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An Italian Kitchen Mystery #3
A Dish Best Served Cold
A cold case and a boardwalk chase lead straight to murder …
When Victoria and her family host a 75th anniversary celebration at the Casa Lido, the party gets crashed twice—once by down-on-his-luck family friend Pete Petrocelli, and then by a seasonal hurricane, leaving much of Oceanside Park without power. When the lights come back on, a drunken Pete is the only casualty of the storm, found face down in the flooded carousel house on the boardwalk. Though his death appears to be an accident, Victoria remembers Pete saying he “knew things” that would make a good mystery story.
As Victoria digs deeper, she uncovers a missing family relative presumed dead in Italy, Atlantic City crime connections, and cold case that gets hotter by the minute. As it turns out, Pete did have a story to tell—one that nobody ever got to hear. . .
[This is a new edition of a book previously published by Penguin Random House under title A Dish Best Served Cold. Its contents have been slightly updated.]
When Victoria and her family host a 75th anniversary celebration at the Casa Lido, the party gets crashed twice—once by down-on-his-luck family friend Pete Petrocelli, and then by a seasonal hurricane, leaving much of Oceanside Park without power. When the lights come back on, a drunken Pete is the only casualty of the storm, found face down in the flooded carousel house on the boardwalk. Though his death appears to be an accident, Victoria remembers Pete saying he “knew things” that would make a good mystery story.
As Victoria digs deeper, she uncovers a missing family relative presumed dead in Italy, Atlantic City crime connections, and cold case that gets hotter by the minute. As it turns out, Pete did have a story to tell—one that nobody ever got to hear. . .
[This is a new edition of a book previously published by Penguin Random House under title A Dish Best Served Cold. Its contents have been slightly updated.]
300 pages, ebook
First published August 4, 2015
49 people are currently reading
1033 people want to read
About the author
Rosie Genova
10 books350 followersProud Jersey girl Rosie Genova is a multi-genre author. Her work includes a Jersey shore cozy series, The Italian Kitchen Mysteries, and the upcoming Tess Mancini Time Travel Mysteries, set in 1955 Atlantic City. She is also the author of standalone suspense and a couple of rom-coms that presently live in her computer files (but are longing to be released into the wild). A former teacher and journalist, Rosie’s non-fiction has appeared in Entrepreneur magazine and The New York Times. The mother of three sons, Rosie still lives in her favorite state with her husband, too many dusty antiques, and a charming mutt named Lucy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
January 5, 2024
Set in New Jersey, Victoria Rienzi is a busy woman. She helps in her grandmother's Italian Restaurant, she writes mystery books, and she loves to solve real life mysteries. On the night of a big party at the restaurant, a town drunkard is found dead inside the beach carousel. Can "Vic" figure out why he was murdered and who did it and will the search lead her to the reason her great uncle disappeared and was never heard from again?
An easy-to-read, enjoyable cozy mystery.
An easy-to-read, enjoyable cozy mystery.
August 4, 2015
Blend together a book full of mystery with pages of humor and briskly mix them together with the Jersey shore and authentic Italian cooking. Stir it all together with a hurricane and you will have murder and intrigue in a recipe called A DISH BEST SERVED COLD.
In this third installment of the Italian Kitchen Mystery series, author Rosie Genova serves us a mystery that boils and burns with surprises in a tightly plotted story that is penned with skill. With that same delightful writing style of the first two books in the series, MURDER AND MARINARA, and THE WEDDING SOP MURDER, Ms. Genova has outdone herself with a story that will not only have you questioning yourself, it will leave you breathless by the time you reach the exciting conclusion.
A DISH BEST SERVED COLD is the perfect addition to a delicious series and is sure to whet your appetite for more.
Don’t miss the great Italian recipes author Genova has included in the back of the book!
In this third installment of the Italian Kitchen Mystery series, author Rosie Genova serves us a mystery that boils and burns with surprises in a tightly plotted story that is penned with skill. With that same delightful writing style of the first two books in the series, MURDER AND MARINARA, and THE WEDDING SOP MURDER, Ms. Genova has outdone herself with a story that will not only have you questioning yourself, it will leave you breathless by the time you reach the exciting conclusion.
A DISH BEST SERVED COLD is the perfect addition to a delicious series and is sure to whet your appetite for more.
Don’t miss the great Italian recipes author Genova has included in the back of the book!
August 20, 2015
Another great story to this series. I really enjoyed how this book was written, great flow and never a dull moment. Having this story be set in New Jersey is a blast for me because I have a connection to New Jersey so the places describes in her series take me back. So I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I cannot wait to see what is next. (Hopefully the wait is not long.)
August 3, 2015
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Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
This is the first book I have read in Rosie Genova’s An Italian Kitchen Mystery series. I was immediately drawn in by entertaining characters, wonderful writing and the descriptions of some super yummy food. A great main character, Victoria (Vic) Rienzi is a mystery writer. The fact that she is a writer actually helps to make her interest in the mystery more feasible than some cozies. Her family is loving but also very hard working. As this books begins, they are preparing for the celebration of the family restaurant, Casa Lido’s 70th anniversary. The summer is ending, but it is going out with a bang, a hurricane has its sights set on their small town.
Vic is busy helping in the kitchen, the whole family is busy getting everything ready for the big party, when in walks Pete Petrocelli. He is unfortunately a drunk, but her family treats him kindly. Come to find out Pete is a friend from the old country. He teases Vic with information he has that may be perfect for one of her books. Before she can get anything out of him, he is gone and she is back at work. After the celebration and the hurricane, everyone seems fine, until the body of old Pete is found. Vic’s curiosity is in full gear and she has to find out more about what Pete was talking about and how he died.
Great characters, fun escapades, mafia connections and wonderful food bring A Dish Best Served Cold to another level in the cozy genre. The author does a great job of getting the reader up to speed with the characters and setting in this series. You do not have to read this series in order to thoroughly enjoy this book. Great interaction with all the characters and especially the family dynamics are fabulous. A wonderful storyline and several intertwined mysteries make this a filling and thrilling mystery. It has a bit of romance and a lot of fun and action. This is a great cozy mystery that should entertain anyone who likes this genre. Great food and of course a few wonderful recipes will please all foodies as well. I will have to read the two books in this series I have missed and cannot wait for the next to come out.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
This is the first book I have read in Rosie Genova’s An Italian Kitchen Mystery series. I was immediately drawn in by entertaining characters, wonderful writing and the descriptions of some super yummy food. A great main character, Victoria (Vic) Rienzi is a mystery writer. The fact that she is a writer actually helps to make her interest in the mystery more feasible than some cozies. Her family is loving but also very hard working. As this books begins, they are preparing for the celebration of the family restaurant, Casa Lido’s 70th anniversary. The summer is ending, but it is going out with a bang, a hurricane has its sights set on their small town.
Vic is busy helping in the kitchen, the whole family is busy getting everything ready for the big party, when in walks Pete Petrocelli. He is unfortunately a drunk, but her family treats him kindly. Come to find out Pete is a friend from the old country. He teases Vic with information he has that may be perfect for one of her books. Before she can get anything out of him, he is gone and she is back at work. After the celebration and the hurricane, everyone seems fine, until the body of old Pete is found. Vic’s curiosity is in full gear and she has to find out more about what Pete was talking about and how he died.
Great characters, fun escapades, mafia connections and wonderful food bring A Dish Best Served Cold to another level in the cozy genre. The author does a great job of getting the reader up to speed with the characters and setting in this series. You do not have to read this series in order to thoroughly enjoy this book. Great interaction with all the characters and especially the family dynamics are fabulous. A wonderful storyline and several intertwined mysteries make this a filling and thrilling mystery. It has a bit of romance and a lot of fun and action. This is a great cozy mystery that should entertain anyone who likes this genre. Great food and of course a few wonderful recipes will please all foodies as well. I will have to read the two books in this series I have missed and cannot wait for the next to come out.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
May 20, 2016
This is another juicy cozy from Rosie Genova. It takes place right on the Jersey Shore where I grew up, and is filled with family drama, lots of good cooking, and a great Mob flavored mystery. I enjoyed it from appetizer to dessert :)
March 28, 2021
4.5 Stars
rounded up to 5 Stars.
August 11, 2015
First I want to mention that this is the third book in this series. Don’t let that stop you from reading this out of order. The author smoothly provided back story in the right places without slowing down the story and I easily became familiar with the characters and previous events.
Now to the book. How could I pass this up? A cozy mystery with the main character being a successful mystery writer.
Victoria Rienzi, or Vic, returned to Oceanside on the Jersey shore a few months ago. She’s trying to write the next book in her mystery series while working in the families Italian restaurant, Casa Lido.
The restaurant is preparing for it’s 70th anniversary, but it’s not looking to good. A storm is barreling down on New Jersey. Vic’s grandmother, Nonna, isn’t going to let a little ole hurricane ruin the outdoor dining and festivities. When the winds begin to bluster and the rain starts to fall, everyone is hustled inside to continue the celebration.
Like all hurricanes, it blows through and the morning is bright and clear. There’s lots of power outages along with some damage, but it looks like everyone came through it okay. Until they find the body.
Stinky Pete, the resident homeless man, is found dead at the historical carousel ride on the boardwalk. He was last seen after he stumbled into the restaurant celebration. Nonna gave him some food and water and guided away from the guests, sending him on his way.
Vic isn’t convinced it’s an accidental drowning and she just can’t help herself. She has to stick her nose in the investigation, drawing Nonna’s wrath. It’s not the first time Casa Lido has been at the center of a murder investigation.
One of my favorite parts of this book was the research. The research done by the characters. Vic and her sister-in-law, Sophie, dig deep and stumble upon a connection to Vic’s great uncle, Roberto. He was the black sheep in the family and thought to have died in Italy a long time ago.
They make a list of suspects and the list keeps growing. I tell you, these ladies left no one off that list.
And I have to hand it to Vic. I don’t know how she kept going. A deadline is looming on her new release, and she needs to get cracking on the next book. She ‘s dealing with issues at the restaurant and at home due to lack of electricity. And she’s having to work alongside the man who broke her heart and sent her running away many years ago.
Vic is persistent and starts asking questions, angering some people and setting herself up as a target.
Love lost and found, people who want to keep their skeletons in their closets, and a possible mob connection kept this mystery rushing forward and kept me on my toes, right along with Vic. That, and her Nonna, who brooks no slacking and no nonsense.
Good clean fun with lots of laughs and some intense scenes as the mystery unravels. Everything you need for a good cozy read.
I received this book for my honest review.
Now to the book. How could I pass this up? A cozy mystery with the main character being a successful mystery writer.
Victoria Rienzi, or Vic, returned to Oceanside on the Jersey shore a few months ago. She’s trying to write the next book in her mystery series while working in the families Italian restaurant, Casa Lido.
The restaurant is preparing for it’s 70th anniversary, but it’s not looking to good. A storm is barreling down on New Jersey. Vic’s grandmother, Nonna, isn’t going to let a little ole hurricane ruin the outdoor dining and festivities. When the winds begin to bluster and the rain starts to fall, everyone is hustled inside to continue the celebration.
Like all hurricanes, it blows through and the morning is bright and clear. There’s lots of power outages along with some damage, but it looks like everyone came through it okay. Until they find the body.
Stinky Pete, the resident homeless man, is found dead at the historical carousel ride on the boardwalk. He was last seen after he stumbled into the restaurant celebration. Nonna gave him some food and water and guided away from the guests, sending him on his way.
Vic isn’t convinced it’s an accidental drowning and she just can’t help herself. She has to stick her nose in the investigation, drawing Nonna’s wrath. It’s not the first time Casa Lido has been at the center of a murder investigation.
One of my favorite parts of this book was the research. The research done by the characters. Vic and her sister-in-law, Sophie, dig deep and stumble upon a connection to Vic’s great uncle, Roberto. He was the black sheep in the family and thought to have died in Italy a long time ago.
They make a list of suspects and the list keeps growing. I tell you, these ladies left no one off that list.
And I have to hand it to Vic. I don’t know how she kept going. A deadline is looming on her new release, and she needs to get cracking on the next book. She ‘s dealing with issues at the restaurant and at home due to lack of electricity. And she’s having to work alongside the man who broke her heart and sent her running away many years ago.
Vic is persistent and starts asking questions, angering some people and setting herself up as a target.
Love lost and found, people who want to keep their skeletons in their closets, and a possible mob connection kept this mystery rushing forward and kept me on my toes, right along with Vic. That, and her Nonna, who brooks no slacking and no nonsense.
Good clean fun with lots of laughs and some intense scenes as the mystery unravels. Everything you need for a good cozy read.
I received this book for my honest review.
August 6, 2015
Italian food that makes your mouth water, a Italian Nonna like no other, with a blend of romance, family history,melodrama and typical family squabbling and a murder and in the middle of it all, Victoria "Vic" Rienzi, is a woman with many hats. She has been working at her families Italian Restaurant, The Casa Lido, as a prep cook, she is also a famous mystery writer well known in her town working on another book.
The Casa Lido Restaurant is celebrating seventy years in the business with a outdoor party in the midst of a on coming hurricane to the Jersey Shore. But Nonna pays no mind and wants the continue the party outside despite the weather reports and the warnings from the family. "Stinky Pete" Petrocelli is a homeless family friend that comes and goes to the restaurant, enjoying the homemade wine a little too much, "Stinky Pete" claims he knows things in a conversation with Vic, things that would make a great mystery novel. Learning of a relative who disappeared in Italy, Vic's curosity is peeked.
At the anniversary party, in the middle of a hurricane but when the storm clears. "Stinky Pete" is found dead after the police declare it a accident but Vic is not so sure and together with her SIL aka "sister in law" Sofia they once again team up to try to find out what really happened to "Stinky Pete"
with strange things that the SIL's soon discover about "Stinky Pete"s life, they discover that this homeless man and this family friend that had secrets that could have got him killed and wanting to find the truth about the Rienzi's families past and the missing relative but finding out just might put Vic and The Casa Lido in jeopardy.
Engaging and very entertaining, certainly a read in one sitting mystery and in fact I almost did. The Rienzi family were characters that jumped right off the page. It read like a movie reel playing in my head with plenty of delicious Italian food, thrills, family conflict a unforgettable Italian Nonna who doesn't quite see eye to eye with her granddaughter, Vic.
I at first did not like Nonna for how she felt about her granddaughter but she redeemed herself in my eyes in the end and I understood why she felt the way she did but every family has a so called "crazy" one and Nonna fits the bill. I've enjoyed this series from the beginning, I love Vic, a mystery writer, prep cook and ameteur sleuth, everything I dream to be with strong will and passion for her family underneath it all .
FTC Disclosure: Thank you to the publisher and/or author for providing us with a copy of this book for review.This did not influence our thoughts in any way. All the opinions of the book and review are our own and our reviews are honest.
The Casa Lido Restaurant is celebrating seventy years in the business with a outdoor party in the midst of a on coming hurricane to the Jersey Shore. But Nonna pays no mind and wants the continue the party outside despite the weather reports and the warnings from the family. "Stinky Pete" Petrocelli is a homeless family friend that comes and goes to the restaurant, enjoying the homemade wine a little too much, "Stinky Pete" claims he knows things in a conversation with Vic, things that would make a great mystery novel. Learning of a relative who disappeared in Italy, Vic's curosity is peeked.
At the anniversary party, in the middle of a hurricane but when the storm clears. "Stinky Pete" is found dead after the police declare it a accident but Vic is not so sure and together with her SIL aka "sister in law" Sofia they once again team up to try to find out what really happened to "Stinky Pete"
with strange things that the SIL's soon discover about "Stinky Pete"s life, they discover that this homeless man and this family friend that had secrets that could have got him killed and wanting to find the truth about the Rienzi's families past and the missing relative but finding out just might put Vic and The Casa Lido in jeopardy.
Engaging and very entertaining, certainly a read in one sitting mystery and in fact I almost did. The Rienzi family were characters that jumped right off the page. It read like a movie reel playing in my head with plenty of delicious Italian food, thrills, family conflict a unforgettable Italian Nonna who doesn't quite see eye to eye with her granddaughter, Vic.
I at first did not like Nonna for how she felt about her granddaughter but she redeemed herself in my eyes in the end and I understood why she felt the way she did but every family has a so called "crazy" one and Nonna fits the bill. I've enjoyed this series from the beginning, I love Vic, a mystery writer, prep cook and ameteur sleuth, everything I dream to be with strong will and passion for her family underneath it all .
FTC Disclosure: Thank you to the publisher and/or author for providing us with a copy of this book for review.This did not influence our thoughts in any way. All the opinions of the book and review are our own and our reviews are honest.
August 4, 2015
Reviewed for Read Your Writes Book Reviews
by Kim
Welcome back to Oceanside Park, New Jersey. Summer is almost over and the Rienzi family is preparing to celebrate the seventieth anniversary of the family restaurant, Casa Lido. With such a big milestone, Nonna Rienzi refuses to cancel the celebration for a little thing called a hurricane. She’s adamant the storm will pass because she says so. Nonna who rules her family with an iron fist has a soft spot for town drunk, “Stinky” Pete Petrocelli. It seems Pete and his brother (Alfonso) were close to Vic’s grandfather (Francesco) and his brother (Zio Roberto), in the old country. But according to Nonna, Alfonso and Roberto took up with criminals and the Rienzi family never talked about him. In fact, she isn’t even sure what happened to Roberto.
Pete shows up and disrupts the party. He’s offered food to go and is sent on his way. The hurricane hits and Pete’s body is discovered in the town’s carousel house. Police rule Pete’s death an accidental drowning, but mystery writer Victoria “Vic” Rienzi isn’t so sure. Before his death, Pete tells Vic that he has stories to tell. Vic starts to wonder if he really did know things, things that could have got him killed.
Rosie Genova has written a wonderful tale of mystery with A Dish Best Served Cold. It appears Vic has truly learned her lesson from past investigations; she’s trying really hard not to get involved in another. Too bad her mother and sister-in-law, Sofia want her to look into Pete’s death.
The mysterious death of Pete actually helps Vic out in a couple of ways. It allows her to look into her family’s genealogy and helps her with her historical novel, loosely based on her family. Through research and determination, Vic uncovers more than she bargained for. It seems Pete was smarter than people gave him credit for. The question for Vic is whether Pete was killed for his past or for present knowledge. As the list of suspects grows, Vic realizes that she isn’t winning any friends by asking questions.
I love Rosie’s writing because not only do I get to learn about Italian dishes, but also because her writing allows me to just lose myself in the story. The whodunit scene was climactic involving several characters, ending in surprising information.
A Dish Best Served Cold also marks a shift in Vic’s life. It appears she’s about to get something she’s always wanted. I’m looking forward to finding out how she handles this turn of events and I’m hoping there’s more of the Italian Kitchen Mystery Series to come.
**Received a copy from Berkley in exchange for an honest unbiased opinion.**
by Kim
Welcome back to Oceanside Park, New Jersey. Summer is almost over and the Rienzi family is preparing to celebrate the seventieth anniversary of the family restaurant, Casa Lido. With such a big milestone, Nonna Rienzi refuses to cancel the celebration for a little thing called a hurricane. She’s adamant the storm will pass because she says so. Nonna who rules her family with an iron fist has a soft spot for town drunk, “Stinky” Pete Petrocelli. It seems Pete and his brother (Alfonso) were close to Vic’s grandfather (Francesco) and his brother (Zio Roberto), in the old country. But according to Nonna, Alfonso and Roberto took up with criminals and the Rienzi family never talked about him. In fact, she isn’t even sure what happened to Roberto.
Pete shows up and disrupts the party. He’s offered food to go and is sent on his way. The hurricane hits and Pete’s body is discovered in the town’s carousel house. Police rule Pete’s death an accidental drowning, but mystery writer Victoria “Vic” Rienzi isn’t so sure. Before his death, Pete tells Vic that he has stories to tell. Vic starts to wonder if he really did know things, things that could have got him killed.
Rosie Genova has written a wonderful tale of mystery with A Dish Best Served Cold. It appears Vic has truly learned her lesson from past investigations; she’s trying really hard not to get involved in another. Too bad her mother and sister-in-law, Sofia want her to look into Pete’s death.
The mysterious death of Pete actually helps Vic out in a couple of ways. It allows her to look into her family’s genealogy and helps her with her historical novel, loosely based on her family. Through research and determination, Vic uncovers more than she bargained for. It seems Pete was smarter than people gave him credit for. The question for Vic is whether Pete was killed for his past or for present knowledge. As the list of suspects grows, Vic realizes that she isn’t winning any friends by asking questions.
I love Rosie’s writing because not only do I get to learn about Italian dishes, but also because her writing allows me to just lose myself in the story. The whodunit scene was climactic involving several characters, ending in surprising information.
A Dish Best Served Cold also marks a shift in Vic’s life. It appears she’s about to get something she’s always wanted. I’m looking forward to finding out how she handles this turn of events and I’m hoping there’s more of the Italian Kitchen Mystery Series to come.
**Received a copy from Berkley in exchange for an honest unbiased opinion.**
July 16, 2016
English comment below
Terzo libro di una serie ambientata in un ristorante italiano. La protagonista è una scrittrice di gialli che è tornata a casa per scrivere un romanzo storico liberamente ispirato alle vicende della sua famiglia. In questo libro, facendo delle ricerche, incappa in un prozio probabilmente legato alla mafia... E io ho pensato: o no! Il solito cliché degli italiani mafiosi! Perché per il resto la serie non presenta le solite idee preconcette sugli italo-americani. E anche per questo mi piace molto, tanto da sperare in altri libri in futuro. Se cercate un cozy mystery di ambientazione culinaria, questa serie è una di quelle che vi posso consigliare.
Aggiornamento. Purtroppo anche questa è una delle serie soppresse...
The third book in a series set in an Italian restaurant. The protagonist is a mystery writer who has returned home to write a historical novel loosely based on the events of her family. In this book, doing research, he ran into a great-uncle probably linked to the mafia ... And I thought, or not! The usual cliché of Italian mobsters! Because the rest of the series does not have the usual preconceived ideas about Italian-Americans. And that's why I like it very much, so much to hope for more books in the future. If you are looking for a cozy mystery of culinary setting, this series is one that I can recommend.
Update. Unfortunately this is also one of the suppressed series ...
Terzo libro di una serie ambientata in un ristorante italiano. La protagonista è una scrittrice di gialli che è tornata a casa per scrivere un romanzo storico liberamente ispirato alle vicende della sua famiglia. In questo libro, facendo delle ricerche, incappa in un prozio probabilmente legato alla mafia... E io ho pensato: o no! Il solito cliché degli italiani mafiosi! Perché per il resto la serie non presenta le solite idee preconcette sugli italo-americani. E anche per questo mi piace molto, tanto da sperare in altri libri in futuro. Se cercate un cozy mystery di ambientazione culinaria, questa serie è una di quelle che vi posso consigliare.
Aggiornamento. Purtroppo anche questa è una delle serie soppresse...
The third book in a series set in an Italian restaurant. The protagonist is a mystery writer who has returned home to write a historical novel loosely based on the events of her family. In this book, doing research, he ran into a great-uncle probably linked to the mafia ... And I thought, or not! The usual cliché of Italian mobsters! Because the rest of the series does not have the usual preconceived ideas about Italian-Americans. And that's why I like it very much, so much to hope for more books in the future. If you are looking for a cozy mystery of culinary setting, this series is one that I can recommend.
Update. Unfortunately this is also one of the suppressed series ...
April 24, 2017
Another great story by Rosie Genova! Had me guessing to the very end. Glad more than just the murder was solved ~ nicely done!
July 8, 2023
The best in the series so far.
April 17, 2018
In order to do research on a book she is writing, Vic has returned to work in her family's restaurant. After a party at the restaurant an elderly man's body is discovered nearby and his death is ruled an accident. Of course, Vic doesn't believe it and starts to investigate with her sister-in-law. Read about the family secrets they discover both their own and those of other members of the community, including the victim.
December 20, 2020
I've been saving this book since I've known that it's the last in the Victoria Rienzi Italian Kitchen Mysteries that are set at the Jersey Shore. I decided that reading it while recovering from surgery -- and going into the holiday season -- was probably just the ticket. And it was!
This time the threads Vic follows lead to both the recent past and long, long ago, including to a great-uncle that she never knew she had. Is everyone who they seem? That's always a good question, and better this time than ever before.
I'm going to miss Vic and her family and, even more, Genova's depiction of the Shore. Even though she created a fictional town to center the story in, Genova's own knowledge and love of the Shore shines through in every page -- and reawakens my own. I hope she's able to get a contract to start a new series soon because I'll be among the first people to buy a copy of the first book!
This time the threads Vic follows lead to both the recent past and long, long ago, including to a great-uncle that she never knew she had. Is everyone who they seem? That's always a good question, and better this time than ever before.
I'm going to miss Vic and her family and, even more, Genova's depiction of the Shore. Even though she created a fictional town to center the story in, Genova's own knowledge and love of the Shore shines through in every page -- and reawakens my own. I hope she's able to get a contract to start a new series soon because I'll be among the first people to buy a copy of the first book!
December 30, 2015
Victoria Rienzi, successful mystery writer, continues to write a non-mystery book about her own family background on the Jersey shore. Also, she continues to learn the family restaurant business where she's been in the middle of two murders in the few months since she's returned home. Here we go again. Town drunk Pete Petrocelli implies he knows a few things she could put in her next mystery novel and soon after, he winds up dead. Vic's mother asks her to see if she could find out what happened to him. Vic once again finds herself with numerous suspects.
I liked the first two stories in this Italian Kitchen series and feel this one is a solidly written cozy mystery as well. This book finally seems to wrap up the romantic drama between Vic and her two leading men.
I received this book for free in an author giveaway. My opinion is my own and not influenced by anyone.
I liked the first two stories in this Italian Kitchen series and feel this one is a solidly written cozy mystery as well. This book finally seems to wrap up the romantic drama between Vic and her two leading men.
I received this book for free in an author giveaway. My opinion is my own and not influenced by anyone.
August 15, 2015
Thank you to Goodreads and Penguin Random House for opportunity to win a copy.
This is a great cozy read. Love it when the main character is smart and likable. This is the first in the delectable Italian Kitchen Mystery series that I have read. I have already requested the first two.
The novel has a great setting and location (an Italian restaurant on the NJ Shore). The characters are developed with diverse personalities. It's easy to picture them in your mind from Ms. Genova's descriptions. Everything seemed authentic and well researched.
I could smell and taste the food the author described. Yum.
If you like the cozy genre, I highly recommend this book. It's very well done. I would have enjoyed the addition of a few more recipes at the end of the novel.
This is a great cozy read. Love it when the main character is smart and likable. This is the first in the delectable Italian Kitchen Mystery series that I have read. I have already requested the first two.
The novel has a great setting and location (an Italian restaurant on the NJ Shore). The characters are developed with diverse personalities. It's easy to picture them in your mind from Ms. Genova's descriptions. Everything seemed authentic and well researched.
I could smell and taste the food the author described. Yum.
If you like the cozy genre, I highly recommend this book. It's very well done. I would have enjoyed the addition of a few more recipes at the end of the novel.
September 21, 2015
This was the third of a series of cozy mysteries written by Rosie Genova and in the end, it is my favorite. I have loved reading this book for a variety of reasons including the fact that it is set at the Jersey Shore. This particular book leads us to the dark and steamier side of Atlantic City (unlike Donald Trump who leads us to almost nowhere on the boardwalk anymore). Regardless, the story was filled with interesting characters some of whom have appeared in other books previously written in this series and some who were new to the storyline. This book would be an enjoyable read for anyone who wants to read a mystery that also has a little bit of a love story included as well as a story that revolves around a close knit family.
August 7, 2015
I think this is my favorite book in this series so far! In this book we learn more about Vic's ancestry despite the fact that Nonna doesn't want to talk about it much. I'm always fascinated by genealogy so this focus grabbed my attention.
Of course there is a murder and the choices for killer aren't large and I have to admit that I guessed everyone but the person that did it! The author does a good job of leading you in many directions without really giving away the killer in clues.
There is even some developments with Vic's love life but I don't want to spoil anything!
Of course there is a murder and the choices for killer aren't large and I have to admit that I guessed everyone but the person that did it! The author does a good job of leading you in many directions without really giving away the killer in clues.
There is even some developments with Vic's love life but I don't want to spoil anything!
October 27, 2015
I like a cozy mystery that brings something different to the table. In this book it is the close knit family aspect that really intrigued me. I haven't read the first two books in the series, but I quickly caught up to the relationships between the characters. The mystery is intriguing as it has a lot to do with the family's history. The writing was well done and the recipes at the end look really yummy.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
December 22, 2015
This is the 3rd in the Italian Kitchen mysteries. Vic and her family are getting ready for the 70th Anniversary for their restaurant. An old family friend stops by and tells them he knows something that would make a good mystery novel. Later during a big storm he is found dead and Vic using the guise that she is writing a family history novel, figures out family secrets and what really happened
January 7, 2016
I love this entire series but A Dish Best Served Cold was by far my favorite. Its ending was as satisfying as a meal at the Casa Lido. Ms. Genova hit all the right notes and paints such a vivid description of the Jersey Shore and the restaurant that I felt like I was actually there. I am hoping there will be many more books featuring Vic, Sofia, Tim and of course, Nonna.
August 12, 2015
This series just keeps getting better & better. Such a fun mystery. Really enjoyed the genealogy aspect - will my family tree offer any surprises, I wonder?
August 26, 2015
Another winner by Rosie Genova! Her books keep getting better and better. Love the little treasure of recipes at the end. Can't wait for book #4!!
May 2, 2016
Rating 3.5 syars
July 23, 2016
I really enjoyed reading this book! It kept me wanting to get to the end to see how it all came together. The in-depth relationships of the characters was interesting to say the least!
July 20, 2016
Another juicy, fun, and delightful cozy mystery from Rosie Genova.
October 10, 2016
I absolutely love this series and am eagerly awaiting the next book to see what delicious mystery will be served up!
November 4, 2016
I have really enjoyed this series. There are only 3 books so far. Hoping there will be more. Victoria is a mystery writer but has taken a break to write a book about her Italian family. So she moves back home to the Jersey shores to help out in the family Italian restaurant so she can learn more about cooking and her family. Unfortunately a murder seems to get in the way. In this book the local homeless man, Pete, stops by for free food and wine leaving with only food but before he goes he tells Victoria that he has stories to tell her. Before she can even think about listening to him he is killed. Even though the police say Pete died from an accidental drowning, Victoria and her pregnant sister-in-law Sofia thinks he was murdered and they set out to prove it. In doing their investigating they also discover useful information about some of Victoria's past relatives that may pertain to the murder. This is a great read full of interesting characters and delicious food. Great mystery that keeps you guessing.
October 13, 2018
This is a story about the past, current, and even the future. Everyone has a backstory. Victoria Rienzi, murder mystery author, and apprentice cook, is drawn into a backstory of a relative she didn't even know existed.
A Great-Uncle, Roberto Rienzi is said to have died in the old country (Italy,) but Victoria has a funny feeling about him. What if he didn't die? Why is there no record of his end of life? Victoria is determined to write a historical fiction novel based upon her family. This novel will require research and the turning up of living descendants that really would rather the past stay in the past.
Upon a background of Italian dishes at the family restaurant, we join Victoria in her research. Perhaps, revenge and secrets are a Dish Best Served Cold.
I truly enjoyed this novel. I'm reading it several years past it's publication date but the tale remains timeless. Give it a read. You will enjoy it.
A Great-Uncle, Roberto Rienzi is said to have died in the old country (Italy,) but Victoria has a funny feeling about him. What if he didn't die? Why is there no record of his end of life? Victoria is determined to write a historical fiction novel based upon her family. This novel will require research and the turning up of living descendants that really would rather the past stay in the past.
Upon a background of Italian dishes at the family restaurant, we join Victoria in her research. Perhaps, revenge and secrets are a Dish Best Served Cold.
I truly enjoyed this novel. I'm reading it several years past it's publication date but the tale remains timeless. Give it a read. You will enjoy it.
October 29, 2018
I picked this up simply because I needed a book at the time. I now have to read so much more by Rosie Genova.
This is a murder mystery, a delight for foodies as it takes place at an Italian restaurant "The Casa Lido", it has recipes at the end and it's great. It has a touch of old Mafia from Italy and family trees. Apparently the main characters appear in the other books but I believe you can read them separately.
This book is an easy and quick read and great for a cold night curled up on the sofa.
I would definitely recommend this author.
This is a murder mystery, a delight for foodies as it takes place at an Italian restaurant "The Casa Lido", it has recipes at the end and it's great. It has a touch of old Mafia from Italy and family trees. Apparently the main characters appear in the other books but I believe you can read them separately.
This book is an easy and quick read and great for a cold night curled up on the sofa.
I would definitely recommend this author.
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