Dough Not Murder

A Pizza Parlor Mystery #4

by Rosie A. Point

At Romano’s Pizza Parlor, there’s only one rule. Dough not murder…

Gina Romano is on the brink of leaving for the big city to chase her wildest dreams. And now that Romano’s Pizza Parlor is running smoothly, she doesn’t have to worry about her uncle faltering when she leaves.

But Gina isn’t sure she’s ready to leave behind new friends, beloved family, and a rather handsome chef.

When a family friend passes away, Uncle Rocco begs for Gina’s help. He’s sure that this is murder with a capital Mozzarella, even if the cops aren’t convinced.

Gina’s got to choose: stay and lose a major career opportunity, or leave and let a killer run loose.
Will Gina catch the killer and stay in Lake Basil for good?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy

96 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 12, 2022

About the author

Rosie A. Point is a USA Today Bestselling cozy mystery author who loves writing about food, small towns, and cats. Her favorite books are ones you can snuggle up with under a cozy blanket on a winter's day. Born and raised in South Africa, her books are all set in small towns in the United States. She dreams of visiting the places she writes about in her books.

Rosie wants to hear from you. Whether it’s about a recipe or one of her books, you can contact her on her website. Join her reader club today!

https://www.rosiepointbooks.com/

Reviews

[Obsidian · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have nothing. This book was just terrible. I don’t even know if I should call this a book because I think it was maybe 90 pages. And the murderer was pretty obvious from like the first couple of pages. I know this spins off into another cozy mystery series, but I have zero intention of reading that. Just skip this.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just so good! Gina was finally coming to grips with what she really wanted to do with her life, and I gotta say I was thrilled with her choice. This time when there was a murder, I got a kick out of Matilda saying she wanted in on the sleuthing fun, so Gina took her along. Boy did she get a taste of real sleuthing, lol! But she was pretty important to have along when the showdown came.

I liked how the side story between Jacob and Gina ended up too. In just four books, I've come to really love these characters and small town. There was something mentioned in this book that I'd love to see explored a little more--you'll probably pick up on it when you read it too. I've got it on good authority that since readers loved the series so much, we might just be getting more! I hope so! Anything this author writes is a yummy treat (yes, food pun fully intended!)

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth and final book in Rosie A. Point's Pizza Parlor Mystery series. In this installment, Gina receives a job offer that would mean leaving Lake Basil and moving back to the city but she also learns that she only has one week to decide if she will accept it or not. After leaving work early and heading home to her aunt and uncle's house, she finds that they have visitors. She was so happy to see her uncle's best friend, Barry, who she hadn't seen in years but the next afternoon when see drops in on him to return a watch she finds that someone has strangled him!

Gina's Uncle Rocco asks her to look into Barry's murder which only adds to her already overflowing plate but she didn't have the heart to share the news of her possible new employment and agrees to find the culprit of Barry's murder. This was a great story with lots of heart, emotion and suspense. The only thing i didn't like about it was the knowledge that it's the last of the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brett Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

The final story in the Pizza Parlour series. Not my favourite of the four but as a collection of stories, these are a hidden gem

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gina has helped her Uncle Rocco's Pizzeria come back where it is now turning a profit and has made a name for itself. But she is still waiting for that one call that would offer her a job back in the city. But what would that do to her relationship with Jacob? Best not get too close. But how can she help it. Then the call of her career comes from the owner of a Pizza chain, Mr. Gardner who wants to hire her to help get his chain's name out there all over with her unequal public relations experience. Asking for some time to consider the job, she keeps it to herself except telling Matilda her best friend. Can she leave this small town and her Aunt and Uncle behind? Then when Uncle Rocco's long time friend, Barry, comes for a visit with his step-son after his wife and step-son's mother died. But then, Barry is murdered and Uncle Rocco begs Gina to help find the killer. What about her job in the city? And can she abandon the pleas of her uncle. With so many twists and turns and surprises, you just must read this book through to the end in one sitting. You are glued. I love this series and would hate to see it end. I highly recommend this series and I hope for more. I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Excellent Mystery !! . . .

Gina Romano has done what seemed impossible. She took her Uncle Rocco’s failing pizzeria and made it successful and profitable again. People are coming back to enjoy the excellent food. She has made so many good friends. So even though she still dreams of her perfect job in the city, is that truly what she still wants? Family, friends, her relationship with Jacob, and a good life are here. So finally getting that fateful call to offer her the dream job puts the pressure on.

As she is deciding her future, a close friend of Uncle Rocco, Barry Gimble, and his step-son Tony, arrive from Sicily for a visit. Barry ends up murdered and Uncle Rocco asks Gina for her help finding the killer. Can she solve the crime, will she choose to live here in town or move back to the city, and what does Jacob mean to her now?

This is such a wonderful series. I hope the author will keep it going. Her cozies not only provide the reader with a great story, but we also find some really special friends along the way. Grab your copy and see the outcome of all the decisions Gina will have to make. (I know how I want her to decide!)

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gina has turned the pizzeria around and customers are flowing to the restaurant. She receives a phone call that could change her life; a life of going back to the city and doing what she loves best. However, as she is deciding what to do, an old friend of Rocco’s visits with his son. Unfortunately, the next day, Barry is found murdered. Uncle Rocco wants Gina to find the murderer. With the murder, a difficult decision about the new job, and her relationship with Jacob, her plate is overflowing. Will she solve the crime, stay in town or move to the city, and what happens about her feelings for Jacob? So many twists, turns and secrets to uncover.

What a delightful read Everything about this book appealed to me. The plot and characters were well-written, making you feel like you are friends. This was a perfect cozy mystery with just the perfect amount of humor, mystery, intrigue, and adventure that will keep any reader completely engaged. I hope this series continues. I highly recommend the whole series.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth and final book in the Pizza Parlor Mystery series by Rosie Point. In this installment, we find Gina Romano at the pizza parlor taking a call from a prospective new employer. Gina has stated from the beginning of the series that her move back to Lake Basil is temporary and that she is just waiting for another job to open up in the City. Well, opportunity has come calling. While she is debating whether to take the new job, an old friend of her Uncle Rocco's comes to Lake Basil for a visit. Uncle Rocco's best friend, Barry, has barely been home a week when tragedy strikes. Gina discovers his dead body. and after she tells her uncle the devastating news, he begs her to find out who killed Barry.
I loved this last book in the series. It kept me hooked. I had to know who killed Barry, and whether or not Gina was going to stay in Lake Basil or move back to New York City for good. I am sad to see the story end, but I was very satisfied with the ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Searching for home

Gina finally gets what she’s been dreaming of since she came back to Lake Basil after a disastrous breakup and to help her aunt and uncle. A dream job back in the city to help a pizzeria chain get its name out, with travel benefits and a big salary how can she possibly turn it down? Except as soon as she gets the call guilt sets in. Is her life really back in the city or does she belong in Lake Basil with family and friends that she’s made? Even more complications set in when a close family friend who’s just moved back to the states from Sicily is murdered and Gina’s uncle begs her to help.
A super relatable story. Aren’t we all at one time or another searching for the place we really belong in life. Love this town, love the inhabitants and I’m sorry to see the end of Gina and her adventures in Lake Basil.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ally A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gina Romano may have a knack for business, but when it comes to uncovering killers she’s nothing short of a murder maven. After a difficult breakup, Gina banished herself to the small town of Lake Basil where she helped turn her aunt and uncle’s struggling pizzeria around. When the owner of a pizza chain calls to offer her a job that would allow her to resume her life in the city she’s excited…and unsure. She’s built a great life with family and friends, and then there’s her relationship with Jacob.
As she weighs her job decision, there’s a murder and it’s up to Gina to determine whodunit. Great addition to Rosie A. Point’s Pizza Parlor series, with likable characters you want to spend time with and a clever mystery.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Orazi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad the author will be writing more in this series! I hope the homeless group will be included/integrated into the next book(s).

Gina gets called with a consulting job offer back in the city to work for Gardner's Pizza chain. She has to chose between staying in Basil Lake and running her Uncle Rocco's pizzeria or moving back into the hustle and bustle of the big city. Rocco's old friend Barry Gimble is back in town for a few weeks along with his stepson Tony who attends Brown. Rocco asks Gina to bring a watch over to Barry at the Guesthouse and she finds him strangled to death in his room. Gina is reluctant to investigate until her Uncle begs her to find the killer.
Highly recommend this series!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gina's been offer a job in the city and has a week to decide, no pressure there.
Uncle Barry said "sometimes what you think you need and what you actually need are two different things. Life's funny that way."
So does Gina decide on what she actually needs or what she thinks she needs or been aiming for since she has arrived in Basil? Along with a Murder to solve to help with Gina's stall making a choice.
Gina's to do list will get complicated - actually that's one thing not consulted in this story until Chapter 12!
"That's the trouble with you, Gina," he (Jacob) said. "you always think you know what's best for everybody else. Truth is, you don't even know what's best for you. Not even when it's standing right in front of you." - sums up Gina's decision making in this story

[J Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Which choice will bring happiness?

Now that the pizza parlor is back on it’s feet Gina must decide on her future. The choice is between her friends and family, or an exciting new career. In the meantime, there is a murder to solve!

I love the characters and I really like the recipes included at the end of the book. I am not ready for this fun cozy series to end. There are so many possibilities for more books! Hopefully, Rosie Point will reconsider! I received an advance copy but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Amary Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gina Romano is trying to decide whether to go back to the Big City or stay with her aunt and uncle running Romanos Pizza. She is distraught over making the decision when there is a murder, her uncle's friend and she can't leave until it's solved, despite the pressure from the man who's offered her a job in her field.
With an assortment of suspects that makes no sense to her, she continues to chase down clues, no matter how unlikely. As usual a fun read.
I received an ARC gratis to peruse and offer my opinion in the same.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gina is finally offered a really nice job in the city. Now what will she do? There is her friends, aunt and uncle, and Jacob to consider. She is given a week to decide and give them her answer. If that wasn't enough, Uncle Rocco's friend, Barry is back in town with his stepson Tony. But Gina finds Barry murdered in his room at Tilly's. Uncle Rocco wants Gina to figure out who killed his friend even though the police have told her to stay out of it. What will Gina do? I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Wannee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful & Fun Cozy Murder Mystery in Lake Basil!!!

Dough Not Murder is the fourth book and also last book in A Pizza Parlor Mystery Series.

This is a fun cozy mystery that was well-written with likable characters. I really enjoy it, it's a quick read full of mystery, humor and romance, it's a fast-paced story line that keeps you entertained as you try to figure out who murder Barry and why. I would recommend this book to any cozy mystery fans. It is very entertaining and I am looking forward to read the next series by Rosie A. Point.

[MommyO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Gina Romano is in the midst of another murder mystery and some life changing decisions. Throughout the book Gina is getting to know who she is, what she values, and ultimately what she wants for her future, all while trying to figure out who killed one of her Uncle Rocco’s best friends. This was a quick and fun cozy mystery to read in an afternoon!

As always there are some tasty looking recipes at the end of the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue Ruhl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Ending to This Short series, or is it The End?

This fourth book in the Pizza Shop series was almost perfect! The reason it wasn't perfect is because it was supposed to be the last book in a four-book series! I would love to see a few more books to flesh out the characters. Where did Jacob and Matilda come from, since they were both fairly new to Lake Basil. Who eventually got the ice cream shoppe? I love to read back stories about all the main characters in a book. Here's to an extension of the Pizza Place series!!

[Priscilla Oliveira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dough Not Murder is amazing! A perfect story to end the "A Pizza Parlor Mystery" series. With this book, the author tied the whole story of Gina and her return to her small hometown. Read the series in order. It's not mandatory, but it´s a lot better when you follow all of Gina's relationships with the rest of the population of Lake Basil.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now that Gina has gotten her Uncle's pizza shop back from the brink, she is at a crossroads, return to the city where she is offered a dream job or stay at Lake Basil.

Between the murder of her uncle's dear friend and her budding relationship with Jacob, will she be able to clear her head fast enough to make the right decision.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several books written by Rosie A. Point; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is part of the Pizza Parlor Mystery Series; it is a stand-alone short story. The story is about Gina deciding to either stay and catch a killer or follow a career opportunity.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cozy mystery of who dun it that will grab your attention and hold it while you try to solve the mystery before you reach the end. The story line will keep you guessing just when you think you have it figured out. The characters are easy to get to know, enjoyable and bring just the right amount of humor to the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gina gets an offer to consult for a new pizza chain the same day that an old friend to her uncle comes to town.

is this an offer Gina can refuse?

is she really that interested in returning to the City? or is her Home right there in Lake Basil?

intrigue, greed and bad and better romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dennis R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gina's back and it's murder!

Another fine installment in this series. The book was fast paced. Filled with quirky characters. Some Romance. And a lot of laugh out loud moments. Plus a well thought out murder mystery that kept me guessing right to the end! Can't wait for the next book!

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has taken us back to the Pizzeria to spend some time with our friends. Gina finally gets the chance to have her dream job and return to the city. However, when a murder occurs, she is asked to solve the crime. The story keeps us turning the pages with suspense, twists and turns, secrets and decisions that need to be made.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carolyn Valdez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth story I have read in this series, and I hope not the last one . I have enjoyed reading about Gina and the rest of the gang, and would love to see where their lives will go from here. I would recommend this to anybody who loves mystery and adventure.


I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and the entire series. This was an excellent ending to the series, and if the author decides to take it further, I will enjoy additional books. I can definitely recommend this book and all four books.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too short

This series is a fun filled series with wonderful characters that draw you in and guide you along the way. The recipes and food descriptions keep your stomach growling and your mouth watering. The entire Cozy mystery series is just a lot of fun.

[Juanita E. Arp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book, I'm sorry that this is the last book in the series. This is an excellent quick read, with action and intrigue. I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next. I received this book as a Free ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.

[Doreen Fernandes · Rating 5 out of 5]

An old friend and murder

When her uncle's old friend is suddenly murdered, Gina is puzzled. Who would want to murder such an affable person? The author piqued my interest by her creative storyline with its unpredictability and unexpected outcome.