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Grilled Cheese Mysteries #3
Cheddar Late Than Dead
A bridal shower gone bad quickly becomes the swiss of death, and grilled cheese shop owner Carly Hale must sniff out the suspect.
Winter in Balsam Dell is a snowy affair, and to add in some cheer after the holidays Carly's former classmate Klarissa Taddeo is hosting her extravagant bridal shower at the historic Balsam Dell inn. But when a double-booking throws some mold in the cheese, Klarissa is left scrambling. Dawn, the maid of honor and wedding planner, saves the day by moving the shower to her family's mansion and books Carly to cater the party. It seems the group is going to pull off the shower without a hitch.
That is, until Klarissa's fiancé crashes the event. She's furious with her groom-to-be and when a loud argument ensues, everyone is shocked by what they hear. When the groom is later found dead at the bottom of the stairs, his drink spiked with a hefty dose of poison, Carly must put her nose to the rind and save Klarissa from being suspect #1.
Because you know what they say: it's always the (almost) wife.
Winter in Balsam Dell is a snowy affair, and to add in some cheer after the holidays Carly's former classmate Klarissa Taddeo is hosting her extravagant bridal shower at the historic Balsam Dell inn. But when a double-booking throws some mold in the cheese, Klarissa is left scrambling. Dawn, the maid of honor and wedding planner, saves the day by moving the shower to her family's mansion and books Carly to cater the party. It seems the group is going to pull off the shower without a hitch.
That is, until Klarissa's fiancé crashes the event. She's furious with her groom-to-be and when a loud argument ensues, everyone is shocked by what they hear. When the groom is later found dead at the bottom of the stairs, his drink spiked with a hefty dose of poison, Carly must put her nose to the rind and save Klarissa from being suspect #1.
Because you know what they say: it's always the (almost) wife.
280 pages, Paperback
First published January 31, 2023
79 people are currently reading
3859 people want to read
About the author
Linda Reilly
14 books800 followersLinda Reilly is a mystery writer living with her two feline assistants in southern New Hampshire. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and Cat Writers' Association.
Her Grilled Cheese Mystery series featuring grilled cheese lover Carly Hale debuted in January 2022, published by Poisoned Pen Press.
Her first cozy mystery, Some Enchanted Murder, was a finalist for the 2014 Silver Falchion Award in the category "Best First Novel: Cozy, Traditional and Historical."
Linda is also the author of the Cat Lady Mysteries published by Kensington Lyrical and of the Deep Fried mysteries published by Berkley Prime Crime.
ESCAPE CLAWS, her first Cat Lady Mystery, was selected by Modern Cat Magazine, Connie's Book Club, as a "must read" in the Spring/Summer 2018 issue.
CLAWS OF ACTION, her fourth Cat Lady Mystery, was awarded a Certificate of Excellence by the Cat Writers' Association in its 2019 Communications Contest.
Her Grilled Cheese Mystery series featuring grilled cheese lover Carly Hale debuted in January 2022, published by Poisoned Pen Press.
Her first cozy mystery, Some Enchanted Murder, was a finalist for the 2014 Silver Falchion Award in the category "Best First Novel: Cozy, Traditional and Historical."
Linda is also the author of the Cat Lady Mysteries published by Kensington Lyrical and of the Deep Fried mysteries published by Berkley Prime Crime.
ESCAPE CLAWS, her first Cat Lady Mystery, was selected by Modern Cat Magazine, Connie's Book Club, as a "must read" in the Spring/Summer 2018 issue.
CLAWS OF ACTION, her fourth Cat Lady Mystery, was awarded a Certificate of Excellence by the Cat Writers' Association in its 2019 Communications Contest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 344 reviews
February 22, 2023
n this 3rd book in the 'Grilled Cheese Mysteries' series, restaurateur/amateur sleuth Carly Hale gets involved in two investigations: a murder and a missing person. The book works fine as a standalone.
*****
When thirtysomething Carly Hale's husband died in a tragic accident, she moved back to her hometown of Balsam Dell, Vermont and opened Carly's Grilled Cheese Eatery.
Carly's restaurant has become quite popular, and she now employs assistant manager Valerie Wells;
part-time server Suzanne Rivers;
and grill cook/aspiring chef Grant Robinson.
It took time for Carly to move past her grief, but she's now dating electrician Ari Mitchell.....and things might be getting serious.
As the story opens, two women Carly hasn't seen since high school, Dawn Chapin and Klarissa Taddeo, drop in to Carly's eatery for lunch.
Carly and her old acquaintances hug and catch up and Carly learns Klarissa is engaged to marry Tony Manous, head of Balsam Dell's Grounds and Recreation Department. Klarissa is excited about her upcoming wedding shower, which is scheduled to take place at Balsam Dell Inn in twelve days.
During lunch Klarissa gets a phone call and learns that Balsam Dell Inn is no longer available for her shower because the deposit was late. Though Klarissa herself failed to pay the deposit, she loudly blames Dawn, who's her maid of honor and wedding planner. Hearing the commotion, Carly sidles over to calm the waters.
The situation is resolved when Klarissa - who's something of a bridezilla - announces she'll have her wedding shower in the toney home of Dawn's mother, and Carly is recruited to cater the affair. On party day Carly serves the guests three versions of grilled cheese donuts: plain, with crisp bacon, and with thin-sliced tomatoes, all of which are successful.
After the food is eaten, Carly is brought to the drawing room to be thanked by the attendees. As Carly is returning to the kitchen she comes across Tony Manous's stepmother, who's alone and crying because of Klarissa's mean behavior. Afterwards, Carly overhears an agitated conversation among Dawn Chapin, Tony Manous, and videographer Ron Benoit, who's filming the party. Tony then goes upstairs, and shortly later is found dead at the bottom of the steps.....murdered.
Though Police Chief Holloway tells Carly to keep her nose out of the investigation, Carly's a natural born busybody and can't help but make inquiries.
The situation is complicated when town manager Gretel Engstrom - who had a business disagreement with Tony - disappears. Carly makes up excuses that give her the chance to question people, hoping to gather information that exposes the perpetrator.
Meanwhile, in Carly's personal life, she's dating Ari; worrying about her assistant manager Valerie, who's being harassed by an ex-boyfriend; talking to Grant about his ideas for healthy school lunches; visiting her landlady Joyce who has multiple sclerosis; playing with her cute dog Havarti; and more.
I enjoyed this cozy mystery, which has appealing characters and an interesting plot.
Lots of delicious food is served in the story, and recipes for grilled cheese donuts and Grant's tomato soup are included.
Grilled Cheese Donuts with Bacon
Tomato Soup
Thanks to Netgalley, Linda Reilly, and Poisoned Pen Press for a copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
January 21, 2023
Carly's Grilled Cheese Eatery was very popular in Balsam Dell and with Grant, Valerie and Suzanne as her staff, they were in a good place. When two old school friends, Klarissa and Dawn, entered the eatery one day, Carly was witness to Klarissa's anger with Dawn over her upcoming wedding and the falling through of the bridal shower's venue. Carly ended up agreeing to cater for the shower at Dawn's family home in less than three weeks. What had she got herself into?
The guests at the shower loved Carly's specialty - grilled cheese doughnuts - but it was later when everyone had become loud in their enjoyment, that trouble struck. The groom appeared, drunk and angry with his bride-to-be, but it was his death at the bottom of the stairs which started the events which Carly couldn't help but become involved in. Would she discover who the killer was before another died?
Cheddar Late than Dead is the 3rd in the Grilled Cheese Mystery series by Linda Reilly and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Carly was determined not to investigate the murder, but couldn't seem to help herself, much to the Chief's chagrin. And Carly's beau, Ari, was worried about her. I found the plot a good one, and the story fun and entertaining. I'm looking forward to the next in the series and recommend Grilled Cheese Mysteries highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
The guests at the shower loved Carly's specialty - grilled cheese doughnuts - but it was later when everyone had become loud in their enjoyment, that trouble struck. The groom appeared, drunk and angry with his bride-to-be, but it was his death at the bottom of the stairs which started the events which Carly couldn't help but become involved in. Would she discover who the killer was before another died?
Cheddar Late than Dead is the 3rd in the Grilled Cheese Mystery series by Linda Reilly and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Carly was determined not to investigate the murder, but couldn't seem to help herself, much to the Chief's chagrin. And Carly's beau, Ari, was worried about her. I found the plot a good one, and the story fun and entertaining. I'm looking forward to the next in the series and recommend Grilled Cheese Mysteries highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2025
This is a Cozy Mystery, and this is the third book in the Grilled Cheese Mysteries series. I have read and reviewed the other books in this series before picking up this book, but I do think this book can be read as a standalone. I love the characters in this book, and I really love the grilled cheese shop and setting in this series. I am sad that there were not more scenes in this book that were in the grill cheese shop. I really miss the grilled cheese shop in this book. I do think there was more of Carly (the main character and the owner of the Grilled Cheese shop) putting her nose into the mystery which was fun to follow, and I really enjoyed that. This book has Carly catering Grilled Cheese at a shower, and that is where Carly finds herself put into another mystery to solve. I loved the characters and mystery in this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Poisoned Pen Press) or author (Linda Reilly) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
February 9, 2023
Cheddar Late Than Dead was a fun read. It takes place in Balsam Dell,, VT. Carly Hale is the owner of Carly's Grilled Cheese Eatery.. Her assistant Valerie Wells and grill cook Grant Robinson help her run her eatery.. Ari Mitchell is Carlly's boyfriend. To her surprise two of her old classmates Dawn Chapin and Klarissa Taddeo visit her eatery. and start an argument because the inn which Klarissa was to have her wedding shower can't accommodate her. She blames Dawn as her wedding consultant for losing her place at the inn, Klarissa is to marry Tony Manous. They can't find a chef and ask Carly to make Grilled Cheese Donuts which she reluctantly agrees to do.
The supporting characters add to the story. Megan Gilbert is Klarissa's aunt who is devoted to her. Ursula Taddeo and Dawn's mother, Julia Chapin have a strained relationship. Klanrissa does not like Tony's step-mother, Rose Manous as she thinks Rose married Tony's father for his money. There is much arguing amongst Dawn, Ron Benoit, Klarissa's cousin and a photographer who is photographing the shower.. Tony comes to the party as he is upset with Klarissa for the treatment of her step-mother. Gretel Engstrom is the town manager and is attending the shower.
After cleaning up from the party Carly is getting her coat when she sees a body at the bottom of the stairs. The person dead is Tony. Carly calls Fred Holloway who ais the police chief and good friend of Carly's. This is where the story takes the reader on an adventure of the in and out of the characters and their complex lives. The reader finds out that Tony has been poisoned as well as the disappearance of Gretel. The story builds up to a climax of a surprise with who killed Tony and why as well as what happened to Gretel. Loved the way the author finished the endings of each person or incident to a happy ending. Ari gives Carly a box with a stone in it with a saying "Grow old with me, the best is yet to come."
I look forward to the next adventure that Carly and Ari have in this series.
Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC.
The supporting characters add to the story. Megan Gilbert is Klarissa's aunt who is devoted to her. Ursula Taddeo and Dawn's mother, Julia Chapin have a strained relationship. Klanrissa does not like Tony's step-mother, Rose Manous as she thinks Rose married Tony's father for his money. There is much arguing amongst Dawn, Ron Benoit, Klarissa's cousin and a photographer who is photographing the shower.. Tony comes to the party as he is upset with Klarissa for the treatment of her step-mother. Gretel Engstrom is the town manager and is attending the shower.
After cleaning up from the party Carly is getting her coat when she sees a body at the bottom of the stairs. The person dead is Tony. Carly calls Fred Holloway who ais the police chief and good friend of Carly's. This is where the story takes the reader on an adventure of the in and out of the characters and their complex lives. The reader finds out that Tony has been poisoned as well as the disappearance of Gretel. The story builds up to a climax of a surprise with who killed Tony and why as well as what happened to Gretel. Loved the way the author finished the endings of each person or incident to a happy ending. Ari gives Carly a box with a stone in it with a saying "Grow old with me, the best is yet to come."
I look forward to the next adventure that Carly and Ari have in this series.
Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC.
May 19, 2023
The 3rd grilled cheese shop is fantastic! I mean it's a GOURMET GRILLED CHEESE shop...enough said. Oh wait YUM-O!
Vermont is a perfect place for a cozy!
I would recommend this series to any cozy fan.
I received an arc of this book in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank netgalley, the author Linda Reilly, and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book!
Vermont is a perfect place for a cozy!
I would recommend this series to any cozy fan.
I received an arc of this book in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank netgalley, the author Linda Reilly, and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book!
April 21, 2023
I've already said I love this series. The ending makes it sound like there could be another, but no announcement at the end of the book for a new one. I really hope the author decides to write another. I've been making grilled cheese significantly more since reading this series. Haha. The mystery was a surprise. The villian(s)...interesting. I still love all the regular characters. I liked some of the new characters. Still love all the food and scenery with all the details. I have a long list of books to catch up on, but again, I really hope there will be another grilled cheese mystery. I don't want it to end! I still recommend this series. Happy reading. 🤗🍞🧀☕️
February 4, 2023
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Carly Hale’s Grilled Cheese Eatery is the perfect stop to warm up during the winter in Balsam Dell. There is nothing better than a hot cup of soup and one of Carly’s gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. It is there where Carly’s former classmates Klarissa and Dawn meet to discuss Klarissa’s upcoming bridal shower. It is also where they learn their choice of venue, the Balsam Dell Inn has been double booked. Dawn agrees to have the party moved to her family’s mansion but only if Carly caters the event. Well, they really didn’t give her much of a choice.
The big day arrives and Carly and the family’s maid get into a great rhythm grilling the special sandwiches but something just feels off about the day. The groom’s stepmother was not welcomed with open arms and she makes it known. Soon the groom arrives at the party to have words with his bride, loud words. And soon thereafter, the groom is found dead, poisoned, and someone at the shower is responsible. Was it the bride-to-be? Her maid of honor? or one of their guests? Carly is a little cheesed but she agrees to help find who objected to this marriage enough to off the big cheese before they even made it to the church.
_______
The author has created such a captivating cast of characters I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book. Carly is a fun protagonist. Her relationship with Ari is moving along nicely. Her grillmaster Grant is a true friend with some wonderful ideas, mostly cheese related but this time he has a revelation to change school lunches. Suzanne too continues to be there for whatever Carly needs. What Carly needed most was an assistant especially if she is going to be off catering events or tracking down killers. Valerie Wells appears to be an ideal hire but something is bothering her. Carly just needs to find out what. Gina is also a great best friend and a big help to Carly as she organizes her suspects and motives.
We do meet a number of new characters. Carly’s classmates Dawn Chapin and Klarissa Taddeo, Klarissa’s aunt, Megan Gilbert who practically raised her, her mother Ursula, and Dawn’s mom Julia, the groom Tony’s stepmother, Rose Manous, and Megan’s friend, Gretel Engstrom who is the town manager of Balsam Dell, and Astrid, the Chapin’s maid. All were important to the story and developed nicely throughout the pages.
There were a couple of mysteries in the story, the groom’s murder and later a missing person. Ms. Reilly plotted them both out so well. Carly really didn’t want to get involved but soon she was all in. Her caring nature makes it so easy for people to open up to her especially when she brings her sweet little Morkie, Havarti, along. It also makes it fun for the reader to follow along with her step by step and cringe with fear when we know she is about to make a misstep. The author grilled up some skilled twists that blew my theory altogether but lead up to a heart-pounding reveal. I loved it!
I really enjoy the grilled cheese theme of this series. A dinner of grilled cheese and tomato soup always coincides with reading a book in this series. The cravings start with the title and grow with each sandwich description. This time the story features Grilled Cheese Donuts and while I haven’t tried one of those yet there have been discussed a lot around here.
Cheddar Late Than Dead was a scrumptiously good read! I was totally entertained from beginning to end. I hope I don’t have to wait too long to catch up with these characters again. I love visiting Vermont and Balsam Dell.
Carly Hale’s Grilled Cheese Eatery is the perfect stop to warm up during the winter in Balsam Dell. There is nothing better than a hot cup of soup and one of Carly’s gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. It is there where Carly’s former classmates Klarissa and Dawn meet to discuss Klarissa’s upcoming bridal shower. It is also where they learn their choice of venue, the Balsam Dell Inn has been double booked. Dawn agrees to have the party moved to her family’s mansion but only if Carly caters the event. Well, they really didn’t give her much of a choice.
The big day arrives and Carly and the family’s maid get into a great rhythm grilling the special sandwiches but something just feels off about the day. The groom’s stepmother was not welcomed with open arms and she makes it known. Soon the groom arrives at the party to have words with his bride, loud words. And soon thereafter, the groom is found dead, poisoned, and someone at the shower is responsible. Was it the bride-to-be? Her maid of honor? or one of their guests? Carly is a little cheesed but she agrees to help find who objected to this marriage enough to off the big cheese before they even made it to the church.
_______
The author has created such a captivating cast of characters I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book. Carly is a fun protagonist. Her relationship with Ari is moving along nicely. Her grillmaster Grant is a true friend with some wonderful ideas, mostly cheese related but this time he has a revelation to change school lunches. Suzanne too continues to be there for whatever Carly needs. What Carly needed most was an assistant especially if she is going to be off catering events or tracking down killers. Valerie Wells appears to be an ideal hire but something is bothering her. Carly just needs to find out what. Gina is also a great best friend and a big help to Carly as she organizes her suspects and motives.
We do meet a number of new characters. Carly’s classmates Dawn Chapin and Klarissa Taddeo, Klarissa’s aunt, Megan Gilbert who practically raised her, her mother Ursula, and Dawn’s mom Julia, the groom Tony’s stepmother, Rose Manous, and Megan’s friend, Gretel Engstrom who is the town manager of Balsam Dell, and Astrid, the Chapin’s maid. All were important to the story and developed nicely throughout the pages.
There were a couple of mysteries in the story, the groom’s murder and later a missing person. Ms. Reilly plotted them both out so well. Carly really didn’t want to get involved but soon she was all in. Her caring nature makes it so easy for people to open up to her especially when she brings her sweet little Morkie, Havarti, along. It also makes it fun for the reader to follow along with her step by step and cringe with fear when we know she is about to make a misstep. The author grilled up some skilled twists that blew my theory altogether but lead up to a heart-pounding reveal. I loved it!
I really enjoy the grilled cheese theme of this series. A dinner of grilled cheese and tomato soup always coincides with reading a book in this series. The cravings start with the title and grow with each sandwich description. This time the story features Grilled Cheese Donuts and while I haven’t tried one of those yet there have been discussed a lot around here.
Cheddar Late Than Dead was a scrumptiously good read! I was totally entertained from beginning to end. I hope I don’t have to wait too long to catch up with these characters again. I love visiting Vermont and Balsam Dell.
November 22, 2022
I am always on the lookout for clean cozies! Let me tell you about Cheddar Late Than Dead by Linda Reilly. First, while third in the series, I jumped into this one without reading Reilly’s others and still caught on quickly.
I enjoyed the idea of a grilled cheese restaurant, a unique-to-me setting. I loved the special recipe idea Carly has as a centerpiece for the book. Unfortunately for my taste, Carly was able to be gone too often from her restaurant as her capable staff takes over. I prefer a cozy where the sleuth does not take lots of time off from her work to pursue the crime.
I like the thread involving Valerie. She sounds like a gem, a great find for the restaurant as well as a really sweet person. She will be a welcome addition to Carly’s “support group,” so to speak.
I did think the sudden attitude changes following the revealing of the perpetrator were a bit unrealistic. Too many people suddenly changed their tunes.
Read Cheddar Late Than Dead for yourself and let me know what you think.
I received a copy of the book from NetGalley. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
I enjoyed the idea of a grilled cheese restaurant, a unique-to-me setting. I loved the special recipe idea Carly has as a centerpiece for the book. Unfortunately for my taste, Carly was able to be gone too often from her restaurant as her capable staff takes over. I prefer a cozy where the sleuth does not take lots of time off from her work to pursue the crime.
I like the thread involving Valerie. She sounds like a gem, a great find for the restaurant as well as a really sweet person. She will be a welcome addition to Carly’s “support group,” so to speak.
I did think the sudden attitude changes following the revealing of the perpetrator were a bit unrealistic. Too many people suddenly changed their tunes.
Read Cheddar Late Than Dead for yourself and let me know what you think.
I received a copy of the book from NetGalley. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
November 7, 2022
Fun and cheesy read that sucks you in with a good mystery, good character dynamic, and yummy recipes. Ms. Reilly does not disappoint.
Book 3 did not disappoint and is one of my favorite reads in this series. It can be read alone, however reading books 1 and 2 will give you insight into the characters - Gail, Grant, and Carly.
Carly is a young widow who moves back to her hometown in Vermont, opens up a Grilled cheese eatery, and reconnects with old friends. Carly agrees to help out former high school friends when the venue for a bridal shower is canceled. Queue in dead groom, one vanished guest, and a whodunnit.
Thank you Netgalley and publisher
Book 3 did not disappoint and is one of my favorite reads in this series. It can be read alone, however reading books 1 and 2 will give you insight into the characters - Gail, Grant, and Carly.
Carly is a young widow who moves back to her hometown in Vermont, opens up a Grilled cheese eatery, and reconnects with old friends. Carly agrees to help out former high school friends when the venue for a bridal shower is canceled. Queue in dead groom, one vanished guest, and a whodunnit.
Thank you Netgalley and publisher
April 7, 2023
Cheddar Late Than Dead by Linda Reilly is the third book of Grilled Cheese Mysteries series, but it can be read as a standalone.
In this installment Carly is hired by an old school friend to serve her grilled cheese delicacies at her wedding shower. During the party the future husband dies. Carly's sleuth senses instantly tingle so she begins to investigate.
I once again enjoyed Carly's search of the culprit. It’s very entertaining to read how she always finds herself caught up in murders, and how her friends would prefer she rather leave the work to police.
The mystery is good with lots of suspects and some surprises.
Read it and try to uncover the truth before our heroine, I'm so happy I did it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for kindly giving me an advanced copy of this book to read.
January 31, 2023
It was great visiting with Carly and all her friends again-and still wishing her shop was real, lol. Carly had an almost locked door type murder mystery on her hands but thanks to her pestering, er I mean tenacity in getting a videographer to show her the murder day footage more than once, she finally came up with something. Hopefully it wasn't too late! You'll just have to read and find out but the showdown was pretty epic! Go Carly!
The side mystery of a missing person definitely tied in so I won't give any details on that but just wanted to say I did suspect the right person fairly early and for the right reasons. There was something else I'd thought of that wasn't even part of it though. Another side mystery concerned Carly's new manager, but that ended up having an awesome ending too. And I love where Carly and Ari are in their relationship. Hopefully it'll lead to much more eventually.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own. It's available today, January 31, 2023.
The side mystery of a missing person definitely tied in so I won't give any details on that but just wanted to say I did suspect the right person fairly early and for the right reasons. There was something else I'd thought of that wasn't even part of it though. Another side mystery concerned Carly's new manager, but that ended up having an awesome ending too. And I love where Carly and Ari are in their relationship. Hopefully it'll lead to much more eventually.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own. It's available today, January 31, 2023.
February 3, 2023
This was a quick read with great characters (although I’m still not a huge fan of Carly) and a wonderful setting with yummy grilled cheese sandwiches. The mystery was well crafted and kept me guessing up until the final reveal. There were a few too cutesy moments for me but otherwise I really enjoyed this addition to the series. Looking forward to the next.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMedia for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMedia for an honest review.
February 28, 2023
This was a great third book in the series. Carly’s business is going great, a new manager is on board along with her two regular employees and her relationship with Ari is progressing. When she’s pressured into catering the bridal shower for a high school acquaintance, Carly unfortunately comes across the body of the groom and the action takes off from there.
The book is filled with family drama, relationship issues/secrets. A solid 4 stars
The book is filled with family drama, relationship issues/secrets. A solid 4 stars
August 18, 2022
I haven’t read the first two books in the series and now I need to double back to read them as I really enjoyed this book. The plot was entertaining and the characters were well developed. A great book to read during the winter curled up by the fire, eating a grilled cheese sandwich.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a digital copy of this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a digital copy of this ARC. All opinions are my own.
February 4, 2023
Cheddar Late Than Deade is another really good offering in the Grilled Cheese Mystery series (This one is #3.). They are set in a town in Vermont and the main character is a young woman named Carly. She has a habit of getting involved in police investigations, of course! This time, she is corralled into providing food for a bridal shower at the last minute after other plans fall through. At that bridal shower, the prospective groom is found dead. Carly gets involved because a) she was there and b) an old friend/acquaintance of hers is being looked at by the police as a suspect. I didn’t really buy into the incentive for Carly to become so involved this time, since she hadn’t really seen this other woman for years, but okay. The story was quite enjoyable with a bunch of red herrings to throw the reader off the track. The motive for the murder was pretty wacky!
As usual, the food descriptions made me hungry! (There are a couple of recipes included at the end of the book.)
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
As usual, the food descriptions made me hungry! (There are a couple of recipes included at the end of the book.)
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
April 22, 2024
Cheddar Late Than Dead is book three in Linda Reilly's Grilled Cheese Mysteries. After Carly's friend from school, Klarissa Taddeo's bridal shower at the historic Balsom Dell Inn fell through, the maid of honour roped Carly to cater for the shower at her family home. Carly and the maid-of-honour thought they had saved the day. However, they were wrong. On the day of the bridal shower, the groomsmen crashed the party, and Klarissa argued with the groom-to-be, who was later found dead. Klarissa becomes the prime suspect, so Carly investigates the case to save her friend Klarissa. The readers of The Chedder Late Than Dead will continue to follow Carly to discover what happens.
Cheddar Late Than Dead is an excellent, cozy mystery and an enjoyable book. I like Linda Reilly's portrayal of her characters and their intertwining throughout this book. Cheddar Late Than Dead is well-written and researched by Linda Reilly. I also like Linda Reilly's book description, which complements its plot.
The readers of Cheddar Late Than Dead will learn about the deadly plant Cowbane, the consequences of obsession with something and how it affects everyone around them.
As a fan of cozy mysteries, I wholeheartedly recommend Cheddar Late Than Dead. It's a book that will keep you guessing, teach you something new, and leave you wanting more. Take advantage of this thrilling read.
Cheddar Late Than Dead is an excellent, cozy mystery and an enjoyable book. I like Linda Reilly's portrayal of her characters and their intertwining throughout this book. Cheddar Late Than Dead is well-written and researched by Linda Reilly. I also like Linda Reilly's book description, which complements its plot.
The readers of Cheddar Late Than Dead will learn about the deadly plant Cowbane, the consequences of obsession with something and how it affects everyone around them.
As a fan of cozy mysteries, I wholeheartedly recommend Cheddar Late Than Dead. It's a book that will keep you guessing, teach you something new, and leave you wanting more. Take advantage of this thrilling read.
January 16, 2023
Cheddar Late Than Dead is Book 3 in the Grilled Cheese Mysteries by Linda Reilly.
This can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the first two books as they are both equally as fantastic and will provide some back story.
I love Carly who owns a grilled cheese restaurant, and, in this outing, she is catering a bridal shower as a favor for a former classmate, Klarissa.
Unfortunately, the groom is found dead after the shower and Klarissa is the number one suspect.
Carly and her friends investigate to try and save Klarissa from being arrested.
I LOVE this series. The characters are fun, well written, and CHEESY!
I have a huge fan of this author having read many of her series, but this to date is my favorite series! Highly recommend !
This can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the first two books as they are both equally as fantastic and will provide some back story.
I love Carly who owns a grilled cheese restaurant, and, in this outing, she is catering a bridal shower as a favor for a former classmate, Klarissa.
Unfortunately, the groom is found dead after the shower and Klarissa is the number one suspect.
Carly and her friends investigate to try and save Klarissa from being arrested.
I LOVE this series. The characters are fun, well written, and CHEESY!
I have a huge fan of this author having read many of her series, but this to date is my favorite series! Highly recommend !
January 6, 2023
Carly saves the day when she fills in last minute to cater for a bridal shower. Unfortunately, that also means she is present during an unfortunate death. Carly can't help but get involved and starts asking questions of suspects and soon finds things are a lot more complicated than anyone could have imagined.
What a clever plot. There are a lot of surprises with memorable characters and a comforting ending. Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
What a clever plot. There are a lot of surprises with memorable characters and a comforting ending. Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
September 12, 2022
Grilled Cheese Series
Carly’s Grilled Cheese Eatery owner Carly Hale runs a booming business and snoops into murders on the side.
Carly got wrangled into catering a bridal shower last minute for old school friends and when the groom is murdered at said shower, she can’t let it go. She is sure...well kinda, that Dawn is innocent, and there’s plenty of suspects to check out. Accusations are bandied about and Carly dutifully looks into each one, making new friends as she clears her suspects. Someone else turns up missing, one of her suspects and after digging into that, Carly convinced they also are innocent, but where are they.
She has interaction with a variety of characters, some very nice, some odd and a few nasties...and is warned repeatedly by the police chief to stop snooping, lest she end up in the morgue.
Ms. Reilly ties it up nicely with a murderer, who was on no one’s radar and clears up some of the reasons why some of the suspects acted as they did. I recommend as an amusing, quickly moving cozy.
I requested and received a Net Galley ARC to peruse gratis and offer my opinion in the same.
Carly’s Grilled Cheese Eatery owner Carly Hale runs a booming business and snoops into murders on the side.
Carly got wrangled into catering a bridal shower last minute for old school friends and when the groom is murdered at said shower, she can’t let it go. She is sure...well kinda, that Dawn is innocent, and there’s plenty of suspects to check out. Accusations are bandied about and Carly dutifully looks into each one, making new friends as she clears her suspects. Someone else turns up missing, one of her suspects and after digging into that, Carly convinced they also are innocent, but where are they.
She has interaction with a variety of characters, some very nice, some odd and a few nasties...and is warned repeatedly by the police chief to stop snooping, lest she end up in the morgue.
Ms. Reilly ties it up nicely with a murderer, who was on no one’s radar and clears up some of the reasons why some of the suspects acted as they did. I recommend as an amusing, quickly moving cozy.
I requested and received a Net Galley ARC to peruse gratis and offer my opinion in the same.
August 27, 2022
Thank you, NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC of one of my favorite series. Carly is hired to cater a shower for an old high school friend and the groom ends up dead before the shower is over. Of course, Carly has to get involve and find out who killed Tony especially when the bride's best friend is a suspect. There were so many other suspects in this book and I kept bouncing between 2 of them, I should have gone with my gut and stayed with my first guess. I enjoyed going on another adventure with Carly, my only complaint and the reason that I only gave 4 stars was that there wasn't enough Grant, Valerie, Susan, Gina and Ari. I'd like to see Carly's relationship with them a little bit more especially with Ari. I also felt that Valerie's storyline in this book could have been explored a little bit more. Thank you, Linda Reilly for writing another great mystery in this series and can't wait to read the next one! Anyone who has not read this series should really give it a try!
September 26, 2022
This was a fun read by a new-to-me author. Carly gets herself into trouble when she gets roped into catering a wedding shower for a former high school classmate, Klarissa, at the request of the maid of honor, Dawn, also a former classmate. Although she wasn’t thrilled with the prospect, it does give her a chance to try out some new recipes that could eventually be added to her own restaurant menu. And what could possibly go wrong? Carly notices a lot of things while at the site of the wedding shower, and those things get her mind wandering when she finds the dead body of the groom-to-be at the bottom of the staircase.
Carly is known for her attempts to solve crimes and for noticing more than the average person. I liked that she was frequently chastised by the chief of police for butting into an active investigation, but also wondering why that same chief would give her classified information. There are numerous suspects and motives, twists and turns, danger, and more.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Carly is known for her attempts to solve crimes and for noticing more than the average person. I liked that she was frequently chastised by the chief of police for butting into an active investigation, but also wondering why that same chief would give her classified information. There are numerous suspects and motives, twists and turns, danger, and more.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 18, 2023
A bridezilla, a needy maid of honor, a sketchy best man, a missing town manager, two domineering mothers and a murder all occupy Carly Hale's time in the quaint town of Balsam Dell, Vermont. Along with running her Carly's Grilled Cheese Eatery of course. As a substitute caterer for a high end bridal shower, Carly learns there are deep secrets in her beloved town and a dangerous force is willing to kill to hide them.
The beauty of this series is that while it focuses on Carly, the author has created a fully developed cast of supporting characters. I enjoy learning more about the characters and wasn't disappointed in this new book as Valerie and Grant have storylines of their own. It's a fun book with twists and turns that keeps you reading and the delicious recipes are wonderful and grilled cheese sandwiches will be on your mind! Oh, and I can't forget Havarti, a cute little snowball of a canine that helps Carly sleuth!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The beauty of this series is that while it focuses on Carly, the author has created a fully developed cast of supporting characters. I enjoy learning more about the characters and wasn't disappointed in this new book as Valerie and Grant have storylines of their own. It's a fun book with twists and turns that keeps you reading and the delicious recipes are wonderful and grilled cheese sandwiches will be on your mind! Oh, and I can't forget Havarti, a cute little snowball of a canine that helps Carly sleuth!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
August 24, 2022
Latest in a series, but could easily be read as a stand-alone. Carly gets tangled in another murder investigation after she helps cater a bridal shower. As always, the writing is good and the mystery well-developed. I felt, though, that with this book Carly’s reasons for getting so involved in the investigation were thinner than in previous books in the series, making it harder to understand why she would go to all the effort she does to help uncover the truth. It also makes it feel like a stretch when other characters answer her probing questions despite the fact she has only a tenuous connection to the people involved. I will continue with the series and hope the next book doesn’t have the same issue. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest opinion.
November 19, 2022
This is the third book in the grilled cheese series. Carly agrees to cater a bridal shower for a former classmate when her original booking falls through. The groom is found dead at the end of the shower. Carly investigates after learning the groom was poisoned. I really enjoy these characters and love how they have grown from the first book. The mystery was good, and I was not expecting who the killer was. I can't wait to see where this series goes. I received this book from net galley in exchange for a honest review.
January 12, 2023
I enjoyed Cheddar Late than Dead so much, and I loved the plot. I love a mystery where the main sleuth is the caterer of an event where there's murder and everything comes out wrong. Visits to Carly's Grilled Cheese have always been a pleasure. The setting in small town Vermont is so comforting. I did find there were far too many characters to keep track of. However, it was still enjoyable to get to know them and I was shocked at who the killer really was.
Thank You Poisoned Pen Press and Netgalley for the ARC of this book. This was an honest review.
Thank You Poisoned Pen Press and Netgalley for the ARC of this book. This was an honest review.
September 21, 2022
Good one! I really enjoy this series, its characters, town and cheese sandwiches!
Thank you netgalley and the author for this arc
Thank you netgalley and the author for this arc
February 17, 2023
Other than knowing who the killer was about the middle of the book [in all honesty, I am not sure how one could NOT see who the killer was, but that is just me] and at one point thinking the MC was TSTL, this was a really good read and a good addition to the series.
For the most part, I really like Carly as a MC, though in this book she works a LOT less [convenient since she just hired a manager] and that annoyed me. Typically she works hard and I know that a day off is a very good thing, but it does seem that she takes off for "just a minute" and is gone for 2 hours and will FINALLY think about work. She also disregards both Grant [her chef] and Ari [her boyfriend]'s concern over her "sleuthing" and that bothered me. AND...[sigh], there was some repetition [telling the same thing several times in the course of a chapter, just in a slightly different way OR asking the same question to someone in two different chapters] that I really hope doesn't become a thing in this series. I absolutely abhor this new trend and I really hope that authors stop using this trope sooner rather than later.
All that said, this still was a very good book. Even knowing who the killer was [AND the why], it still was a good read. Even with my teeny issues with Carly, I DO like her as a MC and I really like the interactions with her and her team at work and I REALLY liked her interaction with Dawn and how she is so kind to her, even when she is super-clingy. Carly is able to help her and it really made me smile. I hope we see her in another book as she was a great example of how someone can really change who they are with a little kindness. The reveal [which was kinda creepy and very sad] didn't feel rushed and most of the why was already known and there was a nice little bit after the reveal so it didn't feel like it was a last-minute dump and then the book was done, but a nicely fleshed out story and that was very refreshing. I am so hoping there is a book 4 and should there be, I am very excited to read it!
I was able to request and receive the audiobook ARC for this book and I am so glad I did. I really, really like this narrator [and totally wish she was narrating more of the series' that I read] and she really makes Carly and crew come alive for me. I enjoyed it so much and will continue to look for the narrator in other books that I read.
Thank you to Linda Reilly, Mia Gaskin - Narrator, Poisoned Pen Press, and Dreamscape Media for providing both the book and audiobook ARC's in exchange for an honest review.
For the most part, I really like Carly as a MC, though in this book she works a LOT less [convenient since she just hired a manager] and that annoyed me. Typically she works hard and I know that a day off is a very good thing, but it does seem that she takes off for "just a minute" and is gone for 2 hours and will FINALLY think about work. She also disregards both Grant [her chef] and Ari [her boyfriend]'s concern over her "sleuthing" and that bothered me. AND...[sigh], there was some repetition [telling the same thing several times in the course of a chapter, just in a slightly different way OR asking the same question to someone in two different chapters] that I really hope doesn't become a thing in this series. I absolutely abhor this new trend and I really hope that authors stop using this trope sooner rather than later.
All that said, this still was a very good book. Even knowing who the killer was [AND the why], it still was a good read. Even with my teeny issues with Carly, I DO like her as a MC and I really like the interactions with her and her team at work and I REALLY liked her interaction with Dawn and how she is so kind to her, even when she is super-clingy. Carly is able to help her and it really made me smile. I hope we see her in another book as she was a great example of how someone can really change who they are with a little kindness. The reveal [which was kinda creepy and very sad] didn't feel rushed and most of the why was already known and there was a nice little bit after the reveal so it didn't feel like it was a last-minute dump and then the book was done, but a nicely fleshed out story and that was very refreshing. I am so hoping there is a book 4 and should there be, I am very excited to read it!
I was able to request and receive the audiobook ARC for this book and I am so glad I did. I really, really like this narrator [and totally wish she was narrating more of the series' that I read] and she really makes Carly and crew come alive for me. I enjoyed it so much and will continue to look for the narrator in other books that I read.
Thank you to Linda Reilly, Mia Gaskin - Narrator, Poisoned Pen Press, and Dreamscape Media for providing both the book and audiobook ARC's in exchange for an honest review.
January 29, 2023
Cheddar Late Than Dead the third in the “Grilled Cheese Mystery” series was a great little cozy. This was my first for this author and this series and it worked just as good as a stand-alone. Having said that I will be going back and reading the other two previously releases because I enjoyed this one so much.
This starts with Carly a grilled cheese restaurant owner (I dream I didn’t even know I had until I heard of it) living in a quaint VT town seemingly living her best life. She is surrounded by a great cast of characters in her fellow workers at the shop, friends about town, and even old high school acquaintances. Carly is the outgoing type that never meets a stranger and can easily make conversation.
She seems to not be able to keep out of the local murders much to the admonishment of the local police chief. After being asked to cater a bridal shower of an old school acquaintance the groom is found at the bottom of the stairs murdered. There are twists and so many suspects but it all comes together in the end to catch the culprit. The writing style is lovely and felt very scenic and conversational. The mystery was well thought out and even though i did figure it out before the reveal I was still satisfied.
One thing is especially love about a cozy mystery is that there isn’t a lot of romance and I appreciate that. Also that everything resolves or brings itself to a happy end. I adore that there are recipes at the back, this having the special grilled cheese she made for the shower. I can’t wait to hear more of the adventures that Carly and her friends go on in the upcoming books.
Thank you to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
This starts with Carly a grilled cheese restaurant owner (I dream I didn’t even know I had until I heard of it) living in a quaint VT town seemingly living her best life. She is surrounded by a great cast of characters in her fellow workers at the shop, friends about town, and even old high school acquaintances. Carly is the outgoing type that never meets a stranger and can easily make conversation.
She seems to not be able to keep out of the local murders much to the admonishment of the local police chief. After being asked to cater a bridal shower of an old school acquaintance the groom is found at the bottom of the stairs murdered. There are twists and so many suspects but it all comes together in the end to catch the culprit. The writing style is lovely and felt very scenic and conversational. The mystery was well thought out and even though i did figure it out before the reveal I was still satisfied.
One thing is especially love about a cozy mystery is that there isn’t a lot of romance and I appreciate that. Also that everything resolves or brings itself to a happy end. I adore that there are recipes at the back, this having the special grilled cheese she made for the shower. I can’t wait to hear more of the adventures that Carly and her friends go on in the upcoming books.
Thank you to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
February 27, 2023
I loved this one! I love the grilled cheese theme and the dog Havarti! The mystery was well paced, and the characters were fantastic. The small town setting was endearing, and I really loved the main character, Carly. I cannot wait for the next one!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC/audio ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC/audio ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
September 18, 2023
These are amazing books. I read #2 and #3 in this series on a plane and couldn't stop. I do need more though. Linda, please! I need to know what happens with Carly and Ari?? And Valerie's love interest? And Grant's school? Don't leave me hanging!
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