Murder Most Finicky

I was given an ARC of this book by the publisher in exchange for a review. This did not effect my opinion or review of the book.

Murder Most Finicky is a cozy mystery with a baker, nicknamed Stan, as its protagonist. But Stan is a baker for pets, especially cats, which is why Sheldon Allyn, a celebrity pastry chef, wants her on board in his business empire. But when Sheldon brings together some of the top chefs to spend a weekend together preparing a dinner to impress new investors, past secrets and new jealousies collide to end in murder.

This was a really enjoyable read. The characters are all quirky and colorful, though sometimes there were so many characters I had a hard time keeping track of who was who. Stan comes across as very show more real, struggling to figure out how to balance her family, her romance, and her booming business, and wanting to decide on what she really needs out of life.

The mystery began quickly, which I always appreciate, and the book's pacing did not let up from there. There was always something happening to keep the reader's attention, and the food descriptions made me want to start cooking up a storm. The romance was very sweet, and while an integral part of the plot, did not overpower it.

I would definitely recommend this book to my friends and family who love cozy mysteries like I do. show less

Murder Most Finicky by Liz Mugavero is the fourth book in A Pawsitively Organic Mystery series. Stan Connor has been invited to Newport, Rhode Island by Sheldon Allyn (a celebrity pastry chef). Sheldon is to be Stan’s new partner in her pet patisserie (that she is going to open in Frog Ledge, Connecticut). Stan makes food and treats for animals (mostly dogs and cats). Her business is called Pawsitively Organic. Sheldon has invited out all the chefs he has invested in (time and money) for the weekend (Stan believes it to be a relaxing and enjoyable time). Stan’s Maine Coon Cat Nutty was also included in the invitation. Stan arrives at the parking lot where she was told to leave her car and is blindfolded by Joaquin Leroy, Sheldon’s show more assistant. The final destination is to be a secret for all the invitees. After a bumpy and long ride they arrive at the beautiful mansion (Stan discovers once the blindfold is removed). However, this weekend is going to be anything but relaxing.

Instead of getting to enjoy a relaxing weekend, they are told they are going to have to cook a five course meal for a presentation to people from The Food Channel (which seems to only benefit Sheldon). Unfortunately, things go awry when Stan finds the body of Pierre LaPorte. Everyone has to vacate the mansion and go to a local hotel (a very nice hotel). Then Kyle McLeod (a vegan chef) disappears. What is going on (and then a replacement chef, Vaughn Dawes does not show up). Stan sets out to find the killer of Pierre as well locate the missing Kyle McLeod (and make sure Vaughn Dawes is okay). Something fishy is going on and it is not Stan’s cat treats!

I have loved the previous books in A Pawsitively Organic Mystery series, but Murder Most Finicky was not as good as the others (I liked it). I think it was because we are missing the townspeople. The people of Frog Ledge, Connecticut help make the book (they are fun and quirky). Some of the people from the town were included, but I thought something was missing. I found the suspect pool to be too small which made for an extremely obvious killer. The writer, though, does provide good clues for the reader to follow. There are some funny moments in the book (which made me laugh) and there are some great recipes at the end of the book (I will be trying the animal recipes for my pets). I was left with one question at the end of the book. What happened with Caitlyn? Caitlyn Connor Fitzgerald is Stan’s sister, and she had a little issue (and needed Stan’s assistance). I want to know what happened between Caitlyn and her husband, Michael. I give Murder Most Finicky 4 out of 5 stars. I liked the book, but I did not love it. It was just missing a little something (and needed a better mystery).

I received a complimentary copy of Murder Most Finicky from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. show less

This is the fourth book in this series, but it is fine to be read as a read alone. I will go back can read the rest of the series as I did enjoy this book and want to read the rest and find out more about Stan (Kristan) and her business and life.

Stan Connor is a pet chef in Frog Ledge, Connecticut. She has agreed to join Sheldon Allyn, a famous celebrity chef, at a weekend getaway along with other chefs to make their specialty dishes for a group of potential investors. One of the chefs will be chosen for a new food Network show of their own. On the first day of the retreat, Stan discovers one of the chefs, Pierre, has been murdered in Sheldon's backyard. The retreat is moved to a local resort and that night, another of the chefs, Kyle, show more who Stan met on the ride to the retreat, vanishes. When Sheldon's assistant arranges for a replacement chef, she never arrives and is assumed missing as well. Throw in the fact that Stan's sister is involved with the missing chef and things become even more complicated. Stan follows every lead she can get to find the missing man and to find out who murdered Pierre. With the assistance of Jessie, her sister-in-law who is also a Conneticut state trooper, she investigates the chefs and they eventually find out who the murderer is. I did figure out who the murderer was but not until the story was almost over.

I enjoyed this book very much. The supporting characters were hilarious. They were over the top chefs but that just made the whole thing more enjoyable. The character of Stan was honest, loyal, hard-working, smart and had good judgement. She was a great sleuth and I will definitely look for more books in this series.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. show less