***I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
"A complex mystery and yummy grilled cheese recipes. What's not to like?"— Kirkus Reviews
A bridal shower gone bad quickly becomes the swiss of death, and grilled cheese shop owner Carly Hale must sniff out the suspect
Winter in Balsam Dell is a snowy affair, and to add in some cheer after the holidays Carly's former classmate Klarissa Taddeo is hosting her extravagant bridal shower at the historic Balsam Dell inn. But when a double-booking throws some mold in the cheese, Klarissa is left scrambling. Dawn, the maid of honor and wedding planner, saves the day by moving the shower to her family's mansion and books Carly to cater the party. It seems the group is going to pull off the shower without a hitch.
That is, until Klarissa's fiancé crashes the event. She's furious with her groom-to-be and when a loud argument ensues, everyone is shocked by what they hear. When the groom is later found dead at the bottom of the stairs, his drink spiked with a hefty dose of poison, Carly must put her nose to the rind and save Klarissa from being suspect #1.
Because you know what they say: it's always the (almost) wife.
Cheddar Late Than Dead by Linda Reilly is the third book in the author’s popular Grilled Cheese Mystery series but can easily be read as a stand-alone novel.
Story Recap:
Carly volunteers to cater her former classmate, Klarissa’s, bridal shower in the fancy home of the maid of honor, Dawn, in the town of Balsom Dell. Carly is excited to try out some new sandwiches and serve them in the fancy mansion, even if she has to put up with Klarisssa’s bridezilla attitude.
However, Klarissas bridezilla’s attitude is the least of Carley’s problems when after the party is crashed by some of the rowdy groomsmen, the groom is found dead at the bottom of the staircase.
My Thoughts:
I enjoyed being back in Balsam Dell and once again I had to make at least one Grilled cheese sandwich while reading the story. Although, I have not made a donut grilled cheese sandwich, like the ones featured at the wedding shower. (It’s on my to-do list!).
And I loved the mystery, there are a lot of characters in this book which provided many red herrings and I was completely surprised by the killer! Carley is a terrific character and she love her little town of Balsam Dell.
Recommendation:
I highly recommend, Cheddar Late than Dead to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About Linda Reilly
Armed with a degree in Criminal Justice, Linda Reilly once contemplated a career in law enforcement. But life took a twist, and instead she found her niche in real estate closings and title examinations, where the dusty tomes in the Registry of Deeds enticed her into solving mysteries of a different sort. A dyed-in-the-wool New Englander, Linda lives in southern New Hampshire with her husband and cats. A member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and Cat Writers' Association, she loves solving mysteries of the cozy type. When she's not pounding away at her keyboard, she can usually be found prowling the shelves of a local bookstore or library.
I adore the titles of cozy mysteries. And now I’m hungry for a grilled cheese sandwich. Might have to stop by the grocery store on the way home to pick something up! Or I’ll be lazy and go by Panera, lol. Great review!
As a lover of cheese, this series sounds brilliant. The titles themselves just make me laugh. I am definitely unsure about a donut grilled cheese sandwich though.
I adore the titles of cozy mysteries. And now I’m hungry for a grilled cheese sandwich. Might have to stop by the grocery store on the way home to pick something up! Or I’ll be lazy and go by Panera, lol. Great review!
LOL, that’s so funny, Lisa! I did eat a few while reading this one
I haven’t heard of this series before, but this book sounds really fun.
Thank you, Angela.
This sounds both fun and interesting. Amazing review, Wendy!
Thank you, Yesha
It’s nice that you’re enjoying this series. I haven’t read read any cozy mysteries yet, but I’m convinced this will be the year I’ll start 🙂
I’ve read a few already this year. They are fun
Great review! I always get hungry when I see the covers for this series.
Me too! Thats why I enjoy cozy mysteries
The cozy mysteries always have such fun titles! I need to read more of them. Oh, a donut grilled cheese? Yes!! Sounds delicious.
Thank you, Rachel
I do like the pun-y titles of these books, they always make me laugh. Great review, Wendy!
Thank you, Cindy. I agree, Cozies have the best title.
I’m trying to decide if I would like a donut grilled cheese sandwich. Great review.
I’m going to try one soon.
Sounds a very enjoyable read; love that the solution was a surprise. Doughnut grilled cheese… I wonder what that’ll taste like🥯🍩
I am going to try one someday. :). Thanks, Mallika
This sounds like a fun series, I love grilled cheese!
Me too! Thanks!
I had to smile at the title, nice touch to have recipes as well.
I love the culinary cozy mysteries as they feature food and recipes.
I’m up for any book that has a cute doggy on the cover! 😍
I agree, Stephanie. Dogs make great characters
Wonderful review Wendy! I love grilled cheese too!☕🤗📚💜
Thank you, Susan
As a lover of cheese, this series sounds brilliant. The titles themselves just make me laugh. I am definitely unsure about a donut grilled cheese sandwich though.
I’m going to have to try it. There is a recipe at the back of the book.
A donut grilled cheese sandwich sounds different, sounds yummy, great review 😊
I have to try and make one someday!