Carried to the Grave and Other Stories

Food Lovers' Village Mystery #5.5

by Leslie Budewitz

In her Food Lovers’ Village Mysteries, Agatha Award-winning author Leslie Budewitz introduces us to Jewel Bay, a tight-knit Montana community that thrives on tourism and farm-to-table fare. Featuring Erin Murphy, beloved proprietor of the Merc—a century-old general store converted into a local foods market—each book brings us closer to the folks who call Jewel Bay home, and the cunning culprits in their midst.

In this delicious new collection of five short stories and one novella, she takes us further into the heart of Jewel Bay—from the playhouse to the Merc, from funerals to food festivals—with equal parts humor, suspense, and compassion, and no shortage of murder to spice up the menu . . .

In CARRIED TO THE GRAVE, a long-hidden family secret refuses to be put to rest.

Jewel Bay’s community food festival serves up the perfect opportunity for a devious killer with an appetite for murder in POT LUCK.

In THE CHRISTMAS STRANGER, a small gesture by a mysterious man turns out to change lives . . . and much more.

A romantic getaway to a secluded beach town in Mexico provides a deadly remedy for a couple’s trouble at home in A DEATH IN YELAPA.

As the local playhouse opens for the season, it’s curtains for a stage manager with a secret in PUT ON A DYING FACE.

And in AN UNHOLY DEATH, when Kate and Paddy Murphy open Murphy’s Mercantile in 1910, they know making a go of it in rough-and-tumble Montana will be hard work, but for a local preacher, it’s murder.

Available in paperback and e-book.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Anthologies, Short Stories

182 pages, Paperback

First published May 25, 2021

About the author

*Also publishes as Alicia Beckman*

Leslie Budewitz is the three-time Agatha Award winner and bestselling author of the Food Lovers’ Village and Spice Shop mysteries, continuing with the 9th installment, LAVENDER LIES BLEEDING (July 2025). Her historical short mystery collection, ALL GOD'S SPARROWS AND OTHER STORIES: A STAGECOACH MARY FIELDS COLLECTION (September 2024), featuring a remarkable figure from Montana history, is a finalist in the 2025 High Plains International Book Awards. She also writes standalone moody suspense as Alicia Beckman.

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What a delight to return to the Spice Shop, a fictional shop in Seattle’s Pike Place Market, a place I fell in love ages ago as a college freshman. I made it my mission to eat my way through the place, and since it’s constantly changing, I’ll never be done!

In LAVENDER LIES BLEEDING, Spice Shop owner Pepper Reece is shocked when vandals destroy the greenhouse at her friend Liz Giacometti’s lavender farm. But then Liz is killed, and Pepper digs in to solve the crimes. As her questions threaten to unearth secrets others desperately want to keep buried, danger creeps closer to her and those she loves. Can Pepper root out the killer, before someone nips her in the bud?

Writing about Seattle and its surroundings never gets old. Plus it's an excuse to keep up with places I love, and to make regular research trips. And by research, you know I mean eat!

ALL GOD’S SPARROWS AND OTHER STORIES imagines the life and heart of Mary Fields (1832-1914), a real-life woman born into slavery who spent her last 30 years in Montana, where she found freedom and community, and her own place in the West, bringing solace and justice to those in need. The collection brings together three stories originally published in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, and a new novella, “A Bitter Wind,” set in 1897 and 1914, in which Mary helps a young picture bride solve the mystery of her fiancé’s death, his homesteading neighbors’ bitterness, and her own future. The title story won the 2018 Agatha Award for Best Short Story; others were finalists for awards from the Short Mystery Fiction Society and the Western Writers of America. The collection is a finalist for the 2025 High Plains International Book Awards.

I’m also the author of the Food Lovers' Village Mysteries, set in fictional Jewel Bay, Montana. DEATH A DENTE, first in the series, won the 2013 Agatha Award for Best First novel. My guide for writers, BOOKS, CROOKS & COUNSELORS: How to Write Accurately About Criminal Law & Courtroom Procedure, drawing on my long career as a lawyer, won the 2011 Agatha for Best Nonfiction.

I’m a past president of Sisters in Crime and former regional and national board member of Mystery Writers of America. I love to cook, eat, hike, travel, garden, and paint—not necessarily in that order. My husband and I live in northwest Montana.

For regular updates, please visit my website, http://www.LeslieBudewitz.com, and click on the newsletter tab to sign up for emails crammed with book news, peeks inside the writing life, and more, along with two free short stories.

Readers are my favorite people. Drop me a line at Leslie at LeslieBudewitz.com. Join me at my website, LeslieBudewitz.com, or on Facebook at Leslie Budewitz & Alicia Beckman.

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun installment in the Food Lovers Village Mystery series written by Leslie Budewitz. This book is a collection of ~5 short stories / novellas all revolving around various characters set in Jewel Bay, Montana. While it focuses on Erin, one story travels back a century to the opening of her family's wonderful store. Another teases us with some murders and past relationships, including the death of a character we know a little bit about already. Great way to lure in new readers... enough to sink your teeth into but not something you need to dedicate an entire afternoon to read. Read a few each day until you are all caught up. It was good to get this release knowing the next full-length novel isn't until 2022, I hope!

[BonnieM☂️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very interesting. The story lines in each story were tied together with the main characters, Erin and Adam. The other characters added to the mystery of the stories. The whole book was very entertaining and I enjoyed it very much.

Thank you NetGalley and Beyondthepage Publishing for this ARC.

[Edith Maxwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could not put down this collection of five short stories and a novella. Leslie Budewitz, more commonly known for her prowess at the novel length, shows she's also a master of shorter form crime stories. I loved the five short pieces. I'm a fan of historical fiction, so "Carried to the Grave" particularly spoke to me as the author wove in a story from the past to solve a crime in the present. All the other contributions are clever and intertwined in the best of ways.

My favorite has to be the novella "An Holy Death," in which we learn the 1910 origins of the Mercantile, the central setting of the Food Lovers Village Mysteries. The newlyweds, the body in the church, the orphaned little girl - all of it enthralled and touched me. Budewitz shines at historical mysteries as much as she does at contemporary tales.

I highly recommend reading this lovely collection. Don't be surprised when you go back and re-read, over and over.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun cozy novella filled with whodunit, murder and intrigue.
I like reading the short stories, they keep it fresh and exciting.
A great read for your summer vacation or just relaxing on your deck.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carried to the Grave and Other Stories by Leslie Budewitz contains tales involving the characters from A Food Lover’s Village Mystery series. Erin Murphy in Jewel Bay, Montana runs the Merc, a local food market. There are five short stories and one novella in this book. This is a nice addition to the series. Each storyline ties back to Erin Murphy and/or The Merc. We get to see how Adam went from friend to husband in this collection. I especially enjoyed An Unholy Death where we get to go back to the opening of The Mercantile. I thought the stories were well-written and engaging. We get a chance to explore Jewel Bay and get to know the unique characters (past and present) that reside in the town a little better. Fans of the series will enjoy these fun mysteries. You can read all at once or one at a time. Carried to the Grave and Other Stories contains humor, romance, mystery, kindness, and more than a little mayhem.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've missed this series and these characters since the last book so it was nice to visit with them again and have the storyline progress. I loved traveling with Erin and Adam on their honeymoon and then the glimpse into the life of her grandparents and the opening of the Merc. Hoping for another one in the series.

I received a copy from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Carol Deegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not usually a fan of short stories, but I thoroughly enjoyed the stories in this book, #6 of the Food Lovers’ Village series. I particularly liked the story of how “the Merc” was established. Every time I read one of the books, I feel like I’ve returned to visit my friends in Jewel Bay, Montana. The scenery is so well described that you can visualize it without hesitation, and would like to visit. I highly recommend this series to anyone who likes cozy mysteries. I received an arc of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

[LittleRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when authors release novellas and short stories between book releases! These are delicious little snacks, bites of life in Jewel Bay, that hold me over and make me happy. I’m so glad the author and publisher put this together…and hope they plan more in the future. :)

[Ell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cozy mystery novellas and short stories are some of my guilty pleasures. I find these snack-sized mysteries fun and relaxing. I always enjoy finding talented authors that are new to me, so I was delighted to read, Carried to the Grave and Other Stories. The stories center around Erin Murphy and The Merc, a store that has been in her family for generations. Erin also happens to be an amateur detective with a mind that relentlessly works to solve puzzling circumstances. These stories have it all from suspense to humor to heart-warming moments.

[Ryan Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this collection of short stories and getting the chance to return to Jewel Bay. I love this series as well as the Spice Shop Mysteries written by the same author.

[Grace Koshida · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carried to the Grave and Other Stories is a collection of five short stories and one novella from her Food Lovers mystery series set in Jewel Bay, Montana. In the titular short story, Carried to the Grave,, a long-hidden family secret is revealed after the funeral of Erin Murphy's aunt. In Pot Luck, Jewel Bay’s community fall food festival is tainted when the perennial award-winning elk medallion dish is poisoned and Erin has to find out why. Erin is surprised in The Christmas Stranger when a mysterious man's gives her a generous gift after she helps him make some photocopies. Erin and her new husband Adam Zimmerman are enjoying their honeymoon getaway at a secluded Mexican beach town in A Death in Yelapa. But when the body of a woman is found eaten by crocodiles, Erin determines the truth and the victim's identity thanks to an aversion to cilantro and a distinctive dress. The Jewel Bay playhouse opens for the season but the stage manager is snuffed out during the performance in Put on a Dying Face.. And in the novella An Unholy Death, it's 1910 when Erin's great grandparents and newlyweds Paddy and Kate Murphy open up the Mercantile in Jewel Bay. When the local preacher is killed, his orphaned daughter Grace is befriended by Kate and they form a friendship and work to find his killer.

This was a delightful set of stories that allowed us to explore the Jewel Bay area and its quirky cast of characters, both past and present.

I received a digital ARC from Netgalley and Beyond the Page Publishing with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carried to the Grave and Other Stories, a Food Lovers’ Village mysteries by Leslie Budewitz takes place in Jewel Bay, Montana, a place known for its festivals and its food.
The book is a series of short stories and one novella, all revolving around the Merc, a generations old grocery, now more of a tourist shop, still run by Erin Murphy, a descendant and amateur investigator. She just has a knack for it. I each of these stories there is a mystery, not all murders, in which Erin draws on her know,edge of the community.

Food Lovers’ Mysteries is a terrific cozy mystery series and these stories kind of round out the book-length mysteries by focusing on individuals that normally inhabit the background. People in small towns have lives much more integrated than in cities, which makes it inbred and interesting. This was a enjoyable read. I recommend it.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Carried to the Grave and Other Stories but Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #carriedtothegraveandotherstories

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a compilation of 4 short stories and a novella. I liked that it was bundled. For me, the bundle makes it seem like a novella broken into segments. The common theme is Jewel Bay, Montana. There is good background information for the series along with a heartwarming Christmas story.

I enjoyed these stories. It’s a great introduction to the series which I have moved the series higher on my to be read list. These stories can be read without having read books 1 through 5. I have read number five and wanted to start the series from the beginning but life gets in the way. I feel this set of short stories has given me more motivation to start from the beginning.

I was given an advanced e-copy by Netgallery. I am not required to leave a positive review.

[Cozy Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own.

I so enjoyed this compilation of short stories based on the author's Food Lovers Village series Each story was a snapshot of the lives of the locals in the village and of our favorite charcters. It was a enjoyable group of stories that I highly recommend for cozy readers. You will love returning to Jewel Bay Montana a small town with a big heart and wonderful charcters. Each story gives the reader some back story of the people and their village. Very well done to the author. I highly recommend this group of short stories for your reading enjoyment.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of shorter stories, with the title story being previously published on the author's website. All are tied to the author's Food Lover's Village series.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Each story was another glimpse into life in Jewel Bay, from the founding of the Mercantile to present day.

The title story actually combines past and present, weaving the two together quite skillfully as Erin uncovers another family's long kept secret. I'd originally read it when the author provided the link in her monthly newsletter ages ago, and enjoyed it again on re-read. This one left me a little sad, both times, and especially sad that the family continued to feel the need to hide the truth in this day and age. (sorry to be so vague, but trying not to give any spoilers!).

I especially enjoyed An Unholy Death, with its glimpse at the founding couple of the Merc. I loved Kate with her big heart and Paddy's obvious love and devotion. I am really hoping we get another story with Kate, Paddy and Grace.

The entire book was a nice, quick read, that I didn't want to end.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*

[Susan Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Fuzzypants here: I enjoy short stories. I love being able to read an entire tale in one sitting and collections are often a treat. This book is crammed with several wonderful stories featuring Erin Murphy and her small town of Jewel. There is a nice selection of events that happen at different times in her life. Erin, who returned to Jewel to run her family’s emporium, the Merc. She did not expect to run into friend from college whom she never noticed romantically but who had feelings for her. It is fun to read about the progression of their lives together.

I like that there is also a story starring the Matriarch of the entire family, Kate and her husband Paddy, who started the Mercantile when Jewel was just getting established. This is an interesting family and it is rather fun to read about the people who started it all. But I think my favourite is the Christmas story about how miracles can happen and change lives.

Five purrs and two paws up.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful way to stay connected to some favorite characters in a charming series. Quick cozy mysteries to solve. New people to meet, new places to go. Well done and conceived addition to the series. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley.

[Leith Devine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a great book of short stories, set in Jewel Bay, Montana and/or features the Mercantile store and the village characters recognizable from the Leslie Budewitz’ longer books. I really like book, and highly recommended it. I especially loved the story “The Christmas Stranger”.

[wonderwomand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful collection of short stories about Erin Murphy and her ensemble from the food lover village series.

We meet her great grandparents Kate and Paddy. We see Erin travel to an exotic place. The short stories include a Christmas mystery.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Food Lovers Village mysteries are among my favorite series. I enjoy every visit to Jewel Bay and loved reading the short stories. The backstory of establishing the village was my favorite!

[Deborah Almada · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great anthology of short stories that tie into Ms Budewitz Food Lovers' Village mysteries. The good thing is that most of them move our favorite characters forward, but one takes us back to the very start of the Mercantile with Erin's relatives and maybe a hint to where Erin's natural curiosity comes from. I enjoyed these stories very much. I hope there is more for this series.

[Lacey Harrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

In her Food Lovers’ Village Mysteries, Agatha Award-winning author Leslie Budewitz introduces us to Jewel Bay, a tight-knit Montana community that thrives on tourism and farm-to-table fare. Featuring Erin Murphy, beloved proprietor of the Merc—a century-old general store converted into a local foods market—each book brings us closer to the folks who call Jewel Bay home, and the cunning culprits in their midst.

In this delicious new collection of five short stories and one novella, she takes us further into the heart of Jewel Bay—from the playhouse to the Merc, from funerals to food festivals—with equal parts humor, suspense, and compassion, and no shortage of murder to spice up the menu .
A great collection of short stories!

#CarriedtotheGraveandOtherStories #NetGalley

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carried to the Grave and Other Stories by Leslie Budewitz is book six in the A Food Lovers' Village Mystery series. This collection of short stories is a well written Cozy set in Jewel Bay, Montana. The protaganist, Erin, gets to know the residents up close in the stories.
This quick, easy read has twists and turns keeping you on your toes in each story.
I was given an ARC by Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had fun in reading this collection of short stories set in the world of A Food Lovers’ Village.
There's plenty to enjoy, well written short stories that kept me entertaining.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Cherry London · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was entertaining, with mild intrigue and excitement. The stories were a good afternoon tea read. For me, it needed a bit more tangible excitement and intrigue.

[Jane Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to Erin Murphy’s photo album. Erin, manager of Murphy’s Mercantile, shares snapshots of present and past Jewel Bay, Montana. Share well-kept family secrets. Observe contemporary dilemmas unfold. Wonder about the mysterious, possibly magical, identity of a holiday stranger. Tag along on Erin’s honeymoon, which, predictably, might include a murder. Question who haunts the local thespians. Savor these short visits one at a time, or enjoy them as an entire feast. The final installment will convince you that Erin definitely inherited her knack for solving murders, finding justice, and restoring peace in her beloved Jewel Bay.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book of short stories. Part of the Food Lovers Village series, book 6. Set in Jewel Bay, Montana this book is multi-generational with the history of the Merc and Erin's family. I'd love to find a town like this, small and friendly. I'll be looking for more of Ms. Budewitz's books. this one is easily a stand alone read. Leave plenty of time when you open this one, you won't want to stop. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Ilona · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely collection of stories featuring Erin Murphy of the Merc. Just the perfect to introduce readers to Erin and Jewel Bay. Easy to read, nice when you just need to switch your mind to something else for a bit.
Thank you to NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for an early read in exchange for my opinion.

[Lori Bonkoski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved these short stories that tell us more about the Jewel Bay series! Each story helped know the characters and community better. They provided some history, as well as newer stories about the people we have grown to love.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just found a copy of this one, and it's been a little bit since I did the last book in this series, but there are a few things that I must not remember about some of the characters. Otherwise this was good.