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Caterer's Guide to Crime #2
A Caterer's Guide to Love & Murder
A wedding caterer, a florist…and a dash of poison.
“Wow, this dough is sexy!”
As their wedded bliss starts to show signs of serious strain, Violet and her new husband, Jake, put their feelings aside to focus on catering a wedding that could make or break her career.
When murder ruins the rehearsal dinner, and her sister, Greta, the florist, becomes the prime suspect, Violet risks everything to clear her – and still deliver the beautiful wedding her new friend deserves.
But will she be in time before the killer dishes out seconds?
A Caterer’s Guide to Love & Murder takes you on a culinary journey you won’t forget!
“Wow, this dough is sexy!”
As their wedded bliss starts to show signs of serious strain, Violet and her new husband, Jake, put their feelings aside to focus on catering a wedding that could make or break her career.
When murder ruins the rehearsal dinner, and her sister, Greta, the florist, becomes the prime suspect, Violet risks everything to clear her – and still deliver the beautiful wedding her new friend deserves.
But will she be in time before the killer dishes out seconds?
A Caterer’s Guide to Love & Murder takes you on a culinary journey you won’t forget!
261 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2020
About the author
Jessica Thompson
22 books256 followersJessica Thompson is the author of the Amazon best-selling mystery novels “A Caterer’s Guide to Holidays and Homicide” and “A Caterer’s Guide to Love and Murder" which was a finalist in the Wishing Shelf Awards. She also curated and featured her own short stories in a family friendly anthology of campfire stories, "Beyond the Woods: A Supernatural Anthology." Active in her local writing community, she volunteers as the Assistant Communications Chair for the Storymakers Guild.
Jessica lives in the suburbs of Austin, Texas with her husband and two children. When not writing, she’s getting her boots dirty at her parents' nearby longhorn cattle ranch. Whether ranching, cooking, or gardening, she sees it all as plot-inspiring material for her next mystery.
Jessica lives in the suburbs of Austin, Texas with her husband and two children. When not writing, she’s getting her boots dirty at her parents' nearby longhorn cattle ranch. Whether ranching, cooking, or gardening, she sees it all as plot-inspiring material for her next mystery.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 28, 2022
Pleasantly surprised…I loved the mystery embedded in the book and author has so beautifully woven the story with mouth-watering recipes; that this was a very different reading experience. I love mysteries and totally averse to cooking still I loved the way that at regular intervals; how a detailed account of various dishes was given. And as far as the mystery was concerned; even that was narrated well. I liked how an account from the antagonist’s POV is shared at the end to know their insights and history. Definitely putting Jessica Thompson’s other book on my TBR.
October 3, 2021
A pretty nice cozy mystery. Maybe you'll guess the murderer, maybe you won't. In any case, it was enjoyable to read it from the point of view of Violet - the way she goes through the suspects one by one, more or less at the same pace the reader does.
The book definitely gets an extra star from me for all the recipes in it. I probably won't go back to reading the story but I will test my cooking skills more than once :)
The book definitely gets an extra star from me for all the recipes in it. I probably won't go back to reading the story but I will test my cooking skills more than once :)
January 1, 2021
Fun, cozy mystery that includes a lot of delicious-sounding recipes. I love mysteries but not scary ones, so this one was perfect. There was nothing too scary or suspenseful and just enough clues for me to almost figure out all the mystery before everything was revealed.
** clean read
** clean read
October 17, 2020
Why you should read this cozy mystery....
Not too scary
Natural incorporation of food descriptions (food caterer life!)
Great challenge at figuring out the culprit
Well thought out recipes
Delightful characters
Not too scary
Natural incorporation of food descriptions (food caterer life!)
Great challenge at figuring out the culprit
Well thought out recipes
Delightful characters
January 14, 2022
This was a completely different subgenre than I have ever read before. I am SO GLAD I decided to support this author! This story started out a little chaotic (in my mind) but seem to settle down fairly quickly. Fascinating details both with catering and in general. Bravo, Jessica Thompson. You have moved from a new-to-me author to a new-favorite author on my list! I can hardly wait to read each book of this new series!
October 2, 2020
I couldn't put A Caterer's Guide to Love and Murder by Jessica Thompson down !! You start reading and you're getting to know main character Violet and her husband Jake while they are preparing food in their studio apartment for an upcoming weekend long wedding event. Violet is working on making a name for herself with her catering business and this job can put her name on the right lists. Her sister, Greta, is also working the wedding by providing all the flowers through her floral business. Both sisters have a lot riding on this event and the death of a family member during the rehearsal dinner party doesn't fit into those plans.
With Jake being a military-themed mystery writer and his best friend, "Don" newly promoted to detective, it just makes sense that Violet act as a spy during the rest of the scheduled weekend celebrations. Little does she know that she has her work cut out for her. She will do whatever it takes especially when her sister gets arrested for the murder. Violet knows that her sister would not kill anyone and she vows to find the killer.
A Caterer's Guide to Love and Murder has a great main character in Violet, her OCD with neatness and her quirkiness with messes and cleaning up will amuse readers as she struggles to catch a murderer. Readers will get lost in the story immediately and will not want to stop reading until you know who the killer is....and you will be shocked when you realize that they were right there under Violet's nose all along !!!
I look forward to where Thompson takes this series. She has set the stage beautifully with so many possibilities on where things will go for Violet, Jake and even Don and I'm sure Violet's catering business is going to blossom after this wedding experience !!!
With Jake being a military-themed mystery writer and his best friend, "Don" newly promoted to detective, it just makes sense that Violet act as a spy during the rest of the scheduled weekend celebrations. Little does she know that she has her work cut out for her. She will do whatever it takes especially when her sister gets arrested for the murder. Violet knows that her sister would not kill anyone and she vows to find the killer.
A Caterer's Guide to Love and Murder has a great main character in Violet, her OCD with neatness and her quirkiness with messes and cleaning up will amuse readers as she struggles to catch a murderer. Readers will get lost in the story immediately and will not want to stop reading until you know who the killer is....and you will be shocked when you realize that they were right there under Violet's nose all along !!!
I look forward to where Thompson takes this series. She has set the stage beautifully with so many possibilities on where things will go for Violet, Jake and even Don and I'm sure Violet's catering business is going to blossom after this wedding experience !!!
March 1, 2024
An ideal cozy mystery for food lovers. Filled with mouth-watering descriptions and recipes! "The only sound was fried eggs sizzling on the stove while the smell of browning butter filled the early morning all around them." Yes, please! Can Violet come live at my house and cook breakfast for me? (And lunch, and dinner, and dessert... :D) I liked that the recipes were written from Violet's point of view, including her tips and tricks for preparing a delicious spread the next time you host a party.
I enjoyed Violet as a character. Yes, she has her quirks and she still has some stuff to figure out but that made her feel real. I liked that she and Jake had a loving relationship although they were working through a big issue in their marriage. Although Violet did not want to get involved in solving the mystery initially, her loyalty inspires her to put her wits to work figuring out whodunit. Her attention to detail helps her succeed both as a caterer and an amateur sleuth.
The overall mystery unfolds as Violet tries to cater her way to success through a week of wedding festivities. There is a diverse cast of characters and lots of gossip and drama. The clues are sprinkled carefully throughout and I was left guessing until the satisfying solution.
I enjoyed Violet as a character. Yes, she has her quirks and she still has some stuff to figure out but that made her feel real. I liked that she and Jake had a loving relationship although they were working through a big issue in their marriage. Although Violet did not want to get involved in solving the mystery initially, her loyalty inspires her to put her wits to work figuring out whodunit. Her attention to detail helps her succeed both as a caterer and an amateur sleuth.
The overall mystery unfolds as Violet tries to cater her way to success through a week of wedding festivities. There is a diverse cast of characters and lots of gossip and drama. The clues are sprinkled carefully throughout and I was left guessing until the satisfying solution.
September 25, 2021
Read for #Book1CoziesClub
Really enjoyed this one, but there were definitely things that bothered me about our main character. The author is very generous with the amount of recipes that are included and I'll definitely be trying some of them out. We will be reading the second book in this series as a #Book1CoziesClubBonus in December as it is a holiday themed book.
I was provided with a copy of the book by the author for having her book as one of our monthly selections, but in no way did this affect my thoughts on this book. I did borrow a copy from Kindle Unlimited and read that copy instead. Check out my Series First Impressions video on this book for more of my un-spoilery thoughts.
Really enjoyed this one, but there were definitely things that bothered me about our main character. The author is very generous with the amount of recipes that are included and I'll definitely be trying some of them out. We will be reading the second book in this series as a #Book1CoziesClubBonus in December as it is a holiday themed book.
I was provided with a copy of the book by the author for having her book as one of our monthly selections, but in no way did this affect my thoughts on this book. I did borrow a copy from Kindle Unlimited and read that copy instead. Check out my Series First Impressions video on this book for more of my un-spoilery thoughts.
November 2, 2021
This was an enjoyable read. Having grown up a big fan of Agatha Christie and Hercules Proirot, it was interesting to have Violet step into an investigative role when this was something she’d never done before. Hence, although some of her self-doubt was angsty, it was still relatable. We had fun trying a few of the recipes!
July 20, 2020
Well, I think it's great!
August 25, 2020
Warning! Do not read this book on an empty stomach. This is a mouth-watering, cozy murder mystery where the newly-married heroine, Violet, manages to make kneading dough sound sexy and where even hair colour is described as something edible – ‘caramel blonde’. The story is broken up with delicious sounding recipes with great names; Pink Hybrid Tortillas; The Night Owl (a topping for a snickerdoodle).
Whilst Violet prepares for the most important event she’s ever had, catering for a wedding which will launch her company into high society, her husband, Jake, has his mind focused on starting a family. But Violet isn’t keen to get ‘crayons and cookies smeared into the couch’ yet – her company is her baby. She is also a ‘clean-freak’ – a talented chef whose favourite smells aren’t freshly baked bread, but disinfectant and hand sanitiser!
There are plenty of shocks and surprises too. I had just finished wiping the saliva off my chin (after reading a delicious spring roll recipe) when the tone completely changed, sending shivers down my spine. This novel is intriguing but great fun at the same time; Violet’s reactions to terrible situations are funny; even when she is standing in the aftermath of a crime scene you see her mind drift off into worrying about cancellations and wasted food. The plot is clever and is held together by lots of connecting threads, but with so many twists and turns, the minute you think you have come up with the answer to the mystery, you are back to square one and another character falls under the spotlight. Thompson leaves you guessing right until the very end, but at the same time as solving the puzzle she asks questions about what is really important in a relationship; what it really means to be blessed and whether money is the answer to all life’s problems.
Be careful what toppings you put on your Holy Cannoli Cups and, although I’m not sure about apple strudel and scrambled eggs for breakfast, I’m prepared to give it a go. This is a brilliant, five-star read. Bravo!
Whilst Violet prepares for the most important event she’s ever had, catering for a wedding which will launch her company into high society, her husband, Jake, has his mind focused on starting a family. But Violet isn’t keen to get ‘crayons and cookies smeared into the couch’ yet – her company is her baby. She is also a ‘clean-freak’ – a talented chef whose favourite smells aren’t freshly baked bread, but disinfectant and hand sanitiser!
There are plenty of shocks and surprises too. I had just finished wiping the saliva off my chin (after reading a delicious spring roll recipe) when the tone completely changed, sending shivers down my spine. This novel is intriguing but great fun at the same time; Violet’s reactions to terrible situations are funny; even when she is standing in the aftermath of a crime scene you see her mind drift off into worrying about cancellations and wasted food. The plot is clever and is held together by lots of connecting threads, but with so many twists and turns, the minute you think you have come up with the answer to the mystery, you are back to square one and another character falls under the spotlight. Thompson leaves you guessing right until the very end, but at the same time as solving the puzzle she asks questions about what is really important in a relationship; what it really means to be blessed and whether money is the answer to all life’s problems.
Be careful what toppings you put on your Holy Cannoli Cups and, although I’m not sure about apple strudel and scrambled eggs for breakfast, I’m prepared to give it a go. This is a brilliant, five-star read. Bravo!
August 8, 2020
A fun and quirky murder mystery that will keep you turning those pages and recipes that will keep you coming back for more! I sincerely enjoyed this culinary adventure and can safely say it is my favorite cozy mystery to date!
November 15, 2020
Every time I set this book down to go about my daily activities, I couldn’t wait to get back to it. What a fun, exciting - and delicious - read. I can't wait to try some of the recipes. I'll update my review with the results as I try them!
December 18, 2020
What a great read. I read until 3.30am this morning. I couldn't put it down. Jessica intersperses the chapters with recipes too. These sound so yummy. Violet sets out out to cater a wedding and there is a murder at the rehearsal dinner. Who would murder Grandmother even is she is old and feisty? Is it money related? Or does someone want to stop the wedding? But when the groom gets stabbed at the wedding reception Violet gets more involved in finding the murderer. Riveting to the end and a complete surprise as to who it was who killed Grandmother.
December 18, 2020
I liked the story, just didn't like getting interrupted with recipes after many chapters. I would have rather had the recipes at the end of the book to peruse. I guessed who the murderer was because it was the only character that wasn't developed. The ebook has some grammar and punctuation errors.
I received a free ebook via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for my honest review.
I received a free ebook via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for my honest review.
October 22, 2020
A Fun Cozy/Recipe Book
I smiled a lot while reading this book. I just flowed along with Violet and her neuroses, while she solved the mystery and taught me how to bake. It was a good read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I smiled a lot while reading this book. I just flowed along with Violet and her neuroses, while she solved the mystery and taught me how to bake. It was a good read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
September 8, 2020
This book puts me in the mood for fall--no pumpkin spice needed! It was exactly what I needed at the time with an engaging and compelling plot with a watertight mystery, no gore, and delicious recipes that were developed by someone who knows what she's doing in the kitchen.
The mystery was planned out perfectly because I couldn't see the end coming, but when it was revealed, it made complete sense. I thought I knew who the killer was at least twice and was wrong both times. That's the definition of a good mystery to me!
The macaron recipe/tutorial alone is worth buying this book (and when I followed it, mine turned out nearly perfect the first time!), but all the recipes look amazing and I'll be trying those too.
The mystery was planned out perfectly because I couldn't see the end coming, but when it was revealed, it made complete sense. I thought I knew who the killer was at least twice and was wrong both times. That's the definition of a good mystery to me!
The macaron recipe/tutorial alone is worth buying this book (and when I followed it, mine turned out nearly perfect the first time!), but all the recipes look amazing and I'll be trying those too.
November 30, 2021
Nice debut mystery! As a Texan myself (and Longhorn alum who lived in Austin), I enjoyed the setting. Good plot progression, though I found myself wishing all the recipes had come at the end, as they tended to feel a bit intrusive in the storytelling. Interesting characters with room for growth in a series. I didn't care for the portrayal of Pierre—felt pretty stereotyped to me. Also, the protagonist did a few of those things you scream at teenagers for doing in slasher flicks. Otherwise, I enjoyed getting to know the people in the book.
April 1, 2021
After reading and enjoying the first chapter of this ebook, I switched over to text-to-talk mode so that I could finish this before the end of #MarchMysteryMadness. I really enjoyed it. But I admit that I hurried through it in order to meet my reading goals for the month. I will definitely come back and read it more carefully at some point and possibly try a couple of the delicious sounding recipes in the book.
I loved the little snippets of thoughts from the murderer's perspective at the end of each chapter to give the reader a some clues. Then at the end we got a whole chapter from the murderer's perspective.
Overall the book seemed fairly short, so I hope there will be more from the series forthcoming. Plus I would like to see more about what happens with the main character and her husband as they work though their conflicts.
Thank you to the author for sending me an e-arc of this book. Since I neglected to read it before the publication date, I ended up buying my own e-copy so I could have it on my Kindle.
I loved the little snippets of thoughts from the murderer's perspective at the end of each chapter to give the reader a some clues. Then at the end we got a whole chapter from the murderer's perspective.
Overall the book seemed fairly short, so I hope there will be more from the series forthcoming. Plus I would like to see more about what happens with the main character and her husband as they work though their conflicts.
Thank you to the author for sending me an e-arc of this book. Since I neglected to read it before the publication date, I ended up buying my own e-copy so I could have it on my Kindle.
July 7, 2021
I just finished reading the debut cozy mystery novel, A Caterer's Guide to Love and Murder, at the request of the author, Jessica Thompson, in exchange for an honest review.
I have closed my website entitled, The Grumpy Book Reviewer, due to increasing costs for web hosting, security certificate, etc., and am moving my reviews to HubPages where I actually make a little money for my work. Unfortunately, HubPages will not allow anything published on their site to appear anywhere else. So, I have had to remove this review. I did love the book. Anyone who wants to read my review can access it at https://hubpages.com/literature/A-Cat....
I will say the story is intriguing, and addresses several ethical and social issues, and that the character development is great.
I have closed my website entitled, The Grumpy Book Reviewer, due to increasing costs for web hosting, security certificate, etc., and am moving my reviews to HubPages where I actually make a little money for my work. Unfortunately, HubPages will not allow anything published on their site to appear anywhere else. So, I have had to remove this review. I did love the book. Anyone who wants to read my review can access it at https://hubpages.com/literature/A-Cat....
I will say the story is intriguing, and addresses several ethical and social issues, and that the character development is great.
October 19, 2021
I'm very behind lately in my reading, I don't know why. I'm hoping I can change this funk I'm in.
However I do want to thank @jessicathauthor for my copy of this wonderful book!
Not only was there enough mystery to keep you guessing, but at the end of every chapter were amazing mouth watering recipes for all the yummiest things she was making through the book. And who does not want to try some new foods or a new take on something you may already love.
If you love a cozy mystery and happen to love food, then this is the one for you. But do not...I repeat do not read on an empty stomach.
However I do want to thank @jessicathauthor for my copy of this wonderful book!
Not only was there enough mystery to keep you guessing, but at the end of every chapter were amazing mouth watering recipes for all the yummiest things she was making through the book. And who does not want to try some new foods or a new take on something you may already love.
If you love a cozy mystery and happen to love food, then this is the one for you. But do not...I repeat do not read on an empty stomach.
October 21, 2020
A delicious, fast-paced read!
A Caterer's Guide to Love & Murder by Jessica Thompson is a fast-paced mystery with a cast of colorful characters. It's generous helping of whodunit with delicious recipes. I mean really, how could this not be a bestseller? Loved it and hope to see more from Jessica!
A Caterer's Guide to Love & Murder by Jessica Thompson is a fast-paced mystery with a cast of colorful characters. It's generous helping of whodunit with delicious recipes. I mean really, how could this not be a bestseller? Loved it and hope to see more from Jessica!
July 27, 2021
Good book!!!!
I am glad Violet finally chilled out, Jake sounds like a very, very passionate and patient man.
The recipes at the end of chapters is cool. With Violet being in the catering business.
Greta Violet's sister is a florist that makes a great team for weddings, parties and other events.
I am glad Violet finally chilled out, Jake sounds like a very, very passionate and patient man.
The recipes at the end of chapters is cool. With Violet being in the catering business.
Greta Violet's sister is a florist that makes a great team for weddings, parties and other events.
May 20, 2021
I enjoyed the range of recipes and the unique spin on getting the villain's perspective. [mild spoiler ahead!] I did figure things out long before Violet did (when first the affair came up) which left me a little frustrated with her, but I appreciate how she tied up all the loose ends!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2021
This was the worst book I’ve read in a long time…. Filled with clichés and bad platitudes, bad writing, bad proof reading (Violet’s name came as Violent once!?!?!), unrelatable characters and so so so slow paced it was a real drag to finish the book. So boring. Never again!
March 19, 2022
Fun read for anyone but especially for foodies! Tempting recipes, fun recipe, and likable characters.
May 16, 2021
FREE on Amazon this weekend – a cozy mystery for foodies!
Violet and her sister, Greta, are coordinating a wedding; Violet, the food, and Greta, the flowers. Both sisters have a lot riding on this client and are shocked to discover that there is a murder at the rehearsal dinner and a stabbing at the reception. Violet goes into detective mode as she tries to save her business reputation. She can’t get a reputation for catering killer weddings just as she’s getting established!
Readers will love this culinary adventure featuring mouth watering recipes and wonderful descriptions of food and will find themselves in a race to detect who the murderer/s is before the end of the book! The inclusion of the murderer’s perspective at the end of each chapter coaxes the amateur sleuth in all of us. How can such a love filled event be the setting of such an evil act?
The author explores the important ingredients of a relationship and prompts readers to question if money really solves everything.
This is a short, clean, easy read with lots of misdirection, characters readers can relate to and a plausible plotline. I’m confident Thompson’s next novel, “A Caterer’s Guide To Holidays And Homicide” will be just as entertaining and filled with culinary delights.
Congratulations on your debut novel and thank you for the gifted copy, Jessica Thompson.
Violet and her sister, Greta, are coordinating a wedding; Violet, the food, and Greta, the flowers. Both sisters have a lot riding on this client and are shocked to discover that there is a murder at the rehearsal dinner and a stabbing at the reception. Violet goes into detective mode as she tries to save her business reputation. She can’t get a reputation for catering killer weddings just as she’s getting established!
Readers will love this culinary adventure featuring mouth watering recipes and wonderful descriptions of food and will find themselves in a race to detect who the murderer/s is before the end of the book! The inclusion of the murderer’s perspective at the end of each chapter coaxes the amateur sleuth in all of us. How can such a love filled event be the setting of such an evil act?
The author explores the important ingredients of a relationship and prompts readers to question if money really solves everything.
This is a short, clean, easy read with lots of misdirection, characters readers can relate to and a plausible plotline. I’m confident Thompson’s next novel, “A Caterer’s Guide To Holidays And Homicide” will be just as entertaining and filled with culinary delights.
Congratulations on your debut novel and thank you for the gifted copy, Jessica Thompson.
December 13, 2024
Sad to say, I didn't like this. The mystery was a bit weak and all through the book there were recipes, connected to the story sure, but not necessary to move the plot along. (I may be a bit jealous as I don't have a proper oven to make them!)
I found a couple of cases of wrong words used in the novel and as an English Teacher, it took me right out of the story.
I wouldn't be interested in reading more in this series. I didn't like the heroine or the story.
I found a couple of cases of wrong words used in the novel and as an English Teacher, it took me right out of the story.
I wouldn't be interested in reading more in this series. I didn't like the heroine or the story.
November 4, 2021
This is a great cozy mystery. The main character, Violet, s a caterer working at a wedding, just after getting married herself. A murder occurs during the rehearsal dinner. Greta, the florist and Violet's sister, becomes the prime suspect.
July 4, 2021
2.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews