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Greek vacations can be murder! Recipes are included in this cozy mystery set in the Greek Islands.

Callie Costas can’t believe she is finally traveling to Greece with her significant other, Detective Ian Sands. However, this isn’t your average voyage: Callie’s father has invited a slew of colorful family members to his beautiful childhood village to celebrate his recent marriage. Callie is especially delighted to be reunited with her Greek “Aunt Sweetie” aka Glykeria.

The Costas family’s Greek getaway turns to Greek tragedy when murder turns up on the menu at the seaside restaurant of her father’s friend, Dimitrios. A restaurant employee has been killed and Dimitrios is a prime suspect.

With a hodge-podge group of tourists and villagers to round out the suspect list, can Callie help her father clear his friend’s name, before the killer skewers her?

269 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 26, 2021

30 people are currently reading
124 people want to read

About the author

Jenny Kales

8 books284 followers
Jenny Kales is the author of The Callie's Kitchen Mystery series.

Kales is an avid reader, cook and baker and she's addicted to mystery TV, especially anything on Masterpiece Mystery or BBC America. She lives in the Midwest, is the mother of two beautiful daughters, and is hard at work on her next book, including a new mystery series and other projects.

You can follow her on Facebook at Jenny Kales Author and on Instagram at Jenny Kales_Author.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for LORI CASWELL.
2,870 reviews327 followers
December 5, 2021
Dollycas’s Thoughts

Callie Costas’s father George is not taking a typical honeymoon trip with his new bride. No, he is taking his whole family including Callie’s boyfriend, Detective Ian Sands on the trip of a lifetime. He is so excited to take them to his childhood village in Greece where they will meet his best friend and experience his restaurant. It also allows them to catch up with “Aunt Sweetie” who had recently visited them in the States. Everyone is looking forward to viewing the historical sights and eating the amazing food.

Tragedy strikes though after enjoying their first authentic Greek meal when one of the restaurant’s employees is found dead. Callie’s father is shocked when his friend since childhood, Dimitrios, is arrested for the crime. Her father is beside himself with worry, so Callie decides to do something she does best . . . snooping. She comes up with a nice list of suspects and soon Ian figures out what she is up to, and dives in to help her in any way he can because he knows she isn’t going to stop until she finds the real killer.

It has been a while since Ms. Kale released a book in this series but let me tell you it was well worth the wait. These characters are so memorable it was very easy to pick up right where we left off. Plus she takes us along with these fantastic characters to Greece. It really is a family affair. I loved that the family members could split up and do their own things. Trips to the ruins, the beach, and the pool filled the days but everyone came together for the evening meal. Traveling with a big family isn’t easy but the Costas family pulled it off along with a little amateur investigation and a treasure hunt for a lost piece of jewelry.

The author’s descriptive writing style took me on a wonderful virtual vacay of my own. I so enjoyed traveling the streets and checking out the shops. The special date Ian put together for he and Callie really warmed my heart. All the places they traveled were easily cast in vivid pictures in my mind. My only issue was missing out on the gelato and other delicious food. There are recipes at the end of the story but I could never do them justice.

The other part of my vacation that I enjoyed was tagging along with Callie as she sorted out clues. We met a few tourists, shopkeepers, and residents of the village as Callie tried to mix together and make sense of everything she was learning about the victim and his connections with others around the town. She really went all out to find the answers she needed. I really felt for Ian. Out of jurisdiction, he was unsure if he could keep Callie safe or get her out of trouble with the local authorities if that need arose. One thing is for sure. They do make a great team when they work together. At one point I thought I had the killer skewered but within a few pages, my theory fell apart. As I continued reading I must say I had that edge-of-the-seat feeling and that was evidenced by how quickly the pages started to fly.

I have to thank the author for transporting me to an idyllic place with such genuine characters. Of course, I enjoy the stories set in my home state of Wisconsin but would never turn down taking a trip with some of my favorite characters. Callie has come so far from the first book in this series, On The Chopping Block. The loving relationship she has with her dad always makes me miss mine. Oh, and the ending of the book was just plain sweet.

Slayed by Souvlaki was a Perfect Escape. I hope we don’t have to wait too long for the next book in the series. I implore the author to write quickly. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,209 reviews60 followers
October 28, 2021
Slayed by Souvlaki Earns 5/5 Evil Eye Charms…Engaging Page-Turner!

Callie’s father, George Costa’s, spared no expense booking a ten-day holiday to the land of his birth, the Greek island of Kalos. Sure, it’s also his honeymoon, but sharing his homeland with family, and Callie’s “significant other” Detective Ian ——. The last leg of the trip was a high-speed ferry which not only included some rough seas, but also a rather rude introduction to the Whitleys: Yvonne and her son Sterling. Sadly, the small island destined them to run into the two American again and again and again, but the first night’s festivities made it easy to overlook them. The family has reservations at one of the island’s best tavernas, Kallisto, owned by George’s dearest childhood friend Demitrios. The evening went beyond expectations with delicious food including Kallisto’s speciality Souvlaki (skewered kabobs), but the were a few disruptions: Yvonne Whitley and her demanding manner, conflicts between wait staff, an argument witnessed between Demetrios, a handsome waiter, and a local fisherman, and, of course, the dead body in the kitchen skewered. The visits to ancient ruins, the beach, and all the shops and restaurants do not keep Callie from becoming actively curious of the murder, so for Ian, it’s “can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” strategy.

Opa-licious Fun! Jenny Kales is a fantastic author as well as a favorite author, and although the fifth book in her Callie’s Kitchen mysteries was a long-time coming, it was well-worth the wait! They’re in Greece, an exotic destination with descriptions of sights, sounds, and tastes making me eager to book a flight. Jenny follows the traditional cozy formula I personally enjoy with an early discovery of the crime, focus on the investigation, close-to-home arrestee, fascinating characters, interesting setting (maybe a bucket list location), a bit of romance, realism, recipes incorporated in the story or as a bonus, and some nail-biting peril. Whew! This page-turner deluxe is wrapped up in a delightful third person narrative with vivid description and fun and informative banter. The mystery is easy to follow, clever with curious occurrences that send the Callie and Ian, with family support, in different directions looking for the real killer: money, greed, business conflicts, and relationships all seem reasonable avenues to explore. Their efforts are tainted by veiled warnings, threatening notes, and an unexplained disappearance. Outside their informal investigation, often causing conflicts, Jenny has the family collaborating to find some missing jewelry, hitting the tourist spots, enjoying family gatherings in and out of the water, and helping out in the kitchen...all with engaging description! Newbies can easily start here with book five, and established fans, too, will find “Cast of Characters” list an invaluable resource as an introduction to or revisiting of the characters with basic details and connections “Recipes from Callie’s Kitchen,” included at the back of the book, treat readers to many of the culinary specialities mentioned in the story: Kallisto’s Souvlaki, Greek Rice Pilaf, Greek Cucumber Yogurt Sauce (Tzatkiki), Saint Fanourios Olive Oil Cake (Fanouropita), Greek Twist Cookies (Koulourakia), Stuffed Peppers (Yemista), and Phyllo Custard Pastry (Galaktoboureko). Clever. Engaging. Tasty. Don’t miss out!

Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Profile Image for K.A. Davis.
Author 4 books494 followers
October 26, 2021
SLAYED BY SOUVLAKI, the fifth book in the Callie’s Kitchen Cozy Mystery series by Jenny Kales, brings the reader to the Greek island of Kalos when Callie, her boyfriend, and her family go on vacation. First of all, Ms. Kales’ strong descriptive voice paints such a vivid and alluring picture of the island, that I feel the need to add the Greek isles to my travel bucket list. The author captures the sights, sounds, and tastes of this magical location, making the reader feel like they’re right there alongside Callie. I also appreciated the author’s attention to details and giving the armchair traveler a peek at all the island has to offer visitors… ancient catacombs anyone? Ms. Kales has also put together a strong cast of characters, each memorable and each exhibiting growth and change throughout the series. I especially appreciate that Callie, her family, and close friends are kind and supportive of each other. There’s no snarky sarcasm to tear them apart. That said, I found it endearing that Callie’s relationship with her tween daughter portrays the usual emotional growing pains that happens at that age. It added a bit of light heartedness.

With such an idyllic setting, it’s hard to believe that murder would dare show up, especially on their first night dining at Dimitrios, a family friend’s, restaurant. Unfortunately, one of the handsome waiters is found murdered and local authorities pin the blame on Dimitrios. Callie can’t stand to watch her father become so distraught over the injustice done to his childhood friend, so she decides she needs to get involved. Her detective boyfriend, Ian Sands, isn’t so happy about it since they’re not on American soil. But with some creative help from her grandmother (who is such a delightful character!) and her adorable Greek Aunt Sweetie, Callie finds ways to ask questions and piece together clues. From Greek fishing boats, to ancient catacombs, to azure seas, to tourist-y shops, to wild rides atop a scooter, Callie combs the island and questions those who might have known the victim. It was gratifying that along the way, Ian begins to appreciate and come to accept Callie’s efforts. A hair-raising reveal had me on the edge of my seat and the gratifying and heartwarming end has me hoping for more Callie adventures!

As with most people on vacation, Callie and her family embark on a culinary extravaganza, eating their way across the island. So many delectable dishes and desserts were mentioned, that I was hungry throughout the book. Be sure to check out the Greek recipes – sweet and savory alike – at the back of the book.

I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Linda.
Author 14 books794 followers
November 8, 2021
Author Jenny Kales has done it again with this fifth installment in the Callie’s Kitchen Mysteries! While I’ve loved every book in the series, Slayed by Souvlaki blew me away--to the picturesque Greek isle where Callie’s father lived as a child. The author expertly transports Callie, her family, and her significant other to a world that’s both familiar and charmingly fresh. In each scene I felt as if I were right there, tagging along with Callie and company as they soaked up the sights and sampled the culinary offerings. The sense of intrigue was high, the anticipation building with each chapter as Callie attempts to solve a puzzling murder to save her father’s close friend from doing time for the crime. The ending had a touch of sweetness that rounded out the mystery perfectly, making me long for the next book in this wonderful series.
Profile Image for Karen (BaronessBookTrove).
1,123 reviews108 followers
December 4, 2021
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Slayed by Souvlaki by Jenny Kales is my introductory book to this fantastic series, and I loved everything about it!
Will Callie keep Dimitrios from going to jail for a murder he didn't commit?
Calliope "Callie" Costas
Callie Costas is the sleuth, and I adored everything about her. She is a single mom and is dating Detective John Sands. Callie is a great mom and a great sleuth as well. Her family is obviously Greek, and it was cool to travel to Greece with them. I felt like I was actually there in Greece with the family. If I were to see Callie out on the streets, I would love to be her friend and to babysit Olivia if she needed it. Callie, Olivia, John, and everyone else in the Costas family are funny, and each one, in their way, helped Callie solve the mystery.
Slayed by Souvlaki CRThe Mystery
Valantis worked for Dimitrios and was a handsome young man who obviously couldn't keep himself from flirting with many people. The Costas's first night in Greece was met with a mystery, and almost everyone wanted to help keep Dimitrios from going to jail. I was sure that I knew who did it, but I was wrong and fell for a red herring. I just never thought the killer was who it was until they explained their motives. Darn, those red herrings being so easy to think it was them.
Five Stars
Slayed by Souvlaki by Jenny Kales is honestly not the first book I would have started with, but I'm glad that I did. Ms. Kales has a way about her writing that makes the reader feel like they are there with the characters. I adored this book, and I can't wait to read more about this remarkable heroine and her cute kid. I am giving five stars and a recommendation to anyone that loves a cozy culinary mystery with a single mom raising an eleven-year-old little girl.

Oh, and don't forget to check out the recipes in the back. They are also scattered throughout the book as Callie and her family are on their vacation. The recipes are Souvlaki Kallisto, Greek Rice Pilaf, tzatziki (Greek Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce), Saint Fanourios Olive Oil Cake (Fanouro-pita), Greek Twist Cookies (Koulourakia), Stuffed Peppers (Yemista), and Phyllo Custard Pastry (Galaktoboureko).


Callie's Kitchen Mysteries

On the Chopping Block by Jenny Kales Spiced and Iced by Jenny Kales Secrets and Pies by Jenny Kales A Stew to a Kill by Jenny Kales Slayed by Souvlaki by Jenny Kales
This series is available on Kindle Unlimited.


Giveaway
Prize: (1) a Slayed by Souvlaki coffee mug, a Callie's Kitchen Mysteries apron, an authentic Greek seasoning blend, and a $10 Amazon gift card. (U.S. Only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway



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Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Slayed by Souvlaki by Jenny Kales. Check out the other stops and giveaway if you have time.

Until the next time,

Karen Signature

Happy Reading!



Victim/Toe Tag #1: Valantis (T)

Beachcomber Weapons: pointy object

Beachcomber Crime Scene: kitchen

Detectives: Calliope "Callie" Costas (A)

This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove

Profile Image for Loraine.
3,456 reviews
June 20, 2022
Callie Costas father, Geroge Costas, has just married a new wife, Kathy. He is originally from Greece on the Island of Kalos; and for his honeymoon, he wants to take the whole family along with Callie's significant other back to his home to visit his aunt who still lives there. Little does Callie know that on this small island she and her family will become involved in the solution to a murder that takes place at her dad's favorite restaurant run by his best friend.

Thoroughly enjoyable cozy mystery with twists and turns, a very unexpected killer, and a surprise ending. Wonderful descriptions of the island and great connections between the family members.
Profile Image for Debra Sennefelder.
Author 15 books627 followers
November 3, 2021
In this installment of the Callie’s Kitchen Mystery series we’re off to Greece for a getaway but it’s not much of a vacation for Callie because she finds herself involved in a murder. Desperate to help her father, who wants to help clear his friend of murder, Callie juggles family time, time with her boyfriend and seeking the truth in the murder of local restaurant owner. It was so much fun to “getaway” to a Greek island and enjoy the amazing recipes Callie’s family shares, sight-see with Callie and Ian, and when the murderer is revealed it is in the most creepiest way. Loved it. I can’t wait for the next Callie’s Kitchen Mystery.
Profile Image for Elaine.
Author 29 books29 followers
June 9, 2022
Callie, the proud owner of Callie's Kitchen, is a whiz in making Greek delicacies. When her father invites the entire family on a trip to his homeland in Greece, she, her daughter, and her boyfriend are happy accompany him. Little did they expect to be in the middle of a murder investigation. Having already an experience in investigating, she sets out to find the murderer and clear the name of the father's best friend who is the prime suspect
Very enjoyable story with loads of Greek food recipes at the end of the book. I too had a Greek experience in the past and so was happy to find a book to bring back my pleasant memories.
861 reviews12 followers
December 20, 2021
Callie Costas and her boyfriend are going on vacation with her family to the Greek islands. Her father, who recently married, has invited many friends from his childhood home to come celebrate. The celebration is cut short when a restaurant employee is found murdered and Callie and family do all they can to prove the suspect is innocent. Beautiful setting, colorful characters, and a great mystery make this book hard to put down! As an added bonus there are several delicious Greek recipes included. I happily recommend this book!
Profile Image for Kathy.
610 reviews12 followers
June 27, 2022
Five stars for the feeling I had of vacationing on a Greek island throughout the book.
Three stars for the mystery and denouement.
All of the usual characters are here, with the exception of the three who are back home keeping the cafe running. As mentioned above, the Greek setting is wonderful. The plot is somewhat scattered, but mostly the ending is a let-down and, in my opinion, far-fetched. Still, a fun and relaxing read. Now I want a Greek breakfast!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
25 reviews1 follower
June 21, 2022
Greek Vacation

This book was very enjoyable. The characters were believable. Love the grandmotherly types--Viv and Sweetie! The interaction of y he child with the others was pretty much the way one would expec/. Was so glad the main character was the working most a good. Just a good summertime read.
341 reviews
September 23, 2022
Vacation

Going on vacation can be stressful, but when a murder happens and you are in a strange country well what is s one to do? You eat your weight in food, walk all over the place and solve the murder. All while keeping everyone entertained. How hard can it be? I can't wait to see what happens in the next book. 💙💚
Profile Image for Tambra.
879 reviews7 followers
November 22, 2021
Jenny Kales is back as Callie, I have LOVED read and DEVOWIRED her books if that is even a word. You are hooked from the first page and cant put it down. I read this book in 3 hours I loved it. Cant wait for more.
683 reviews10 followers
January 30, 2023
Very enjoyable! It was fun to see Callie and Ian and Callie's family visit Greece. I enjoyed seeing Grandma Viv and Aunt Sweetie renew their friendship. Lots of twists into figuring out the killer that left me surprised. I hope to see more Callie's Kitchen books!!
32 reviews
November 30, 2021
mini mini vacation

The scenery described made me feel I was on a mini vacation in Greece. I enjoyed this book very much.
614 reviews2 followers
December 28, 2021
Just one more great read, MS Kales!

I most surely will be looking for your last of this series as well as reading your next series. Thank you
Profile Image for Lyra.
762 reviews10 followers
February 5, 2022
Great as a Virtual vacation, but the mystery was weaker in this installment than in others.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

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