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Jade Sommer #1
Mostaccioli Murder
Murder with a side of mostaccioli.
Jade returns home to Chicago after being wrongfully fired from her dream job. When she had left a decade ago, she had made two promises to herself. One, never ever work for the family restaurant again. And, two, never ever see Kade, her cheating ex-boyfriend, again.
Unfortunately, when the restaurant delivery driver is found murdered, Jade assumes his position. The detective assigned to the case is none other than Kade.
As Jade comes to term with her new life at the restaurant, clues surrounding the murder develop. Jade receives odd delivery orders and threatening messages. Suspects appear in a thrilling mystery that Jade must solve or find herself as dead as the driver.
To save herself and the family business, she must play nice with the detective. But how can she play nice when she vowed to never speak to the jerk again? To solve the case, the pair must put their past aside.
Will Jade solve the murder before it’s too late? Can she move past her feelings for Kade? Get your copy of Mostaccioli Murder and find out.
Jade returns home to Chicago after being wrongfully fired from her dream job. When she had left a decade ago, she had made two promises to herself. One, never ever work for the family restaurant again. And, two, never ever see Kade, her cheating ex-boyfriend, again.
Unfortunately, when the restaurant delivery driver is found murdered, Jade assumes his position. The detective assigned to the case is none other than Kade.
As Jade comes to term with her new life at the restaurant, clues surrounding the murder develop. Jade receives odd delivery orders and threatening messages. Suspects appear in a thrilling mystery that Jade must solve or find herself as dead as the driver.
To save herself and the family business, she must play nice with the detective. But how can she play nice when she vowed to never speak to the jerk again? To solve the case, the pair must put their past aside.
Will Jade solve the murder before it’s too late? Can she move past her feelings for Kade? Get your copy of Mostaccioli Murder and find out.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 10, 2020
322 people are currently reading
389 people want to read
About the author
Nicolette Pierce
50 books120 followersIf you want to know more, visit my website at www.NicolettePierce.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
August 15, 2022
Kindle freebie at time of download.
Jade Sommer has just returned to her hometown of Chicago after her perfect life goes down the toilet, thanks to her evil ex-fiance and his exectutive assistant. Jade's dad is in the hospital recovering from a heart attack so her timing is good. The family needs her help in their Italian restaurant. Jade notices things at the restaurant are not going so well. Employees have quit left and right, fearing her Aunt Dot, and the delivery guy, Wayne has yet to show up for his shift. Jade has to take on the task until Wayne arrives. While taking out the trash, Jade discovers a sneaker in the dumpster, then a foot attached to the sneaker... attached to the dead body of a man who she later learns is Wayne. To make matters worse, Jade's cheating ex-boyfriend Logan is now the detective in charge of the case. How can she get through the investigation without spending too much time with Logan? Solve the mystery herself, of course. That and a lot of dumplings from Lee's restaurant next door!
This is a really good mystery! It's one of the better Kindle freebies I've read. It's worthy of a place on the library shelves. I liked the setting in spite of it being a city. The specific neighborhood is Chinatown and the location is narrowed a lot to the one neighborhood. The city setting gives the book a bit more of a gritty feel than the small town cozies but I found that it didn't bother me. I got caught up in the mystery and couldn't put it down. The mystery took a lot of twists and turns I didn't see coming. I'm not sure the solution makes sense or It needs more of a conclusion in that respect. I especially enjoyed the Italian restaurant setting. It's not an authentic Italian restaurant. The red and white checked tableclothes and bottles of chianti mark it as specifically AMERICAN and the 1950s homestyle menu does as well. However, this family is not Italian so they don't know any better. They don't have my great-grandmother to hold her rolling pin over them and advise them on how to run a real Italian restaurant.
They do have an unusual and interesting family though. I really liked most of the characters in this book. I can relate to Jade. She escaped the family business and followed her dreams. Now she's stuck back at home living with her mom and working for her aunt and brother. It's not what she expected out of life. Jade is a good person but even though she's not Italian, she's as stubborn as an Italian-American woman and holds a grudge like an old school Italian lady. That is what I did NOT like about her. Her grudge coupled with stubbornness caused her to have a chip on her shoulder and act immaturely. Of course this wouldn't be a cozy mystery if she said "Yes you're right. I'll let Logan handle this because it's his job."
Jade's brother Ross is working day and night to keep the family restaurant running. He's a workaholic who will follow his father to the hopsital soon if he's not careful. Ross is very serious and focused. Aunt Dot is tough, stubborn and wedded to the old ways but she is devoted to the restaurant and her family. I don't think she's that bad. Uncle Frank makes a lot of jokes about her but he's stayed with her all these years so she must have good qualities. Cousin Coby is a bit of an idiot. He's a wannabe social media influencer and obsessed with making video ads. He has a one track mind and it drives Jade crazy but his skills may come in handy.
The funniest characters are Uncle Sal, who IS actually Italian-American and Nana. He's an old family friend and likes to regale the family with stories about the Chicago mob. Jade isn't so sure they're true but everyone humors him anyway. Uncle Sal is a true and loyal friend to Jade's dad and Uncle Frank. Nana is the other funniest character. She may be retired and living in a retirement community but there's nothing tired about her. She's a hot ticket! Nana has a boyfriend, thinks she's a crime-solving ninja LOL!
Next door is the stereotypical Lee family. Mr. Lee, the Chinese cook/restauranteur, speaks in broken English and cooks Jade's favorite dumplings. He's a bit cranky but it is understandable given his estrangement from his son. Lily Lee, a few years older than Jade, was once stereotypically meek and mild-mannered but now she's taking an assertiveness course and she's learned to speak her mind. I really liked her more than Jade. Lily is kind, loyal and knows what she wants. She needs to learn how to speak up to get what she wants. She's worried sick over her brother Lan, who has gone missing and may or may not be involved in something dangerous. Lily just wants her family together and happy again. I'd say Lily is Jade's best friend because Lily seems to know what Jade is feeling and thinking even when Jade won't admit it. Lily's brother Landin is a troublemaker but only Jade can see it. He's not a well-developed character and hopefully his character will develop more as the series goes on.
Logan, the sexy detective, was Jade's high school bcooyfriend, until a shocking betryal ruined everything and caused her to run away. She still seems to have feelings for him and unresolved issues. They don't TALK like normal adults. It's not Logan's fault. He's busy working the case. Logan is a good guy. He had a rough upbringing and has learned from his parents' mistakes. He tries to do his job and do it well but it's complicated by his friendship with Ross and feelings about what happened with Jade. He seems to have a girlfriend, Avery, a chef/restaurateur, who seems very normal and nice. I'm not sure they're actually in that sort of relationship though. Jade doesn't ASK like an adult. She's busy smarting over the loss of her fiance, Allan, and her job. Allan is a real jerk. He slept with his executive assistant, came up with a bad ad campaign and then let Jade take the fall. He's one who wants to climb the corporate ladder and that's all he cares about. Their breakup is going to be contentous. Mila, Jade's assistant, wants to be Jade's friend but Jade isn't very friendly to Mila at first. Then Mila appears in the story and I didn't like her very much. She's flirtatious, bold and doesn't know how to read a room. She can't figure out why someone doesn't seem to like her? Her marketing ideas are kind of boring. Still, I hope she's successful.
Wayne, the murder victim, was one one hand, a devoted family man. With a wife and three kids with one on the way, he needed the money from the job. Yet, on the other hand, he was irrresponsible, accused of stealing and other bad things. It's certain someone wanted to kill him. I think he was up to no good, involved in something dangerous. My chief suspect is Mr. Smith, a scary dude who orders pineapple and anchovy pizza without accepting the pizza or paying a tip. He's terrifying and I'm sure he's a shady character the police need to keep an eye on. What about the ex-chef Lars? Where is he? He and Wayne had a lot of arguments in the past, Lars had access to Aunt Dot's knife and noodles. Lars doesn't seem like a prize to me but rumor has it he is after Wayne's wife. Did Lars kill Wayne to get what he wants- whether it was Wayne's wife or something else? I think probably he did.
Wayne had a girlfriend on the side, Summer, who seems to be mourning him. He wasn't worth it. She seems like a nice girl, although maybe not that intelligent or a good judge of character. Did she know Wayne was married? Jaelyn, Wayne's wife, seems less sad than Summer. She seems angry. She is angry but at the Sommer family. I'm not sure why and neither are they. Jade's mom is trying hard to help the family of an employee and bending over backwards to be superwoman and do it all. I feel sorry for Jaelyn because her husband was clearly a loser. Summer seems to believe Jaelyn was having an affair herself and the baby isn't Wayne's. Isn't that what they all say?
I would recommend this book to fans of city cozy mysteries. I may recommend the library buy it so a friend can read it. The food sounds so good I think they need recipes!
Jade Sommer has just returned to her hometown of Chicago after her perfect life goes down the toilet, thanks to her evil ex-fiance and his exectutive assistant. Jade's dad is in the hospital recovering from a heart attack so her timing is good. The family needs her help in their Italian restaurant. Jade notices things at the restaurant are not going so well. Employees have quit left and right, fearing her Aunt Dot, and the delivery guy, Wayne has yet to show up for his shift. Jade has to take on the task until Wayne arrives. While taking out the trash, Jade discovers a sneaker in the dumpster, then a foot attached to the sneaker... attached to the dead body of a man who she later learns is Wayne. To make matters worse, Jade's cheating ex-boyfriend Logan is now the detective in charge of the case. How can she get through the investigation without spending too much time with Logan? Solve the mystery herself, of course. That and a lot of dumplings from Lee's restaurant next door!
This is a really good mystery! It's one of the better Kindle freebies I've read. It's worthy of a place on the library shelves. I liked the setting in spite of it being a city. The specific neighborhood is Chinatown and the location is narrowed a lot to the one neighborhood. The city setting gives the book a bit more of a gritty feel than the small town cozies but I found that it didn't bother me. I got caught up in the mystery and couldn't put it down. The mystery took a lot of twists and turns I didn't see coming. I'm not sure the solution makes sense or It needs more of a conclusion in that respect. I especially enjoyed the Italian restaurant setting. It's not an authentic Italian restaurant. The red and white checked tableclothes and bottles of chianti mark it as specifically AMERICAN and the 1950s homestyle menu does as well. However, this family is not Italian so they don't know any better. They don't have my great-grandmother to hold her rolling pin over them and advise them on how to run a real Italian restaurant.
They do have an unusual and interesting family though. I really liked most of the characters in this book. I can relate to Jade. She escaped the family business and followed her dreams. Now she's stuck back at home living with her mom and working for her aunt and brother. It's not what she expected out of life. Jade is a good person but even though she's not Italian, she's as stubborn as an Italian-American woman and holds a grudge like an old school Italian lady. That is what I did NOT like about her. Her grudge coupled with stubbornness caused her to have a chip on her shoulder and act immaturely. Of course this wouldn't be a cozy mystery if she said "Yes you're right. I'll let Logan handle this because it's his job."
Jade's brother Ross is working day and night to keep the family restaurant running. He's a workaholic who will follow his father to the hopsital soon if he's not careful. Ross is very serious and focused. Aunt Dot is tough, stubborn and wedded to the old ways but she is devoted to the restaurant and her family. I don't think she's that bad. Uncle Frank makes a lot of jokes about her but he's stayed with her all these years so she must have good qualities. Cousin Coby is a bit of an idiot. He's a wannabe social media influencer and obsessed with making video ads. He has a one track mind and it drives Jade crazy but his skills may come in handy.
The funniest characters are Uncle Sal, who IS actually Italian-American and Nana. He's an old family friend and likes to regale the family with stories about the Chicago mob. Jade isn't so sure they're true but everyone humors him anyway. Uncle Sal is a true and loyal friend to Jade's dad and Uncle Frank. Nana is the other funniest character. She may be retired and living in a retirement community but there's nothing tired about her. She's a hot ticket! Nana has a boyfriend, thinks she's a crime-solving ninja LOL!
Next door is the stereotypical Lee family. Mr. Lee, the Chinese cook/restauranteur, speaks in broken English and cooks Jade's favorite dumplings. He's a bit cranky but it is understandable given his estrangement from his son. Lily Lee, a few years older than Jade, was once stereotypically meek and mild-mannered but now she's taking an assertiveness course and she's learned to speak her mind. I really liked her more than Jade. Lily is kind, loyal and knows what she wants. She needs to learn how to speak up to get what she wants. She's worried sick over her brother Lan, who has gone missing and may or may not be involved in something dangerous. Lily just wants her family together and happy again. I'd say Lily is Jade's best friend because Lily seems to know what Jade is feeling and thinking even when Jade won't admit it. Lily's brother Landin is a troublemaker but only Jade can see it. He's not a well-developed character and hopefully his character will develop more as the series goes on.
Logan, the sexy detective, was Jade's high school bcooyfriend, until a shocking betryal ruined everything and caused her to run away. She still seems to have feelings for him and unresolved issues. They don't TALK like normal adults. It's not Logan's fault. He's busy working the case. Logan is a good guy. He had a rough upbringing and has learned from his parents' mistakes. He tries to do his job and do it well but it's complicated by his friendship with Ross and feelings about what happened with Jade. He seems to have a girlfriend, Avery, a chef/restaurateur, who seems very normal and nice. I'm not sure they're actually in that sort of relationship though. Jade doesn't ASK like an adult. She's busy smarting over the loss of her fiance, Allan, and her job. Allan is a real jerk. He slept with his executive assistant, came up with a bad ad campaign and then let Jade take the fall. He's one who wants to climb the corporate ladder and that's all he cares about. Their breakup is going to be contentous. Mila, Jade's assistant, wants to be Jade's friend but Jade isn't very friendly to Mila at first. Then Mila appears in the story and I didn't like her very much. She's flirtatious, bold and doesn't know how to read a room. She can't figure out why someone doesn't seem to like her? Her marketing ideas are kind of boring. Still, I hope she's successful.
Wayne, the murder victim, was one one hand, a devoted family man. With a wife and three kids with one on the way, he needed the money from the job. Yet, on the other hand, he was irrresponsible, accused of stealing and other bad things. It's certain someone wanted to kill him. I think he was up to no good, involved in something dangerous. My chief suspect is Mr. Smith, a scary dude who orders pineapple and anchovy pizza without accepting the pizza or paying a tip. He's terrifying and I'm sure he's a shady character the police need to keep an eye on. What about the ex-chef Lars? Where is he? He and Wayne had a lot of arguments in the past, Lars had access to Aunt Dot's knife and noodles. Lars doesn't seem like a prize to me but rumor has it he is after Wayne's wife. Did Lars kill Wayne to get what he wants- whether it was Wayne's wife or something else? I think probably he did.
Wayne had a girlfriend on the side, Summer, who seems to be mourning him. He wasn't worth it. She seems like a nice girl, although maybe not that intelligent or a good judge of character. Did she know Wayne was married? Jaelyn, Wayne's wife, seems less sad than Summer. She seems angry. She is angry but at the Sommer family. I'm not sure why and neither are they. Jade's mom is trying hard to help the family of an employee and bending over backwards to be superwoman and do it all. I feel sorry for Jaelyn because her husband was clearly a loser. Summer seems to believe Jaelyn was having an affair herself and the baby isn't Wayne's. Isn't that what they all say?
I would recommend this book to fans of city cozy mysteries. I may recommend the library buy it so a friend can read it. The food sounds so good I think they need recipes!
August 10, 2022
This was a pretty good read and my first time reading this author. Jade returns home to Chicago after being wrongfully fired from her dream job. When she had left a decade ago, she had made two promises to herself. One, never ever work for the family restaurant again. And, two, never ever see Logan, her cheating ex-boyfriend, again. When she finds the body of the delivery driver Wayne dead she finds herself in the middle of the investigation. This was a good read and I loved all of the secondary characters in this book. While trying to find out who committed the crime old feelings began to surface between Jade and Logan. The suspect was crazy and I was able to figure it out. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
February 19, 2024
First in the series was a good and amusing at times read. Nana was the star in my option, she was a hoot.
July 12, 2023
Despondent after her fiance lies, cheats and manipulates her out of her job, Jade Sommer returns home to Chicago and her parents' Italian restaurant. Immediately, Jade learns the value of not asking, "How worse can it get?" when she finds a staff member in the restaurant's back alley dead with a knife in him. Now the race is on to uncover a killer and save the family business, all while dodging gang interference and the police.
I wasn't sure that I would like this story when I began. That feeling lasted for all of two minutes - then I was hooked! I read well into the night until my eyes started to cross and finished the concluding chapter this morning. The conclusion left me with a sense of both shock and satisfaction.
I have to admit that I wasn't fond of the characters. Usually, at least one player sticks out as being simpatico. I didn't get find friendly vibes from anyone in the story. For me, this story was all about the hunt - tracking down the suspect took the main characters down a snaking path that stayed muddied until the reveal. In time I may find myself greeting them with more warmth; this is the first in a series, after all.
Mostaccioli Murder is cosy-ish. An enthralling read that will devour your free time.
I wasn't sure that I would like this story when I began. That feeling lasted for all of two minutes - then I was hooked! I read well into the night until my eyes started to cross and finished the concluding chapter this morning. The conclusion left me with a sense of both shock and satisfaction.
I have to admit that I wasn't fond of the characters. Usually, at least one player sticks out as being simpatico. I didn't get find friendly vibes from anyone in the story. For me, this story was all about the hunt - tracking down the suspect took the main characters down a snaking path that stayed muddied until the reveal. In time I may find myself greeting them with more warmth; this is the first in a series, after all.
Mostaccioli Murder is cosy-ish. An enthralling read that will devour your free time.
July 30, 2022
I stumbled across this book by accident, a happy accident!
Jade's family runs a small Italian restaurant that hasn't changed since it first opened. Jade wanted nothing to do with the family business and after high school and heartbreak she runs off to find her own career in Advertising. Everything is going well until her cheating fiancé, whom she works with, throws her under the bus at work and she is now persona non grata and flat broke. She goes back home to help her family after her dad's heart attack and well... you will get no spoilers from me.
While it is still a cozy, it is a bit darker than my normal cozies. A plus in my book is there is no graphic sex, foul language or bloodshed. It deals with Chicago, drugs, gangs, and maybe the mob.
The characters are wonderful, Jade is a bit sarcastic (which I like), Aunt Dot (beware) and Nana (senior super sleuth). Her brother Ross (think curmudgeon in his 20's) and her cousin Cody (who wants to be a social media influencer) also work at the family business. A high school friend, Lily, happens to work across the street at her family restaurant that seems to have the best dumplings around. And Logan, the ex-boyfriend and how local detective.
Jade's family runs a small Italian restaurant that hasn't changed since it first opened. Jade wanted nothing to do with the family business and after high school and heartbreak she runs off to find her own career in Advertising. Everything is going well until her cheating fiancé, whom she works with, throws her under the bus at work and she is now persona non grata and flat broke. She goes back home to help her family after her dad's heart attack and well... you will get no spoilers from me.
While it is still a cozy, it is a bit darker than my normal cozies. A plus in my book is there is no graphic sex, foul language or bloodshed. It deals with Chicago, drugs, gangs, and maybe the mob.
The characters are wonderful, Jade is a bit sarcastic (which I like), Aunt Dot (beware) and Nana (senior super sleuth). Her brother Ross (think curmudgeon in his 20's) and her cousin Cody (who wants to be a social media influencer) also work at the family business. A high school friend, Lily, happens to work across the street at her family restaurant that seems to have the best dumplings around. And Logan, the ex-boyfriend and how local detective.
June 2, 2024
Jade came home for a vacation from her advertising job or at least that's what her family thinks, is the reason shes home. actually her life is down teh drain, her fiance used their condo to ahve afterhours meetings with his assistant alone and no clothes, and she lost her job. but while shes home she needs to fake that everything is fine and she is so happy at work and she just needed to come home to help the family out at the restaurant while her dad is in the hospital, but honestly thats all she has going for her right now. one thing she didnt want to have going for her was finding the body of the delivery driver dead in the garbage area behind the restaurant. Now not only was she in the middle of her own crisis of life she found herself in the middle of a murder investigation, because she found the body. How will Jade over come this to get her life back together all with the unknown help of her family members, friends oh and 1 ex boyfriend who happens to be the lead dectitive on the case. oh this book was so good, Mr. Lee will have you laughing out loud, cant wait to read the rest of this series.
June 14, 2025
The first thing I thought while starting this book was “What the hell are mostaccioli?” turns out that is how people call Penne in America. Cause it turns out that in Italy Mustacciuoli is a dessert from Neaples.
Secondly, the smell of garlic is really not that strong, like in the US okay it might be different, but actual Italian cuisine is not supposed to stink of garlic that much.
Getting to the actual book, I found the writing to be very good, maybe I would have loved more food but I have to say it was a good start and I hope there will be more in the future books.
As a sleuth, Jade’s a bit slow in connecting things for now. For this particular murder, my first thought is “how did the murderer get the knife?” like how is no one thinking about it?
The “romantic” subplot took up much more space than I thought. Everyone’s obsessed with her romantic life. Like if someone cheated on me, I would be so pissed if my family insisted I get back with him. And I wouldn’t want my relative to get back to her cheating ex!
And lastly, I’m not sure about Jade’s morality of being (rightly) pissed off at Allan and Logan for cheating on her, but deciding at the end of the book to
Secondly, the smell of garlic is really not that strong, like in the US okay it might be different, but actual Italian cuisine is not supposed to stink of garlic that much.
Getting to the actual book, I found the writing to be very good, maybe I would have loved more food but I have to say it was a good start and I hope there will be more in the future books.
As a sleuth, Jade’s a bit slow in connecting things for now. For this particular murder, my first thought is “how did the murderer get the knife?” like how is no one thinking about it?
The “romantic” subplot took up much more space than I thought. Everyone’s obsessed with her romantic life. Like if someone cheated on me, I would be so pissed if my family insisted I get back with him. And I wouldn’t want my relative to get back to her cheating ex!
And lastly, I’m not sure about Jade’s morality of being (rightly) pissed off at Allan and Logan for cheating on her, but deciding at the end of the book to
July 17, 2022
free ebook
she lost her job, didnt tell her parents. she also didnt tell anyone she caught the man she was to marry having sex with another woman. she didnt remove the ring yet. she came home when her dad was in hospital for heart procedure
she worked in the familys italian restaurant (they are not italian) and found one of the employees killed with her aunts knife by the dumpster. she also was delivering a pizza and the woman was his girlfriend, but he had a preg wife and children
the detective on the case was her x boyfriend that she caught in bed
it turns out he didnt cheat on her, the other girl just made it seem that way
they found out who killed the delivery man
and helped the people in the restaurant across the way
but their restaurant was going under
the cops friend who was a chef offered to come to their restaurant free to get more customers
she decided to stay there and her assistant quit her job and moved there
she told everyone about her cheating boss and sold the ring for money to put in the restaurant
she lost her job, didnt tell her parents. she also didnt tell anyone she caught the man she was to marry having sex with another woman. she didnt remove the ring yet. she came home when her dad was in hospital for heart procedure
she worked in the familys italian restaurant (they are not italian) and found one of the employees killed with her aunts knife by the dumpster. she also was delivering a pizza and the woman was his girlfriend, but he had a preg wife and children
the detective on the case was her x boyfriend that she caught in bed
it turns out he didnt cheat on her, the other girl just made it seem that way
they found out who killed the delivery man
and helped the people in the restaurant across the way
but their restaurant was going under
the cops friend who was a chef offered to come to their restaurant free to get more customers
she decided to stay there and her assistant quit her job and moved there
she told everyone about her cheating boss and sold the ring for money to put in the restaurant
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2022
Jade returns home on the guise of helping her parents and brother with their family restaurant after her father has surgery and is unable to work. Her brother took over the running of the family while their father is recuperating. Her mother is going between staying with her father and baking for the restaurant, while her aunt is the main cook.
Jade is given the task of deliveries when the delivery man fails to show up for work. On one of her first deliveries Jade walks out the back door and stumbles over the dead body of the missing delivery man with a knife stuck in his chest. To make matters worse, the lead detective on the case is her ex-boyfriend that she thought was the love of her life- until she found him and her best friend in bed together ten years before.
Through a series of misadventures she is forced to help the deliveryman's wife, girlfriend, and the ex while trying to save her family's restaurant.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading other books by the author.
Jade is given the task of deliveries when the delivery man fails to show up for work. On one of her first deliveries Jade walks out the back door and stumbles over the dead body of the missing delivery man with a knife stuck in his chest. To make matters worse, the lead detective on the case is her ex-boyfriend that she thought was the love of her life- until she found him and her best friend in bed together ten years before.
Through a series of misadventures she is forced to help the deliveryman's wife, girlfriend, and the ex while trying to save her family's restaurant.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading other books by the author.
July 29, 2022
Once I started Mostaccioli Murder, I gave up sleep and read until I finished reading it. I really enjoyed meeting Jade Sommer and her family. Thirty year old Jade has returned to Chicago's Chinatown to help out in the family's Italian restaurant. Her father is in the hospital after a heart operation and her older brother Ross needs her help. Little do they know that she needs time to think about her life. Her fiance sabotaged her career, cheated on her, and won't pay her back for her share in the condo they bought together. Unfortunately, there's no time to think about her situation after she discovers their deliveryman, Wayne, has been murdered. Unfortunately the detective on the case is her first ex-fiance--Logan, who is also her brother's best friend! Brother's best friend is my favorite trope! These characters come to life as you read about them. This book has other books already completed, and I can't wait to start book #2!
December 9, 2020
It's hard to know what you're going to get when you begin reading the first in a new series by a new to you author but I must say that I was more than pleasantly surprised by this book. The story was well written, intricately woven and flowed very well. I really liked the protagonist and couldn't help but relate to her especially when dealing with family. The supporting cast was interesting, super funny and extremely loyal.I can't wait for the next in the series but, unfortunately, I'll have to be patient because the next one isn't being released until May 2021. I highly recommend this book and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 10, 2020
Jade’s life has imploded and she returns home to her family in Chicago. She doesn’t want them to know what really brought her home, so she let’s them believe she came home to help out after her father had a heart attack. On her first night home she stumbles across a body out by the dumpster behind the family’s restaurant. Her curiosity about the dead man draws her into the middle of the murder investigation.
This was a really enjoyable read! The characters are interesting and well developed. This book has murder, quirky characters, family bonds, along with a little family drama and a bit of romance. I’m really looking forward to seeing what happens next for Jade and her family and friends!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a really enjoyable read! The characters are interesting and well developed. This book has murder, quirky characters, family bonds, along with a little family drama and a bit of romance. I’m really looking forward to seeing what happens next for Jade and her family and friends!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 10, 2022
Not what I expected
The front cover gave me a completely different expectation of the books content. I've had this book, in my library for some time. I'm sorry I wasted so much time, when I could have been enjoying this fantastic book. It's a great mystery!! I never guessed the murderer. The killer was involved throughout the book but I never guessed! This author has the BEST sense of humor!! The subject of murder should have given this book a much more sombre theme, but Jade was hilarious! Nicolette gave the heroine the funniest personality. I not only liked everything about this book, I loved it and am so sad to have finished. I am going to read every book this author has written!! You should too!!
The front cover gave me a completely different expectation of the books content. I've had this book, in my library for some time. I'm sorry I wasted so much time, when I could have been enjoying this fantastic book. It's a great mystery!! I never guessed the murderer. The killer was involved throughout the book but I never guessed! This author has the BEST sense of humor!! The subject of murder should have given this book a much more sombre theme, but Jade was hilarious! Nicolette gave the heroine the funniest personality. I not only liked everything about this book, I loved it and am so sad to have finished. I am going to read every book this author has written!! You should too!!
December 11, 2020
Jade has returned home after finding her fiancé with another woman. Meanwhile her boyfriend from 10 years ago still lives in her hometown. He also cheated on her. Or did he? Regardless, Jade stumbles over a dead body in the dumpster behind her family’s restaurant. Her boyfriend from 10 years ago is now a police detective. Jade gets involved in trying to solve a murder.
The book started a little slow for me, but soon picked up the pace. I enjoyed the book so much that I have already ordered book #2. Can’t wait to read it!
Buy this book. Read it. Enjoy!
Kay M.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The book started a little slow for me, but soon picked up the pace. I enjoyed the book so much that I have already ordered book #2. Can’t wait to read it!
Buy this book. Read it. Enjoy!
Kay M.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 11, 2020
This is my first Nicolette Pierce story and I’m already a huge fan. Jade is easy to like and empathize with. Her family, work, and romantic life are all in shambles but she keeps her scooter running right up until it’s stolen. The story is really well written and the pieces are nicely tied up with just enough of a cliff hanger to make me willing to wait, impatiently, for the next book in the series. In the meantime I’ll have to go read this author’s other series! I did receive an ARC copy of this book and highly recommend it willingly. If you enjoy a cozy type of mystery with a light romantic touch you will enjoy this book.
December 11, 2020
Jade left Chicago behind after finding her drunk boyfriend in bed with her until then best girlfriend.
Ten years in advertising ended with her coming home after losing her job over blame for a failed campaign and finding her fiancé on their table with his assistant
Going home to family when Dad has heart issues uncovers multiple layers of family drama - and the realization that her former bff may have exaggerated the depth of handsome beau’s failures
Drama, action, community and family chaos and storytelling fun
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ten years in advertising ended with her coming home after losing her job over blame for a failed campaign and finding her fiancé on their table with his assistant
Going home to family when Dad has heart issues uncovers multiple layers of family drama - and the realization that her former bff may have exaggerated the depth of handsome beau’s failures
Drama, action, community and family chaos and storytelling fun
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 12, 2020
A young woman returns to the family restaurant because her relationship with her fiancee has broken down and also because her father is in hospital. Needless to say she gets involved in a murder mystery. This is the bare bones of the background to the story. However the book gives a lot more than the bare bones, it is a well written mystery story with infidelities, a business going bust, a couple of murders, a drugs gang and some romance all pulled together into am enjoyable story people with some great characters.
I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to seeing what this author produces next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to seeing what this author produces next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 7, 2022
Jade Sommer is dumped by her fiancé in and her ad job given to his new love! Dejected she heads for home to Chicago, and almost immediately discovers a dead body outside the family restaurant, Piatto Perfetto. Turns out he was their delivery guy and Jade steps in to help out by covering for him. But what she discovers, along with her high school sweetheart Logan, not a Detective, is a lot of strange happenings! Never one to take advice, especially from a past cheating boyfriend, she starts to investigate. Her family is a riot, and I really enjoyed reading about their quibbles and odd relationships! A great cozy mystery! I’m looking forward to reading more in this series!
Read
December 22, 2020Fun and Witty
Aside from a few too many noodle references, I found this murder mystery very enjoyable to read.
The formation of the team that works together to solve the mystery worked. The major characters were well-developed. Jade and Logan's past relationship and the truth about what really happened added nice spices to the simmering new relationship.
I think you'll enjoy the book as much as I did.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Aside from a few too many noodle references, I found this murder mystery very enjoyable to read.
The formation of the team that works together to solve the mystery worked. The major characters were well-developed. Jade and Logan's past relationship and the truth about what really happened added nice spices to the simmering new relationship.
I think you'll enjoy the book as much as I did.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 12, 2023
Family Sticking Together Through Pasta and Cannoli
Cute story about a traditional Italian restaurant owned and operated by non Italians. When the family's daughter returns home, she is running from personal disaster but keeping the news to herself. Helping out in the restaurant until she gets her life sorted out, she discovers her father is in the hospital, the family business is in financial trouble and she keeps blundering into murder and other mayhem. The closeness of the family and friends in the midst of the big city (Chicago) is cozy and heartwarming.
Cute story about a traditional Italian restaurant owned and operated by non Italians. When the family's daughter returns home, she is running from personal disaster but keeping the news to herself. Helping out in the restaurant until she gets her life sorted out, she discovers her father is in the hospital, the family business is in financial trouble and she keeps blundering into murder and other mayhem. The closeness of the family and friends in the midst of the big city (Chicago) is cozy and heartwarming.
December 8, 2020
So I was quite surprised by this book as I thought it would just be cheesy fluff but wow was I wrong! The story is well written, flow was good, characters were interesting and the MC was relatable. The mystery itself was a good one, I did not see the killer coming! Definitely worth a read and I can't wait for more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 15, 2020
The protaginest is so self centered that everything was either her fault - the murder - or was done to hurt her - everything else in her life. Add that to the fact that the first 5 chapter were so confusing - which was meant to be a hook to get you to read further, but just made you cross your eyes - I just couldn't finish the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 21, 2025
Mostaccioli Murder - Nicolette Pierce
Jade had moved back home from CA to Chicago. She was fired from her job and left her cheating Ex. It was a godsend that Jade had come home . Her family needed her. Her father had a heart attack, the family business is going under and not to mentioned a former staff member was killed by the dumpy. It takes the entire family to come together to save the family restaurant as well as help solve the murder.
Jade had moved back home from CA to Chicago. She was fired from her job and left her cheating Ex. It was a godsend that Jade had come home . Her family needed her. Her father had a heart attack, the family business is going under and not to mentioned a former staff member was killed by the dumpy. It takes the entire family to come together to save the family restaurant as well as help solve the murder.
December 9, 2020
Jade goes back to home to be with her family, and help out with the family business, after her father ends up in hospital. She also came home due to losing her job and fiance, but that's her little secret. For now.
On her first day, she discovers the dead body of an employee, and has to take his place as delivery driver. What she finds, is that he wasn't just delivering pizza to these customers, and his death is more twisted that she initially thought.
I enjoyed this one! The characters were interesting, the plot was intriguing, and I liked what other characters, like Lily, brought to the story. This book had a focus on family and relationships, but with a murder mystery tied in, and it was just a real easy, fun story to read. I hope there will be more!
On her first day, she discovers the dead body of an employee, and has to take his place as delivery driver. What she finds, is that he wasn't just delivering pizza to these customers, and his death is more twisted that she initially thought.
I enjoyed this one! The characters were interesting, the plot was intriguing, and I liked what other characters, like Lily, brought to the story. This book had a focus on family and relationships, but with a murder mystery tied in, and it was just a real easy, fun story to read. I hope there will be more!
December 10, 2020
Loved Mostaccioli Murder! Fantastic story, entertaining characters, a mystery that kept me guessing, and a little romance. Can't wait to read the next book in the series!
Rarely leave a 5 Star review- this book deserved it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rarely leave a 5 Star review- this book deserved it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 10, 2020
I found this to be a very good read. The characters are well rounded. The story was well written with plenty of twists and turns. There was plenty left unexplored (not as a cliffhanger) to make me excited to continue with this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 24, 2020
A fantastic well written mystery with a hint of romance. This engaging storyline has surprising plot twists, mystery, and lots of laughs where I didn't even see the killer coming. The story smooth flowing with entertaining characters. I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC and can't wait for more in the series.
June 11, 2022
Enjoy a good cozy
I absolutely loved this book!! I was pleasantly surprised by how good it was. I hope Lily gets with Ross and Jade and Logan get things worked out. I can see so much potential for spin offs. I loved Nana. Looks like I have found a new series. This is a goo clean read. Pick it up. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
I absolutely loved this book!! I was pleasantly surprised by how good it was. I hope Lily gets with Ross and Jade and Logan get things worked out. I can see so much potential for spin offs. I loved Nana. Looks like I have found a new series. This is a goo clean read. Pick it up. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Read
June 19, 2022Culinary cozy
Culinary cozy with a touch of romance. After breaking up with her cheating ex, whose side piece engineered her losing her job, Jade returned to her hometown and family restaurant and stumbled upon the body of their delivery man out in back of the restaurant. Needing it solved quickly, she along with the family and her first love investigated.
Culinary cozy with a touch of romance. After breaking up with her cheating ex, whose side piece engineered her losing her job, Jade returned to her hometown and family restaurant and stumbled upon the body of their delivery man out in back of the restaurant. Needing it solved quickly, she along with the family and her first love investigated.
September 17, 2022
Excellent Story and Characters
Mostaccioli Murder is a rollicking murder mystery full of colorful characters, including a quirky family that you feel like you’ve known forever, and a pinch of romantic tension thrown in for food measure. Jade is relatable as the main character. It’s a great read and I look forward to Nicolette Pierce’s next book.
Mostaccioli Murder is a rollicking murder mystery full of colorful characters, including a quirky family that you feel like you’ve known forever, and a pinch of romantic tension thrown in for food measure. Jade is relatable as the main character. It’s a great read and I look forward to Nicolette Pierce’s next book.
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