What do you think?
Rate this book
An Italian Kitchen Mystery #1
Murder and Marinara
Author Victoria Rienzi takes a break from writing murder mysteries—only to find herself caught in the middle of a real one . . .
Victoria heads back to the Jersey shore to explore her family’s roots and the specialty Italian cuisine their restaurant, the Casa Lido, is famous for. But she barely hits town before she finds that Oceanside Park is abuzz about a reality show slated to film on its beach. Not everyone in the cozy seaside town is happy with the news, and Victoria’s family is leading the protest.
But when the show’s brash producer winds up face down in the tomato garden after eating at the restaurant, things look bleak for the Rienzi clan—and Victoria finds herself in some hot pasta water. She served the dead man his last meal, her ex-boyfriend prepared it, and now the Casa Lido is on the verge of closing. Adding to her troubles is a nosy journalist, a determined prosecutor, and a plateful of suspects, all spelling a recipe for disaster. That’s when her formidable nonna gives her a new job: solve the murder before the summer season starts and save the Casa Lido.
With her deadline only days away, this saucy sleuth jumps into action—but can Victoria serve up the culprit before it’s too late?
Recipes Included!
[This is a new edition of a book previously published by Penguin Random House under the same title. Its contents have been slightly updated, but the story, characters, and setting remain the same.]
Victoria heads back to the Jersey shore to explore her family’s roots and the specialty Italian cuisine their restaurant, the Casa Lido, is famous for. But she barely hits town before she finds that Oceanside Park is abuzz about a reality show slated to film on its beach. Not everyone in the cozy seaside town is happy with the news, and Victoria’s family is leading the protest.
But when the show’s brash producer winds up face down in the tomato garden after eating at the restaurant, things look bleak for the Rienzi clan—and Victoria finds herself in some hot pasta water. She served the dead man his last meal, her ex-boyfriend prepared it, and now the Casa Lido is on the verge of closing. Adding to her troubles is a nosy journalist, a determined prosecutor, and a plateful of suspects, all spelling a recipe for disaster. That’s when her formidable nonna gives her a new job: solve the murder before the summer season starts and save the Casa Lido.
With her deadline only days away, this saucy sleuth jumps into action—but can Victoria serve up the culprit before it’s too late?
Recipes Included!
[This is a new edition of a book previously published by Penguin Random House under the same title. Its contents have been slightly updated, but the story, characters, and setting remain the same.]
354 pages, ebook
First published October 1, 2013
239 people are currently reading
2918 people want to read
About the author
Rosie Genova
10 books350 followersProud Jersey girl Rosie Genova is a multi-genre author. Her work includes a Jersey shore cozy series, The Italian Kitchen Mysteries, and the upcoming Tess Mancini Time Travel Mysteries, set in 1955 Atlantic City. She is also the author of standalone suspense and a couple of rom-coms that presently live in her computer files (but are longing to be released into the wild). A former teacher and journalist, Rosie’s non-fiction has appeared in Entrepreneur magazine and The New York Times. The mother of three sons, Rosie still lives in her favorite state with her husband, too many dusty antiques, and a charming mutt named Lucy.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
February 15, 2017
This is the first book in the “An Italian Kitchen Mystery” series and what an excellent start. The book is filled with humor, mystery, adventure and a strong cast of characters. I especially enjoyed the dynamics between Victoria and her Nonna…two headstrong, tough women going head to head but usually Nonna wins out. Still, it’s fun to be a spectator to their battles.
The storyline is an intriguing one and could have went in several different directions. Figuring it all out kept me thinking and interested. I really want to learn more about the Rienzi family as they seem like a close-knit group.
I think this might be one of the series that is ending, but I still have a couple of good books to read and I’m looking forward to it.
The storyline is an intriguing one and could have went in several different directions. Figuring it all out kept me thinking and interested. I really want to learn more about the Rienzi family as they seem like a close-knit group.
I think this might be one of the series that is ending, but I still have a couple of good books to read and I’m looking forward to it.
May 2, 2022
If you know how, you know who.
August 19, 2013
Loved it! I only wish I could have read it while sitting on a boardwalk somewhere drinking espresso. This book made me laugh so many times--Nonna is a hoot, and every one of Vic's reactions to her made me smile. And I think I have a little crush on the sous chef, Tim. I hope we see him again in book 2.
Downside: now I'm craving pastries made with almond paste.
Downside: now I'm craving pastries made with almond paste.
January 16, 2016
Rosie Genova writes what she knows, she is a Jersey Girl, an author, and she loves good food! Wonder if these characters are based on her family…
Victoria did the unexpected when she left the family business behind, moved to New York and became a very successful mystery author. Now she is back to do a little research to write a non-fiction book about her heritage but she is barely unpacked before she is wrapped up in a murder investigation. Everyone thinks because she writes mysteries she can solve this one. The man died in her family’s restaurant so she feels obligated to do what she can but putting herself in danger was never on the menu.
Victoria is a strong protagonist and with her sister-in-law (SIL) as her sidekick what could go wrong….
The entire family dynamic is what makes me love this story. Her Nonna is quite a woman and she is not letting Victoria off easy when she returns. Victoria wants to learn to cook the family recipes and she finds herself planting tomatoes and working as a waitress. Her parents are involved with the restaurant but leave all the decisions to Nonna. Victoria’s brother, Danny, does not work at the restaurant either, but he is a police officer and Nonna finds that a reputable profession unlike that of being an author. I think she hates her family being separated more than anything.
In addition to the family there is sous chef Tim who just happens to be Victoria’s old boyfriend and is an honorary family member. Victoria thinks her Nonna loves him more than her own grandchildren. :) And there is Cal, a carpenter doing work at Casa Lido. He is not from Jersey and he is very secretive about his past but there is nothing secret about his feelings for Victoria.
Genova takes this characters and places them on the beautiful Jersey shore and stirs them all together in a very tasty story. The mystery is complex and keeps the reader engaged with each twist and turn. But I can’t forget the food. I swear I could smell the marinara sauce emanating from the pages and I was so hungry by the time I finished. Thankfully she includes recipes!
Victoria did the unexpected when she left the family business behind, moved to New York and became a very successful mystery author. Now she is back to do a little research to write a non-fiction book about her heritage but she is barely unpacked before she is wrapped up in a murder investigation. Everyone thinks because she writes mysteries she can solve this one. The man died in her family’s restaurant so she feels obligated to do what she can but putting herself in danger was never on the menu.
Victoria is a strong protagonist and with her sister-in-law (SIL) as her sidekick what could go wrong….
The entire family dynamic is what makes me love this story. Her Nonna is quite a woman and she is not letting Victoria off easy when she returns. Victoria wants to learn to cook the family recipes and she finds herself planting tomatoes and working as a waitress. Her parents are involved with the restaurant but leave all the decisions to Nonna. Victoria’s brother, Danny, does not work at the restaurant either, but he is a police officer and Nonna finds that a reputable profession unlike that of being an author. I think she hates her family being separated more than anything.
In addition to the family there is sous chef Tim who just happens to be Victoria’s old boyfriend and is an honorary family member. Victoria thinks her Nonna loves him more than her own grandchildren. :) And there is Cal, a carpenter doing work at Casa Lido. He is not from Jersey and he is very secretive about his past but there is nothing secret about his feelings for Victoria.
Genova takes this characters and places them on the beautiful Jersey shore and stirs them all together in a very tasty story. The mystery is complex and keeps the reader engaged with each twist and turn. But I can’t forget the food. I swear I could smell the marinara sauce emanating from the pages and I was so hungry by the time I finished. Thankfully she includes recipes!
February 16, 2014
I forgot how much fun it is to read really great mysteries. But Rosie Genova's Jersey Shore murder mystery had me at "marinara." The book quickly absorbed me into the family, the mystery and the sleuthing sisters-in-law. The descriptions are vibrant, and the plot twists kept me guessing. I can't wait to read the second one this summer. It promises to be the perfect book to read in my beach chair at Wildwood, NJ! Congratulations Rosie on a wonderful mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
February 9, 2017
Being a big fan of everything Italy: the country, the people, the food and the language I loved this book.
One of my favourites was the nonna even though I wished she would have voiced her opinions a lot more. The setting with the boardwalk, the cottage and the beach made me wish I could read my book in that little Italian restaurant with the deliciously described food and a cappuccino. Great start to a new series.
One of my favourites was the nonna even though I wished she would have voiced her opinions a lot more. The setting with the boardwalk, the cottage and the beach made me wish I could read my book in that little Italian restaurant with the deliciously described food and a cappuccino. Great start to a new series.
October 10, 2013
I believe I may have found the perfect modern cozy mystery! When I think of mysteries, I think of the way they used to be prior to gore and other garbage, I think of stories just like this one. Rosie Genova has added everything into this story to make is enchanting and extremely smart. There is some romance, incredible mystery, and a delicious humor. From the opening page of the book, I was hooked. I found very little that bothered me within the book. There is some profanity, but it didn't really bother me. I am so grateful there were no bedroom scenes!
Each one of the characters in this book are developed well, but Victoria was my favorite (I'm not even sure why). The author has set the scene in an expert fashion, and her logic comes across in an amazing way. I never found myself lost, bored, or horrified. I halfway figured out "who done it" (My ego is always bolstered when I do this!), but I have to admit that I wasn't certain I was correct as I devoured the pages of the story!
I look forward to the next installment of this book. Victoria has quickly become a favorite character of mine. In some ways, she reminds me of "Jessica Fletcher" ("Murder She Wrote"), but this character still has a fresh, modern outlook that keeps her from being mundane. If you delight in mysteries, this book should migrate to the top of your list!
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
Each one of the characters in this book are developed well, but Victoria was my favorite (I'm not even sure why). The author has set the scene in an expert fashion, and her logic comes across in an amazing way. I never found myself lost, bored, or horrified. I halfway figured out "who done it" (My ego is always bolstered when I do this!), but I have to admit that I wasn't certain I was correct as I devoured the pages of the story!
I look forward to the next installment of this book. Victoria has quickly become a favorite character of mine. In some ways, she reminds me of "Jessica Fletcher" ("Murder She Wrote"), but this character still has a fresh, modern outlook that keeps her from being mundane. If you delight in mysteries, this book should migrate to the top of your list!
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
December 21, 2017
Author Victoria Rienzi decides to take a break from her successful mystery series by writing a book based on her family history. She leases her New York City apartment and goes back to her birth home in Oceanside Park. Victoria's family owns Italian restaurant the Casa Lido and she returns to waitressing. The family is against the reality TV show The Jersey Side filming their series locally. When the show's producer eats in the restaurant, Victoria must serve him lunch and then she goes outside to find him dead. Obviously, this puts a damper on the restaurant's business. Victoria and her sister-in-law Sofia use their skills to find out who might have wanted the producer dead.
I thought this cozy mystery was interesting and well written. The reality show characters and antics in the book sound very much like the real series on TV, the Jersey Shore.
I received this book for free in an author giveaway. My opinion is my own and not influenced by anyone.
I thought this cozy mystery was interesting and well written. The reality show characters and antics in the book sound very much like the real series on TV, the Jersey Shore.
I received this book for free in an author giveaway. My opinion is my own and not influenced by anyone.
March 31, 2021
Victoria Rienzi thinks she's taking a break from writing mystery novels and returning home to write the novel of her heart. In reality, she's returning to her heart--the family she adores that drives her crazy, and the childhood sweetheart she's never quite forgotten. But when a TV producer her family was at odds with dies at her family's restaurant, even the childhood sweetheart is a suspect. I adored the cast of characters, and may have a special place in my heart for Victoria's Nonna. Either that or I'm simply afraid of her!
March 19, 2014
I loved it, especially the cranky yet somehow loveable grandmother. I liked the characters, didn't guess who the killer was, and am hoping that the romance aspect is resolved in the next book. I'm, looking forward to the next in the series!
December 4, 2016
When Victoria takes a break from penning her popular mystery series and moves back to the Jersey shore, she imagines sun, sand, and scents of fresh basil and simmering marinara sauce at the family restaurant, the Casa Lido. But her nonna’s recipes aren’t the only things getting stirred up in this Italian kitchen.
This reminded me a lot of the Murder She Wrote series as it is another mystery writer who ends up involved in solving a murder. Victoria, the main character, mystery writer, and sleuth, is a "saucy" Italian girl with a stereotypical Italian family all involved in the family business (in this case an Itallian restaurant). I loved the fact that along with her sister in law, Sophia, she finds that solving real life mysteries isn't quite as easy especially when you throw in lots of could be killers with a variety of motives and a victim with heart problems. Enough twists and turns to keep my attention from start to finish and filled with mouth watering Italian dishes and some recipes at the end. This is book two in the Italian Kitchen mystery series and I have enjoyed them both. If you like cozy mysteries, I definitely recommend this series.
This reminded me a lot of the Murder She Wrote series as it is another mystery writer who ends up involved in solving a murder. Victoria, the main character, mystery writer, and sleuth, is a "saucy" Italian girl with a stereotypical Italian family all involved in the family business (in this case an Itallian restaurant). I loved the fact that along with her sister in law, Sophia, she finds that solving real life mysteries isn't quite as easy especially when you throw in lots of could be killers with a variety of motives and a victim with heart problems. Enough twists and turns to keep my attention from start to finish and filled with mouth watering Italian dishes and some recipes at the end. This is book two in the Italian Kitchen mystery series and I have enjoyed them both. If you like cozy mysteries, I definitely recommend this series.
January 15, 2014
I fell in love with Murder & Marinara in stages. I went from 'this is very good' to 'I'm having so much fun' to the final stage of book-lover abandon: I forgot I was reading. From that point on, I was right there in the kitchen with Vic smelling the basil, looking into familiar faces made suddenly unfamiliar because of suspicion, and feeling nostalgic love of rediscovered home made more poignant by the threat of its unexpected loss. I don't often read cozies, but I am so glad I chose this one & am looking forward to the next in the series!
August 10, 2015
This is the first book of a new cozy series and new author for me. Vicky Reed, a successful mystery writer has return home to write the her dream book and learned about the Casa Lido, a family restaurant. Just after her arrival a TVReality Producer is murdered in the restaurant. Only members of the family are around. Vicky is charged by her "Nonna"
to solve the case so the restaurant will stay open. Vicky and SIL, Sofia explored all the leads to the killing. The must find an answer before they loose their lives.
to solve the case so the restaurant will stay open. Vicky and SIL, Sofia explored all the leads to the killing. The must find an answer before they loose their lives.
August 27, 2023
I won this book on Goodreads in the First Reads contest. This book was amazing! All the characters and the setting made me want to go be a part of their kitchen!! Recipes included too that I have on my menu for this week. What a great idea to incorporate them into the book! It kept me hanging until the very end and didn't disappoint! I can't wait for the next in the series to be released!
September 10, 2017
I have to give this a three because the entire middle section was just repetitive filler. It was ok, enough that I'll read at least one more in the series.
P.s. It did give me a real hankering for Italian food :)
P.s. It did give me a real hankering for Italian food :)
August 11, 2021
I received this book free from a Giveaway here on Goodreads.
This book was a pleasant and engaging read. It follows an mystery author who moves back home to write a book about her family heritage but gets thrown into a real life murder mystery. Very engaging, quick read. I found myself thinking about the plot and characters after setting the book down. Highly enjoyed.
This book was a pleasant and engaging read. It follows an mystery author who moves back home to write a book about her family heritage but gets thrown into a real life murder mystery. Very engaging, quick read. I found myself thinking about the plot and characters after setting the book down. Highly enjoyed.
June 12, 2022
Despite the annoying references to Bruce Springsteen (I had roommates in college who played him nonstop and I can't stand him), this was an excellent mystery that kept me guessing and changing suspects every chapter. I liked the characters and the setting at the Jersey shore (where I've vacationed several times, but a long time ago). I will read the next one in the series.
October 29, 2021
I love a good cozy mystery and the characters Victoria and Nonna did not disappoint. This book was funny and adventurous.
July 25, 2018
This series has been on my to-read list for years, but I've always hesitated because as a born and bred Jersey Girl with Italian heritage I didn't want to read another stereotypical depiction of life in the Garden State. And I didn't.
Murder and Marinara is the first of the Italian Kitchen series with the main character, Victoria, returning home from New York when she decides to shelf her popular murder mystery book series to write a historical based on her family. When she does, she comes face-to-face with the man who broke her heart when he left her for someone else and a reality tv show producer who wants to film his Jersey Shore-esque show in Oceanside (I like to think its Point Beach, but that's just me). It all converges at the family restaurant. The cop connection is Victoria's brother, Danny.
The mayhem cozy mystery readers love (me included) moves the plot forward without sacrificing characters, settings or themes. I was engaged throughout the entire book, never wanting to skip a graph or two because it's too in the weeds with stuff I don't need to know.
Victoria was intelligent, determined, and unapologetically herself without being overdone as to almost becoming unlikable. Thank you, Rosie Genova for writing a Jersey Girl the right way.
You decide on the rest of the cast of characters, including Victoria's parents, sister-in-law, nonna (grandmother), and the two men vying for her attention. Spoiler but not a shocker: one of the men is the man who broke her heart. He's now the sous chef at the family restaurant.
The book was engaging and well-thought out with quality writing. I can't wait to get my hands on book two. Loved it!
Murder and Marinara is the first of the Italian Kitchen series with the main character, Victoria, returning home from New York when she decides to shelf her popular murder mystery book series to write a historical based on her family. When she does, she comes face-to-face with the man who broke her heart when he left her for someone else and a reality tv show producer who wants to film his Jersey Shore-esque show in Oceanside (I like to think its Point Beach, but that's just me). It all converges at the family restaurant. The cop connection is Victoria's brother, Danny.
The mayhem cozy mystery readers love (me included) moves the plot forward without sacrificing characters, settings or themes. I was engaged throughout the entire book, never wanting to skip a graph or two because it's too in the weeds with stuff I don't need to know.
Victoria was intelligent, determined, and unapologetically herself without being overdone as to almost becoming unlikable. Thank you, Rosie Genova for writing a Jersey Girl the right way.
You decide on the rest of the cast of characters, including Victoria's parents, sister-in-law, nonna (grandmother), and the two men vying for her attention. Spoiler but not a shocker: one of the men is the man who broke her heart. He's now the sous chef at the family restaurant.
The book was engaging and well-thought out with quality writing. I can't wait to get my hands on book two. Loved it!
February 14, 2020
An enjoyable beginning of what promises to be a good series. The ensemble of characters was great fun, and I love the family dynamic. Bless Nonna. We should all have such a grandmother! The Jersey shore setting was great, and the food descriptions left me craving all kinds of Italian cuisine. The mystery was a fun one to work through, and I was never a step ahead on this solution. Seldom do I say "well, I didn't think of that one", but I was surprised this time. A great read!
May 18, 2021
Honestly, I’m surprised at the number of five-star ratings for this book. One of my peeves is sloppy editing and there were numerous inconsistencies in this book. The author couldn’t seem to keep track of what her characters were doing, with repeated or contradictory actions often on the same page (not to mention that she couldn’t keep the name of one character straight). The problem with inconsistencies is that they can affect the denouement. Luckily for the author they did not do so here, but they did make for some confusion in trying to keep actions and clues pertaining to the mystery straight.
September 4, 2014
This is what happens why a mystery writer goes home to learn how to cook the family way and runs across a murder...they solve it of course. Of all the cozies I have ever read, I don't think I have read one where the main character was a mystery writer. And then you throw in some good ol' Italian food (with recipes at the end), well it is a good combo.
There was a good cast of characters and I have to admit I probably missed most of the clues. I truly did not expect the murder to be who it was...definitely a surprise for me.
ready to see what book 2 has to bring!
There was a good cast of characters and I have to admit I probably missed most of the clues. I truly did not expect the murder to be who it was...definitely a surprise for me.
ready to see what book 2 has to bring!
January 15, 2014
This was a pretty smart cozy mystery. The premise of a mystery author solving a mystery was fun. The whole Jersey Shore plot was ironic. I think I will definiteltely give the next book a try, see how some of the relationships build.
February 15, 2015
I always have a weakness for leads with my name.
August 7, 2017
I have molto amore for this book, for obvious reasons!
March 26, 2021
A great lip smacking cozy mystery series that will leave you craving for Italian cuisine. It has plenty of side characters and a solid mystery plot with an abbondanza amount of suspects.
October 4, 2019
This book was a lot of fun -- for quite a few reasons. It's set at the Jersey Shore, which is a major plus. I think it's even set in a fictionalized version of Seaside Heights, which is where I went the most often with my family. Its main character, Victoria, is a mystery writer who now lives in NYC, which I love (especially since I've known a few of those). And, to get background for her new stand-alone novel, Victoria rents a cottage at the Shore and works at her family's Italian restaurant -- also a plus for me.
Would those things have been enough, standing alone? Possibly, I'll admit. But they weren't -- Genova's writing is bright, witty and kept me immersed in Victoria's world on every page. I'm glad I saw this book somewhere and was intrigued enough to get it from interlibrary loan. Unlike the last time I did that with a new book, this time my efforts were greatly rewarded. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series!
Would those things have been enough, standing alone? Possibly, I'll admit. But they weren't -- Genova's writing is bright, witty and kept me immersed in Victoria's world on every page. I'm glad I saw this book somewhere and was intrigued enough to get it from interlibrary loan. Unlike the last time I did that with a new book, this time my efforts were greatly rewarded. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series!
August 8, 2020
AUTHOR Genova, Rosie
TITLE Murder and Marinara
DATE READ 08/03/20
RATING 4.5/B+
FIRST SENTENCE "Vic," Josh said, "I don't think you have any choice. You have to get rid of him."
GENRE/ PUB DATE/FORMAT / # OF Cozy Mystery/2013/pb/309 pgs
SERIES/STAND-ALONE #1 Italian Kitchen
CHALLENGE Good Reads 2020 Reading Goal 144/120;
GROUP READ Buddy Read -- Mary -- Reading Cove
TIME/PLACE 2011/NJ
CHARACTERS Vic / author of a mystery series;
COMMENTS An above average cozy series … interesting characters, the family, beach town residents, the publishing field and the TV show that is filming there. The family-oriented beach town was very likeable. And a good plot! Vic has a series of mysteries that she is taking a break from … she wants to write an historical of how her Italian family came to American a century ago. She leaves NYC and returns to NJ and also works in the family restaurant. Will be looking for #2 in the series!
TITLE Murder and Marinara
DATE READ 08/03/20
RATING 4.5/B+
FIRST SENTENCE "Vic," Josh said, "I don't think you have any choice. You have to get rid of him."
GENRE/ PUB DATE/FORMAT / # OF Cozy Mystery/2013/pb/309 pgs
SERIES/STAND-ALONE #1 Italian Kitchen
CHALLENGE Good Reads 2020 Reading Goal 144/120;
GROUP READ Buddy Read -- Mary -- Reading Cove
TIME/PLACE 2011/NJ
CHARACTERS Vic / author of a mystery series;
COMMENTS An above average cozy series … interesting characters, the family, beach town residents, the publishing field and the TV show that is filming there. The family-oriented beach town was very likeable. And a good plot! Vic has a series of mysteries that she is taking a break from … she wants to write an historical of how her Italian family came to American a century ago. She leaves NYC and returns to NJ and also works in the family restaurant. Will be looking for #2 in the series!
June 12, 2022
Despite the annoying references to Bruce Springsteen (I had roommates in college who played him nonstop and I can't stand him), this was an excellent mystery that kept me guessing and changing suspects every chapter. I liked the characters and the setting at the Jersey shore (where I've vacationed several times, but a long time ago). I will read the next one in the series.
August 31, 2021
I found this little gem while scrolling through Kindle Unlimited and I'm glad I snagged it. This was such a great cozy and has everything I love: a good mystery, a little romance, some deadly run-ins and best of all laughs and family. I can't wait to keep reading this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews