Mary “Sassy”
Cabot and Bridget Mayfield own a combo eatery and book store
called Read 'Em and Eat in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. The
food side is run by Bridget, and the book side is Sassy's
domain. In fact, there is a book club meeting going on when
the mystery opens. The Books Before Breakfast Club is meeting.
Sassy better intervene before several members come to blows
over their favorite books and authors. One member, Delia Batson,
is so quiet that she hands Sassy a note with her choice for
the club's next read. Her cousin, Augusta Maddox, is just
the opposite – she has no problem putting other diners
in their place.
Miguel the chef has broken his leg. Bridget
suggests getting her Aunt Ophie as a temporary replacement.
Ophie is very opinionated and speaks her mind. However, she
is a great cook. The next day, Ophie is there having tea with
Augusta. Cody Stanton, a reporter, comes to tell Sassy that
Delia Batson has been murdered. Now who is going to tell Augusta?
Even though Lee County Deputy Ryan Mantoni warns Sassy not
to investigate, she feels she has to, since Augusta asked
her to look into Delia's death. Sassy had better be very careful
investigating this murder - she could end up burnt.
Things to ponder: What was the murderer looking
for? Does Delia's death have anything to do with islands she
is supposed to own? Will Aunt Ophie be a welcome addition
to cooking staff? Just what is Grampa's island justice?
A new
to me author with a brand new series is like having an extra
birthday with cake and gifts. This is a well-written fast-paced
page turner of a read. I liked these characters as soon as
I met them. What a wonderful location for a new series –
a warm beachy setting in an eatery/bookstore. I would never
leave. These two best friends are more like sisters - sharing
a business and a condo. You never know who is going to walk
into this shop. I was drawn into the story right from the
start and read it through to the end. Cozy mystery readers
will be thrilled to find a new voice and new series to love.
The author has thoughtfully included Ophie's luscious Buttermilk
Pie recipe. So, if you like to eat while reading a good mystery,
then you should be reading Well Read, Then Dead.
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