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Bacon, Bodyguards, and Ballistics (Book 4, Deep Fried Revenge): A Piper Sandstone Culinary Cozy Murder Mystery

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A bewildering art heist and murder. A secret that could get her killed. Can a rookie detective solve the mystery before she becomes the next victim?

Packed with mystery and suspense and brimming with heart and humor,
Bacon, Bodyguards, and Ballistics is an absolutely gripping and laugh-out-loud culinary whodunit in the Deep Fried Revenge series.

She’s an undercover detective hiding in a seaside town with a lot to prove…and everything to lose.

Reeling with excitement over the opening of a private investigation agency and her budding romance with the sheriff, Piper Sandstone can’t wait to launch her dream career and return to a somewhat normal life. But danger lurks on the horizon—the dirty cops back in Chicago still want her dead. Even if it means putting the people she loves in jeopardy to find her. They are ruthless and on the hunt; no price is too steep for her head.

But Piper’s already in a predicament of prodigious proportions when an art heist at the Bancroft Estates leaves a bodyguard dead… and she and her crime-fighting gal pals are at the center of the crime scene.

Tangled in another mystery in Savory, Alabama, Piper is determined to solve the case with the help of her quirky amateur sleuth friends dubbed the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad. These zany retirees traded in their female rock band glory to fight crime, but can they help Piper maintain her cover and catch the killer before she or another Savory resident winds up dead?

76 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 24, 2022

95 people are currently reading
30 people want to read

About the author

Karen McSpade

34 books224 followers
Raised in the Arkansas River Valley, Karen McSpade grew up with a fishing pole in one hand and her trusty .410 shotgun in the other. Exploring the creeks and woods around her hometown while hunting with her father kept her “entertained and out of jail,” as her mom likes to say.

As a child, her most prized possessions were her books and her Michael Jackson album collection. These led her to a brief venture into breakdancing and poetry slamming before discovering her true passion, bringing stories and characters to life. Today, she focuses on the two things that still inspire her creativity—her love for food and dishing up mysteries with a dash of humor.

Karen’s novels feature compassionate and strong-willed leading ladies determined to uncover the truth and seek justice. She loves creating stories filled with mystery, romance, magic, and adventure that allow readers to join her characters on their journey, leaving behind the real world for a few hours at a time.

When she’s not writing, Karen’s favorite things are spending time with family, traveling, cooking, reading, gardening, and enjoying nature. She lives in Northwest Arkansas with her family and a very spoiled Wheaten Terrier who doubles as her writing assistant.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Barbara Behring.
510 reviews180 followers
May 31, 2022
Another great installment of this series. I love all the characters in Savory Alabama and I can't wait to see how it will end.
6,726 reviews5 followers
January 30, 2024
Entertaining mystery listening 🎵🎶

This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account three months for $0.99. Book 4 of 5.

Piper Sandstone continues with the ladies investigating the robbery and murders. They are thanked by the mayor and Piper appears on TV. The criminals searching for her see her. Continued in book 5.

This author is new to me since I started Kindle Unlimited and I have not been disappointed.

To many authors, series, and free kindle books.
Profile Image for JoAnne McMaster (Any Good Book).
1,398 reviews27 followers
May 25, 2022
Piper Sandstone is enjoying her new life as a private investigator with her four senior friends, and they're on the trail of an art heist. The problem is that they don't have any real leads...until now. When a friend of one of the ladies is suspected in the theft, it turns out she's the only one who thinks that they're innocent. But are they? And will the four capture the thief before Piper's location is discovered?

When Piper's cop friends back in Chicago are ambushed, they know they have to get to her fast. Before the killers do. But is there a clue to Piper's whereabouts? And how do they know it's her?

This is the fourth book in the series, and keeps you on the edge of your seat while you wait to see if Piper will solve the case, or if the bad guys will reach her first -- or will both happen simultaneously? (I don't know yet). Still, it's a riveting section of the full novel, and worth getting into. I have enjoyed each and every one of these so far, and can't wait to read the final book and discover the conclusion. Piper and her friends have become quite lovely to have around, and the ladies are a hoot in their own way. Now if everyone would just stay out of the funhouse...

I received a copy of this book from the author but this in no way influenced my review.
335 reviews6 followers
May 14, 2022
Book 4 begins with our detectives taking a day for the fair to unwind and recharge their focus. Also Piper decides to be a little nicer to Gemma. Unfortunately the day doesn't go as planned and there is another murder. As frustrations mount and the mayor throws her weight in the detectives search for clarity in new places. Meanwhile the hit team makes their way to Birmingham. The whole story heads towards book 5 with hopefully a safe, satisfying resolution.



Disclaimer:
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
961 reviews4 followers
November 2, 2023
Outstanding Murder Mystery and Continued Baffling Art Heist Mystery!

This is Book 4 of the Bacon, Bodyguards, and Ballistics: A Piper Sandstone Culinary Cozy Mystery series, written by Karen McSpade. This episode continues with the mysteries of the stolen art at Bancroft Mansion and the murder of one of the twins - Marco. I was wrong about the twin brother, Max, killing his brother, because he, too was murdered in this fourth installment, and his fingerprints were not found on the knife that killed Marco. So, who killed Marco and Max? The mayor of Savory is really putting the pressure on Sheriff Jake Johnson, Sharon/Piper, and the four Delta Queen ladies. She's threatening Jake's job if he doesn't solve this case soon. I really like Gemma, Piper's itty bitty bodyguard the Piper's Uncle Charles Hobbes, Chicago's Chief-of-Police hired. Gemma is supposedly an expert in martial arts, but then Piper also knows her share of the martial arts, in particular jujitsu. However, Gemma also has the heart of a softy because she makes Doris stop the car, in order to save the life of a little turtle on the street. I also like Mister, Piper's little dog that is a smaller version of a Labrador/Terrier mix. He seems to have his own little personality and becomes quite grumpy when Piper doesn't take him out with her for the day. Since this is a continuation series, the mysteries are still unsolved by the end of the book. However , due to certain televised events in this episode, the bad guys now know what city Piper's hiding out in. Will Nancy, Morgan, and Chief Hobbes reach Piper first to warn her? Or will Blondie and the other bad dudes find her first? I gave this episode 5 stars and will read the final book #5 next.
5 reviews1 follower
May 24, 2022
The twists and turns continue with southern humour, intrigue and determination in the fourth book of Karen McSpade’s Bacon, Bodyguards, and Ballistics. Piper Sandstone, aka Sharon, and her Queen Bee’s Private Investigators lady team work together in the southern summer heat and humidity to find the thieves and murderer in Savory Alabama.

They decide to go to the Savory County Fair to have some fun and clear their minds of the difficult case and Doris says ’’Goodness gracious, it’s hotter than blue blazes in here.’’ There is humour and action in the car ride to the fair as well as nerves and tension before and during rides.

Pressure builds up in an encounter with Alice, the Mayor. Excitement builds when a gun shot is heard. The Queen Bees come up with a sneaky trick to get into one of their suspects house and are surprised with another clue that may lead somewhere.

Meanwhile, the bad guys from Chicago who are hunting for Piper catch a clue as to her whereabouts and head for Savory.

I can’t wait to read the final episode in Book 5 as it is still a mystery as to who done it. Meanwhile, I’ll be trying a couple of bacon an cheese ‘baffles’.

I received an Advance Reading Copy for review.
1,297 reviews23 followers
November 12, 2022
The second security guard turns up dead as well. Were they part of the gang that stole the paintings during the dog show or were they silenced because they knew who did it? Clues are looked at and some
are discarded but Piper makes a major faux pas that the thugs in Chicago see so the stage is set for the showdown coming in the final book as well as who stole all those paintings!

This is a fun cozy mystery series with all the characters from the previous series back plus a new one who is only trying to protect Piper even though she doesn’t want the help and makes Gemma’s job even harder after what she does this time. I enjoy this series and recommend it as well as the previous series written by Karen which introduced us to these ladies.

I think you’ll find them all delightful, even if our heroine is too stubborn for her own good and ends up making things harder for herself by what she does in trying to keep hidden away from people who want to kill her!

Don’t miss the fun and excitement! There are even recipes that you can try out to enjoy some good ol’
southern cooking!

Get these two delightful box sets and enjoy these quick reads.
6,029 reviews40 followers
May 25, 2022
Our heroine and her team are on the case, but progress is slow and there are a lot of competing issues. But that is not going to stop our gals from finding the culprit.

This is book four of this series and it picks up where the previous book left off. It might be best to read them in order.

This is a novella length cozy mystery with a bit of a food/cooking theme. And I don't mean cooking up murder. The story is well written and easy to read with a nicely detailed setting that has the right level of quirky elements to it for this kind of story. The characters are also well done. I have really grown to love our heroine and her gang and enjoyed this latest outing. Overall, this was a fun addition to the series and I look forward to seeing what comes next.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes
Profile Image for Laura.
718 reviews14 followers
May 15, 2022
McSpade is keeping the mystery moving with lots of twists and turns. Gotta love the recipes in the back of the book! I hope to convert them to GF and give some of them a try.
As to the story, we don't know how Piper/Sharon's friends back in Chicago are faring, but we know that so far, Piper/Sharon is doing well -- until she sticks her nose out during a press conference, and we're left wondering just how damaging this will be to both the investigation and potentially her life. Can't wait for the next book (the final installment) to discover if she solves the mystery before she gets tracked down!

I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
378 reviews2 followers
May 24, 2022
Read all books in order.
You will fall in love with the "Gals" that have started a special club where they solve "crimes".
Often to the bane of the police department, mostly because the "Gals" solve it begore they can! LOL.
They have taken "Sharon"-who is a Detective in hiding- working as a waitress at the Crabby Crab.
They have bonded and added her to their " Club". Sharon proves to be quick witted and helps the "Gals" solve the crimes. They have started their own P.I. Business. This will have you guessing to the very end. As well as laughing your head off-make your stomach hurt- laughing out loud.
86 reviews1 follower
May 27, 2022
“Bacon, Bodyguards, and Ballistics Book 4” continues the art heist investigation with fun, friendship, mystery, and food. I love the humor that Karen McSpade intertwines into the story. The Queen Bee’s Private Eye’s are so entertaining! Even though they are frustrated with the lack of progress in the investigation, they keep on digging to find answers. I’m sure they are close to all of the answers, and we’ll soon know the resolution. Hopefully they will also be able to take down the criminals looking for Piper so she can go back to her true identity. I’m so looking forward to the next installment! There are more recipes at the end of the book to try while waiting for the next book.
57 reviews
August 22, 2022
Ok so I grew to like the series as I went along. I’ve reviewed the first 3 books and this is for the 4th. I’ma little sad that I have to wait for the last book in the series because I have to know what happens. Hopefully it will be out soon. But I recommend this series, I think for me it started slow but I grew intrigued to see if the bad guys get to savory, Alabama before piper’s friends get there to tell her what’s happening and who Is the murderer and the thief? I need the last book. Got the last book. Very good series. It started slow but picked up. Happy to have read it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,252 reviews12 followers
November 11, 2022
I enjoyed this cozy mystery story with all of the characters. The main character was Piper Sandstone.

Piper Sandstone and her senior gal pals continue to investigate the disappearance of the painting that were stolen. They go all around town trying to see if someone know something. While they are taking a break and enjoying the county fair something happens.

This was an fun and short story. It had action, adventures, and suspense within. It had a few giggles throughout. It is the 4 book in the series Bacon, Bodyguards, and Ballistics.

I received a complimentary copy via Booksprout. This is my honest unbiased opinions.
Profile Image for Tari.
3,658 reviews103 followers
May 14, 2022
With another murder that took place and the mayor's press conference, the pressure was growing for this case to get solved. And in case you're wondering or worrying about those guys that might be after Piper or where they might be at this point, well keep on worryin'! I've got every confidence in the Queen Bees, Jake, Piper and trusty Gemma! Running not walking to the next book!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the author via BookSprout, and my opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Jeanne.
1,909 reviews9 followers
May 29, 2022
This is the fourth of five books in the Deep Fried Revenge series. The ladies of the Queen Bee’s Private Detective Agency take a break from the case to go to the fair. At least that was the plan. They keep busy chasing down leads. Sharon/Piper’s behavior isn’t building a case for not needing Gemma around. At the end, we get an update on the characters from Chicago and yummy recipes.

Thank you to the author for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
890 reviews6 followers
February 1, 2024
Well the plot thickens, there's another murder and another suspect lost. Sharon and the girls are working overtime with Jake trying to find the thief and killer but it's definitely a one step forward three steps back situation. The missing chef returns and has a alibi so now he's clear and their still no closer to finding the thief/killer. To make matters worse Sharon accidently gets caught on the news camera which puts her at bigger risk than she knows since the hired assassins are not far away. Suspense is mounting, can't wait for the next installment. Good read.
Profile Image for E.
1,883 reviews
May 10, 2022
Every lead is not panning out for the crew as they continue to investigate the murder and theft. Now another murder has occurred. Is everything connected? While all this is going on, Her friends from Chicago are racing the hitmen to Savory. Who will get there first, what will happen next? I cannot wait to see how this all wraps up in the last book in the series. Really enjoying this series, I highly recommend it.
147 reviews4 followers
May 14, 2022
Piper, the Dentures & Diamonds along with Jake are racing against time to solve two mysteries in Savory. There's been murders & a multi-million-dollar art heist that might or might not be connected. The County Fair is going on, so the ladies go to have a little break in their investigating. Jake tells the ladies to quit investigating before they get hurt, but of course they don't listen. Little do they know that things are going to take a bad turn before too long. I can't wait to read book #5!
164 reviews2 followers
May 18, 2022
I Love the Deep Fried Revenge series!
The chapters are packed with shenanigans of the Dentures and Diamonds ladies.
Piper has a hard time keeping up with them.
Each book is a short read.
Definitely action packed leaving you not just hungry, but starving for more.
I cannot wait for the next, and final book in this series.
I recommend these books.
Get your read on, and get All Five books wherever you get your books.😊
459 reviews5 followers
May 20, 2022
Another great quick read for part 4 of this series. Sharon and the girls are up to their same tricks as they get closer to solve the case. Then on the other side it's interesting to have a chapter from the "bad guys" (don't worry no spoilers) but it's neat to get another point of view. The ladies are getting closer and after reading this installment I'm super excited to find out what happens in the next part. Definitely a fun series of books to read.
371 reviews
May 23, 2022
Another murder, no clues, hit men from Chicago looking for Piper/Sharon - what’s a female detective and her crew supposed to do? The ladies are working with Jake to solve the crimes happening in Savory. Fast-paced, snarky and romantic inclinations make this a good read with several twists and lots of humor. Good read.

Red Robin.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5,665 reviews63 followers
Read
August 27, 2022
Piper and the Queen Bee's Detective Agency ladies are fully on the task of the multiple murders and art heist. You know they are getting closer when thugs from the Windy City are looking for Piper. Lots of drama, danger, quirky characters that you cheer for, secrets, hidden agendas and much more. Totally enjoying this storyline and can not wait for the last part of the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for William Mitchell.
1 review
Read
May 23, 2022
I love unexpected plot twists. In a good mystery you like to be fooled. You also like characters that reach your heart and soul. There are SO many great characters but Jake & Piper are special. You’ll yourself becoming emotionally attached. I haven’t been this excited about a series in years! A must read series.
Profile Image for Craig.
195 reviews2 followers
May 23, 2022
Clues to the 20 million dollar art theft lead the golden girls in an entirely different direction, meanwhile a previous suspect is removed from consideration and a bit of stubbornness (who'd have suspected it) may have landed Piper in some very hot water. Things are coming to a boil and there isn't any Gulf Coast shrimp in the pot.
1,686 reviews27 followers
May 24, 2022
An exciting read with Sharon ,her bodyguard and the Queen bee detectives going to a fun fair . There is a murder at the fun house.Patty Sue knew one of the suspects .They all work with Sheriff Jake Johnson to find out who had done it. There are three hitmen after Piper.A great read and i recommend this book to other
Profile Image for Dwayne Keller.
1,009 reviews13 followers
May 25, 2022
The investigation is still ongoing. Another dead body shows up, making it even more suspicious, as it was one of the suspects. So who is behind all of this? And where are the killers from Chicago? Will they get Piper before she solves the case? Things are coming to a head. This leads into the final chapter of the book where all should be resolved.
194 reviews
May 25, 2022
It is getting more will they get there in time now. The added twist of more people after Piper trying to find out where she is and following clues her friends have unfortunately given away makes it all the more "lets hope they get there in time" A little bit of added romance now to distract her from her main course of action. Can Piper and her bodyguard become friends? Read and see
6,028 reviews45 followers
May 28, 2022
Piper and the Delta Queens gain several more clues and eliminate a few suspects.

Another body or two crop up, along with some puzzling connections.

The cops and criminals from Chicago have not yet reached Savory, but they are drawing closer as we all anticipate the next book for more action.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Julie Whyte.
60 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2022
With no solid leads on the commited crimes, Sharon(Piper), the ladies & Jake are getting frustrated. When what should happen but another murder!! Now the Mayor is very angry!! What will be the next thing to happen?? Who is the artist thief?? Who is the murderer?? And Chicago.......????.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
791 reviews6 followers
June 25, 2022
Piper and the Queen Bees are not having any luck findingn the murderer. But that be the least of their problems since certain gangsters are after her ajd due to her tendency of acting befoer thinking sometimes a picture shows up on TV giving the gangsters a golden opportunity. A ligth read and enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews

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