The Calamity Cafe
by
Gayle Leeson is the first book in a new series, the Down South
Cafe Mystery series. Amy Flowers is ready to purchase Lou's
Joint from her irksome boss, Lou Lou, so that she can serve
up some delicious meals dressed with southern charm. However,
first she has to get Lou Lou to agree to sell Lou's Joint
to her. When Lou Lou's son seems to have talked Lou Lou into
selling, Amy shows up to talk negotiations. Instead of sweet-talking
Lou Lou into selling, Amy finds her murdered. Instead of serving
her home-cooking to the loving community of Winter Garden,
Virginia, she finds herself being served up as the prime suspect
in the murder investigation.
I say,
for a debut novel, Gayle Leeson hit this one out of the park!
This book had just the right amount of southern charm, good
food and lovable characters. I found myself sucked into the
story right from the start and I didn't want to leave the
Down South Cafe, even after I turned the last page. This mystery
was a good one with lots of twists and turns that kept the
story moving, making for a quick and enjoyable read.
I can
see myself walking into the Down South Cafe and being served
up a sausage biscuit with strong coffee and maybe some oatmeal
pie for dessert, right from Amy herself. And on the way out,
I would definitely buy myself a Down South Cafe t-shirt! Actually
I really want one of those now! Don't forget to check the
back of the book for some of the delicious recipes mentioned
throughout the book, especially for Preacher Cookies and Oatmeal
Pie! Overall, The Calamity Cafe is a delightfully delectable
book full of heart and southern charm. I can't wait to see
what Gayle Leeson dishes up next!
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