3.45
Part of "A Gourmet Girl Mystery" series
"Steamed: A Daphne Martin Café Mystery" by Jessica Conant-Park is a delightful cozy mystery that combines the worlds of food, romance, and murder in a small town. The story follows Daphne Martin, a caterer and amateur sleuth, as she tries to uncover the truth behind a murder that occurs during a steampunk-themed event she is catering. The novel is the first in the Daphne Martin Café Mystery series and does an excellent job of introducing the reader to the quirky cast of characters that populate the town of Brexton, Massachusetts. Daphne is a relatable and likable protagonist, with a strong passion for food and a knack for solving mysteries. The other characters, including Daphne's eccentric family and her love interest, a local detective, add depth and humor to the story. One of the standout aspects of "Steamed" is the detailed and appetizing descriptions of the food that Daphne prepares for her catering business. The author, Jessica Conant-Park, is a food writer and it shows in the vivid and tantalizing descriptions of the dishes that Daphne creates. The reader can almost taste the flavors and smell the aromas as they read. The mystery itself is well-crafted and keeps the reader guessing until the very end. The author does an excellent job of weaving in clues and red herrings, making it difficult to predict the outcome. The pacing is fast-paced and the story is engaging, making it a quick and enjoyable read. Overall, "Steamed" is a charming and entertaining cozy mystery that will appeal to foodies and mystery lovers alike. The combination of food, romance, and murder makes for a delicious and satisfying read. Fans of authors such as Joanne Fluke and Diane Mott Davidson will enjoy this series. In summary, "Steamed" by Jessica Conant-Park is a cozy mystery that combines food, romance, and murder in a small town. The story follows Daphne Martin, a caterer and amateur sleuth, as she tries to uncover the truth behind a murder that occurs during a steampunk-themed event she is catering. The novel is the first in the Daphne Martin Café Mystery series and does an excellent job of introducing the reader to the quirky cast of characters that populate the town of Brexton, Massachusetts. The detailed and appetizing descriptions of the food, the well-crafted mystery, and the fast-paced and engaging story make it a delightful and satisfying read...
Amy E. Reichert
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