.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
After leaving an abusive marriage, Marygene Brown moved back home to Peach Cove, a small island off the Georgia coast, and into her childhood home. She’s rebuilding her relationship with her half-sister, Jena Lynn, her half-brother, Sam, and her biological father, Edward “Eddie” Carter. When their mother, Clara Brown, passed, she left the house to Marygene and the family business, the Peach Diner, to both sisters. Jena Lynn has been running the diner since their mother’s death, and Sam has been manning the kitchen, but now Marygene is working with them. The ghost of her deceased mother, Clara Brown, has been tied to the island since the day she passed, and when a deceased needs help finding justice, she appears to Marygene.
While skinny-dipping in the ocean, Marygene discovers a burned corpse, and then she and Sam find a second burned corpse in the wine cellar of a home where they are catering an event. Peach Cove’s Sheriff, Eddie Carter, Deputy Alex Myer, Marygene’s high school boyfriend, and a new deputy, Javier Reyes, are investigating, but Marygene and her friend, Betsy Myers, decide to get involved. The two women uncover lots of secrets and find themselves in over their heads.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
April 27, 2020
4.5 Stars
This is the second book in the Marygene Brown mystery series by Kate Young.
Basic premise: Marygene gets caught skinny dipping by one of her more senior neighbors and runs smack dab into a burned dead body. Then later when she has recovered some and is working on catering a shindig, she finds another body in the basement of the house … which is also a crispy corpse!
I really enjoyed this book. It has the ghost of Marygene’s mother running around giving her clues here and there. Plus she decides to call it quits with her police officer boyfriend who is not only slacking on the job but getting it on with another gal. A new officer to town, Javier starts out as a foil for Marygene but very quickly grows on us and we know that there will be more of a relationship in future books.
Marygene really deals with a lot in this book. She has finally gotten everything how she wanted it. Then her relationship went to crap, her house got burned down with the perfect kitchen she had always dreamed of.
This is the first book I have read in this series and I do plan to read further on. The mystery was just so spot on that I really have to read book one next! This is a great series to follow for sure!
If you are looking for a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is the second book in the Marygene Brown mystery series by Kate Young.
Basic premise: Marygene gets caught skinny dipping by one of her more senior neighbors and runs smack dab into a burned dead body. Then later when she has recovered some and is working on catering a shindig, she finds another body in the basement of the house … which is also a crispy corpse!
I really enjoyed this book. It has the ghost of Marygene’s mother running around giving her clues here and there. Plus she decides to call it quits with her police officer boyfriend who is not only slacking on the job but getting it on with another gal. A new officer to town, Javier starts out as a foil for Marygene but very quickly grows on us and we know that there will be more of a relationship in future books.
Marygene really deals with a lot in this book. She has finally gotten everything how she wanted it. Then her relationship went to crap, her house got burned down with the perfect kitchen she had always dreamed of.
This is the first book I have read in this series and I do plan to read further on. The mystery was just so spot on that I really have to read book one next! This is a great series to follow for sure!
If you are looking for a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
January 26, 2022
Marygene is getting back into the swing and swim of things back on Peach Cove Island, having had an argument with her on again off again boyfriend Deputy Alex Myers she decides to go for an early morning skinny dip swim, only to discover a charred corpse sharing the water with her! Things then go from bad to worse when her father Sheriff Eddie says that she was photographed swimming in the nip, Alex's new flirt is the temp receptionist at the Police Station and Marygene and her half brother Sam have discovered charred corpse #2.
When a fire takes out her house Marygene realises that she and her best friend Betsy (along with Marygene's late Mama) will need to dig deep into the past of Peach Cove to find out what is going on, other wise Marygene may end up as corpse #3!
When a fire takes out her house Marygene realises that she and her best friend Betsy (along with Marygene's late Mama) will need to dig deep into the past of Peach Cove to find out what is going on, other wise Marygene may end up as corpse #3!
May 31, 2020
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
First off I must say what a great way to start a book! Marygene is doing her daily swim in the ocean from a secluded beach. Little did she know that she was about to run into a dead body as she did so. Add in her lack of swimming attire and it will make you giggle. As if that was not bad enough but she stumbles across a second body that was killed in the same way. What follows is an excellent mystery full of surprising twists, wonderful characters, and a mystery with all sorts of layers. Makes for a fun read as it all plays out. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
First off I must say what a great way to start a book! Marygene is doing her daily swim in the ocean from a secluded beach. Little did she know that she was about to run into a dead body as she did so. Add in her lack of swimming attire and it will make you giggle. As if that was not bad enough but she stumbles across a second body that was killed in the same way. What follows is an excellent mystery full of surprising twists, wonderful characters, and a mystery with all sorts of layers. Makes for a fun read as it all plays out. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
June 5, 2020
4.5 stars
Edgier than most cozies, this second installment in the Marygene Brown series manages to be highly entertaining and engaging while dealing with some hefty subjects. I enjoy the characters, the Southern Island setting, delicious descriptions of food (and recipes included in the back of the book), and the really smartly executed cold case/murder mystery. I did not figure out whodunit before the climactic reveal. I hope there are many more books featuring Marygene Brown.
Edgier than most cozies, this second installment in the Marygene Brown series manages to be highly entertaining and engaging while dealing with some hefty subjects. I enjoy the characters, the Southern Island setting, delicious descriptions of food (and recipes included in the back of the book), and the really smartly executed cold case/murder mystery. I did not figure out whodunit before the climactic reveal. I hope there are many more books featuring Marygene Brown.
April 14, 2020
As I've already read the first book in this series, I had to read this one too. I love the characters, the plot is engaging and well written and even though I had suspicion on the culprit(s), I wasn't quite sure until the end.
April 26, 2020
Once I opened Southern Sass and a Crispy Corpse on my kindle, I knew I would have to read it all in one sitting.
Kate Young fills the pages with laugh out loud moments, family drama, and a great murder investigation.
This is the second book in this series, but it can be read as a stand alone.
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end and I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
Kate Young fills the pages with laugh out loud moments, family drama, and a great murder investigation.
This is the second book in this series, but it can be read as a stand alone.
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end and I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
May 26, 2020
Finally, a cozy mystery with an explanation of why someone living in a small town keeps finding bodies. In Southern Sass and a Crispy Corpse, Marygene is being haunted by her mother Clara. Clara wins “points” towards heaven every time Marygene solves a murder. It helps that Marygene’s biological father, Eddie, is the Sheriff in the small town of Peach Cove.
In the second book of this series, Marygene literally runs into a badly burned corpse while skinny-dipping on a nearby public beach one morning. Later, she finds another Crispy Corpse in a wine cellar during an event she is catering. Marygene is determined, with her dead mother’s help, to discover how the two victims are connected and who murdered them.
Woohoo, there are a lot of characters swirling around in this book! Most are related to each other too. Small town life, I guess. There are multiple mysteries to solve in Southern Sass and a Crispy Corpse—not just the two recently found dead bodies. Peach Cove has more deaths per capita than Murder She Wrote’s Cabot Cove. Marygene and her sidekick, waitress Betsy, have enough Southern sass and spunk to solve them all. I especially loved the surprising denouement.
Because I adored all the enjoyable characters, the many mysteries, and the unexpected conclusion, 5 stars for this quirky and funny culinary cozy mystery! Now those Peach Muffins and Lime Cream Puffs, both recipes in the book, are not going to make themselves. Yum!
Thanks to Kensington Books, Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour, and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
In the second book of this series, Marygene literally runs into a badly burned corpse while skinny-dipping on a nearby public beach one morning. Later, she finds another Crispy Corpse in a wine cellar during an event she is catering. Marygene is determined, with her dead mother’s help, to discover how the two victims are connected and who murdered them.
Woohoo, there are a lot of characters swirling around in this book! Most are related to each other too. Small town life, I guess. There are multiple mysteries to solve in Southern Sass and a Crispy Corpse—not just the two recently found dead bodies. Peach Cove has more deaths per capita than Murder She Wrote’s Cabot Cove. Marygene and her sidekick, waitress Betsy, have enough Southern sass and spunk to solve them all. I especially loved the surprising denouement.
Because I adored all the enjoyable characters, the many mysteries, and the unexpected conclusion, 5 stars for this quirky and funny culinary cozy mystery! Now those Peach Muffins and Lime Cream Puffs, both recipes in the book, are not going to make themselves. Yum!
Thanks to Kensington Books, Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour, and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
December 4, 2023
I liked this one more than the first one. I’m in the mood for cozy mysteries lately. I just lost someone who was very dear to me and been on a slump for a couple weeks so this one cheered me up a bit.
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