Rosemary's Gravy

We Sisters Three #1

by Melissa F. Miller

Rosemary Field never planned on working as a private, holistic chef for a demanding vegan actress. But then, plans have a way of going out the window when a girl learns her parents have skipped town, leaving behind a half-million-dollar debt.

Rosemary makes the best of her situation, putting up with her boss's diva antics and halfheartedly fending off the advances of the impossibly sexy stepson who comes with the high-paying gig. Then someone decides to kill the miserable movie star. It's bad news for any chef when a client dies from an allergic reaction after eating your cooking. It's even worse news for Rosemary because the police are determined to charge her with murder.

To restore her reputation (and stay out of prison), Rosemary has to find the real murderer--and fast. Her short list of suspects includes a womanizing race car driver, a powerful music producer, Hollywood's hottest leading man, and, oh yeah, Felix, the dead woman's stepson--which gets a little awkward when Rosemary starts dating him.

Unfortunately, everything Rosemary thought she knew is wrong--dead wrong.

After a romantic dinner with Felix ends in food poisoning, she finds herself unattached, unemployed, and once again on the wrong side of the LAPD. She knows how to salvage an oversalted sauce, but can she salvage the disaster that is her life? And will the hunky homicide detective help her--or book her?

ROSEMARY'S GRAVY is the first book in the We Sisters Three series, the new romantic comedic mystery series from Melissa F. Miller, the USA TODAY Bestselling Author of the Sasha McCandless legal thriller series and the Aroostine Higgins legal thriller series.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Romance, Fiction, Ebooks, Cozy, Crime

Paperback

First published May 12, 2015

About the author

Melissa F. Miller is a multi-time USA Today bestselling author of mystery, thriller, suspense, and romance novels. Formerly a complex commercial litigator, Melissa graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a BA in medieval literature and creative writing poetry and earned her JD, cum laude, from the Duquesne University School of Law, where she served as editor-in-chief of the Law Review.


After fifteen years, Melissa traded the practice of law for the art of storytelling, drawing on her legal background and love of research to craft fast-paced, twisty books for readers who believe light drives out darkness, love is brave, and kind is strong. She writes strong, resilient characters who tackle serious (and sometimes dark) issues and themes with heart.


She is a member of Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, and Novelists, Inc. When she’s not writing, you can find her tending her garden, doing yoga, or drinking coffee. Melissa currently lives outside Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with her family and their rescues—a cat and a beagle. The cat’s in charge.

Reviews

[Pragati Bidkar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like that it is truly cozy in a way. there is not too much gut and gore and no hyperbole, no 80 something old women toting guns around. The story is simple in a way. Seasoned mystery readers will probably spot the culprit early on.

A light and breezy read.

[Les · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an average mystery where every character is a trope.

And seriously it gets old, fast.

Rosemary is a chemist raised by Hippies who owned a resort then got overwhelmed by debt and abandoned the resort to their 3 daughters; Rosemary, Sage & Thyme. Rosemary is the eldest. Now I hate to be all timey wimey but the book is set in modern time so if their parents are 'hippies' I would guess that the gals, this book is about Rosemary, are in their late 30's, early 40's. But no they are mid to early 20's

and the parents running off and leaving the kids with debt has been done in Charlotte Hughes Body movers series. And I can only assume this is an indication of some kind of low self esteem or inbreeding or the part of this people. Maybe it is my middle age sensibility but if my parents dumped a bunch of debts on me I would be dumping it back in a split second not working to save their dreams.

The other characters are the hot cop, the mean female cop, the spoiled annoying Hollywood star/ trophy wife, her fabulously rich husband, his insanely hot, spoiled son from a previous marriage the the Latina housekeeper.

Then we have the stereotypical 'mysterious death by poison' the bully cops, the 'pressure to make an arrest' and a bunch more tropism.

It is okay when you are reading it but afterwards you think ... that was a waste of my time

[bitmaid · Rating 1 out of 5]

Got this in free promo so I'm not sore. Ms.Miller shouldn't be, either, because I've only read two sentences.

Let me tell you, this is the first time that I'm compelled to write a review after reading and stopping at two sentences.

"I was up to my elbows in pomegranate seeds when Flix, my client's impossibly hot stepson, strolled into the kitchen and flashed me a toothpaste-commercial-white grin."

The way this book was promoted, I thought it was "cosy mystery". But now I already have bad feelings about it. Who is this woman? She has a career and has access to a movie star whom she was framed for murdering, and she watches toothpaste commercials, so she can't be too young. And her day starts with gawking at her client's stepson. This sounds like the beginning of some sort of milf romance story. Now, I could be wrong, and I'm sure the author is going to answer everything in the book, but I'm already pretty grossed out by this point.

Today is International Children's Day for God's sake.

[Tulay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just okay.

Not much mystery or thrill, just okay read. This author's Sasha McCandless series was a lot better than this. Characters one dimensional.

[Ankit Garg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though reading romantic books is not my cup of tea, the 'mystery' part of this book drew me to it. And I am glad to say that it didn't disappoint me.

The story is predictable, but given that it is a cozy read, a seasoned mystery reader is bound to guess the culprit easily. The simple writing style makes the book an easy read, which I like most about it.

For the romantic part, on instances, it was too cheesy in my humble opinion. Not sure why the author had to put all that romance in a pretty decent standalone mystery storyline. Trying to hit two targets with one stone? A failure if you look it from my eyes.

Verdict: One-time read.

[Una Tiers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strong start with an incredibly short list of characters. Knees like jelly? Never been kissed like this before? Please don't annoy me with bottled thoughtless brainless passion. Overdose of corn.

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh.
Not enough mystery for my taste. I think it focused too much on the romance aspects. The characters were very stereotypical too. I had my suspicions very early on so I wasn't surprised at all by it.

[Gaele · Rating 3 out of 5]

AudioBook Review:
Stars: Overall 3 Narration 2 Story 3

So – a private holistic chef working for a vegan Hollywood actress, an allergic reaction, a handsy step-son and plenty of suspects highlight this story. And from the blurb, I was instantly intrigued – being a fan of Dianne Mott Davidson’s titles: more foodie –heavy cozies that always is worth a re-read or listen for me. So my hopes for this title were instantly mitigated within the first few sentences: clichéd descriptions and characters that just had me hoping for more. But, it was early on, and I listened on. Rosemary was, by far, the best-developed character in the story: her background and love for the food she creates, as well as her care taken in preparation all sang out neatly, even as her client drops dead from an allergic reaction – she was CAREFUL. But, if she’s being honest, aside from being unemployed, again: the woman was a diva to the extreme – and the police now think she is responsible for the murder.

Rosemary realizes that there are only a handful of ‘real’ suspects that could have ‘done the deed’: a race-car driver, a leading man, a music producer and, of course, Felix, the handsy step-son who she (for several reasons that truly weren’t well elucidated) she is dating – she begins to put the pieces together. Of course, nothing is straight-forward and the flat, one-dimensional and frequently clichéd characters appear regularly: Hot male cop, mean female cop, Latina Housekeeper, spoiled (and not particularly remorseful) step-son, and phrases that were commonplace in 1980’s romance: knees like Jelly, an over-played focus on romantic statements that caused more than a few eye-rolls, the story moves toward a rather pat suspicion by the police in their often heavy-handed approach to proving her guilt, rather than discovering the truth. Of course, the fact that Rosemary and her sisters need a fast infusion of cash to save their parents’ failing business does add to the suspicion about her motive (there wasn’t one) and their continuing to follow that path.

Narration for this story is provided by Vanessa Daniels, and I’ve had an up and down experience with her work. A bit rushed in the delivery, with minimal distinctions separating the characters and an overly exaggerated breathiness that was a staple in many of the romantic (or meant to be romantic) moments, odd pauses that didn’t feel as if they existed in the text and an uneven pace throughout each chapter brought more than a bit of frustration in this listen. When the story feels as if the characters were all in need of depth and development, and the clearly present culprit despite the multiple questions and clues meant to lead elsewhere, the story felt less focused on the layering of the mystery than presenting a series of moments that played to the often-quirky Rosemary’s humor and behavior. The story felt young and indecisive, and while quick to finish, leaves me wondering just where the next story will go.

I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Tantor Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at I am, Indeed

[Pam Warner · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was just ok.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Corker of a read - I enjoyed this waaay too much! Not normally a fan of mysteries with romance, this had the right blend of story, murder, giggles & romance.
When I finish a deep or harrowing murder novel I need something that I don't have to think about to follow it with - something light & silly, but within the same murder/mystery genre. This book fills that need expertly.
I am genuinely looking forward to reading the other books in the series about Rosemary's sisters, Thyme & Sage. :)

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Possibly one of the best romantic suspense books I have read in a while. Manages to combine what I consider the best of cozy mystery and romantic suspense - a spunky heroine, a hero who has some depth, just enough romance to keep things spicy without making me read "steamy" sex scenes, a good mystery to unravel and a supporting cast that helps the story feel real. Well done!

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty good start to a new series. I liked Rosemary and her two sisters, Thyme and Sage. I'm not too sure that I care much for Felix. I did figure out the murderer early on, but wanted to read more about Rosemary. I'd still like to read more to see how Rosemary's new catering business goes. :)

[Tamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

In reality more like a 2.5. The characters were all fairly one dimensional and predictable. The story was unsurprising but enjoyable enough for a quick read. Although guessed the ending I preferred the book as went along, almost didn’t get past first few chapters.

[madalena humanes · Rating 3 out of 5]

A chef achievment

I enjoyed the first part of the book, but I felt the last part was not so well conceived as the beggining.

[Drew · Rating 2 out of 5]

Free book - one gets what one pays for! Mindless read on one rainy afternoon.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly not bad.

[Maribel Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read

I enjoyed reading this easy, breezy mystery. Well written, interesting characters and a quick read. I look forward to reading more about Rosemary and her sisters. The chef angle was believable without being corny. Once I finished rolling my eyes over the sister's names I was able to briskly move on and settle in for a nice read.

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rosemary Field the oldest of 3 sisters is working as a cook for a very difficult Hollywood actress. When the actress turns up dead after one of her parties Rosemary is accused of poisoning her, but later evidence clears her. Then when the son who has been dating her suffers food poisoning she is again under suspicion. A light who done it begins Miller's We Three Sisters series.

[AngryGreyCat · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rosemary’s Gravy was an okay cozy mystery more focused on the romantic sub plots than the mystery. I think I probably am not the target demographic for this Hollywood celebrity chef themed cozy.

[Stanley McShane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rosemary's Gravy Add me to those reviewers who didn't understand how a chemist could become a chef to the stars without benefit of a very long and complicated résumé, given the extreme dietary restrictions of the actress involved. I guess chemists aren't paid that well? Rosemary Field, the protagonist, has two sisters named Sage and Thyme, so given that information you can generally expect some tongue-in-cheek humor. Not expected was the hyper-drive hormones, romantic complications, and somewhat snarky dialogue leading me to believe the target audience must have been somewhat younger than myself. Rosemary and her sisters must face losing their parents business after they were left holding the bag if they don't all pitch in and plunk down some major bucks in a hurry. Somehow, each sister manages to do that (were it that simple!) putting Rosemary in her present position. But Rosemary finds herself under suspicion when the meal she has prepared for her employer disposes of the nasty diva. Suddenly of romantic interest is the step-son though he is described as an immature and spoiled rich kid. The plot moves along fairly well except for the steamy interruptions and comes to a rather predictable climax, following a slight twist to an old axiom. Light-hearted, uncomplicated, and fast read. Have fun with this youthful cozy mystery.

[Colin Rochford · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rosemary's Gravy by Melissa F. Miller

I’m not quite sure of the connection here between this story and Rosemary's Baby. Apart from sharing a similar sounding rhyming couplet. If there is no connection, it is a sad play on words. If it is intended to be funny, in my opinion, it isn’t. if there is any connection it is very tenuous.

This kept me thinking the whole way through, “Was there something I was missing?”

All that aside, this was a good story with enough character development to make it worthwhile.

Plot development was a little twisty and turney. Good, but at least for me, if I needed to return to the book after an interruption, I had to re-read the last four or five pages to know where I was in the story. I haven’t had to do that before.  

I really did enjoy this book on an escapist kind of way but there was much more that could have been. A backstory for instance. A big WHY. 

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rosemary is a chef for a famous actress and her well-to-do family. When the actress dies after eating food prepared by Rosemary for a dinner party, Rosemary becomes the prime suspect. Many people disliked Amber (the actress) however, so several other suspects come to light.

This didn't really seem like a cozy mystery to me. It felt more like a rom-com with a touch of mystery thrown in. The writing is simple and the story is easy to read. The mystery isn't much of a mystery; it was easy to peg the culprit fairly early on. There was a fair amount of flirting and sexual tension (almost in the style of Edward and Bella). The characters weren't fully developed and there was one storyline that was left open-ended, which makes me question if it will be resolved in the next book. I also noticed several grammatical errors as well.

I didn't love it and I didn't hate it. This book definitely needed polish and to be developed more but it was kind of cute in its own way.

[Mary Ann Carlson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lighthearted, Easy Read

I like to read serial-type books so I can really get to know the characters and see them react to different situations in their lives. And I like to see characters who may seem to be minor player in one book appear in another book with a much bigger role. In this book you meet Rosemary, a chef, accused of killing the rich and famous woman who had hired her to cater a dinner party. Of course we know she didn't do it, but can we figure out who did it after getting to know the other possible suspects? We are also introduced to Rosemary's two sister's, Thyme and Sage, who appear as central characters in other books in the series. Cute, fun, not always predictable, not raunchy, mystery, love story.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is first in the "We Sisters Three" series, and is about the oldest sister, Rosemary (the other two are Sage and Thyme) who has given up her job as a chemist to become a personal chef to a movie star and her family in order to help pay off the debts left by the three sisters' parents. So, not terribly realistic, but entertaining. As often happens in this sort of story she is the first suspect when the actress is murdered. And of course there are a couple of good looking men in the wings including the actress's stepson and one of the police detectives. All in all, not stellar, but a fun read.

[Bookgyrl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very fast pleasant read. Rosemary is a personal chef to spoiled actress Amber. When Amber dies police suspect Rosemary.

Liked the book although I did not understand why the police would supect Rosemary (motive???) and some things never added up. OK read.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I quite liked the main female character and her relationship with her two sisters. What really put me off the book was the romantic storyline.
I feel, without revealing too much of the storyline, that she is not well written in that area.
I would like to give this series another try though.

[Roberta J. Hinderliter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa F. Miller s new three book Mystery Cozy

I chose the five star rating because it was excellent. The story line, originality, and great reading. Can't wait to read other two.

[Matthew Jones · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't get more than a few pages. This book read more like a prelude to women porn. I know there is historical romance, and paranormal romance, and urban romance... Now there is apparently crime or mystery romance. Deleting from Kindle.

[Tiffany Alden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

Suspenseful to the very end. Also quite witty and amusing. I would recommend this book and author to others that enjoy reading as much as I do. Can't wait to read the Sage and Thyme books as well as her other series.

[Jan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Puerile rubbish. I bought it because it was cheap on iBooks ... I'm kind of embarrassed that I read it. Just glad I didn't pay much money for it.