Tag: food blogger

The Corpse in the Gazebo review

Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Food Blogger series by Debra Sennefelder, and it releases in just a couple days on September 28, 2021. I made a point this summer to read the previous book so I’d be caught up for this one, and I’m glad I did read it. It’s possible to read these books as a standalone, but it’s more enjoyable to get to know Hope and her friends from the beginning. The author also writes the Resale Boutique series, which I’m a little behind in, but I like it a lot too. I’m definitely looking forward to the next Food Blogger though after reading this one!

My Goodreads review:

The Corpse in the Gazebo (A Food Blogger Mystery Book 5)The Corpse in the Gazebo by Debra Sennefelder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m so glad I was caught up in the series and ready to read this one because it was another good sleuthing session for Hope, Drew and Jane. I loved how those three worked together in the previous book, and they were together again. Hope and Drew did most of the chase or driving work, but Jane definitely did her share. I just love her character and think of Jessica Fletcher since Jane was also a mystery author. The side mystery with Jane’s sister-in-law Sally ended up being kinda cute considering how curmudgeonly Sally could get especially when Jane and the crew were sleuthing.

I’ve learned that in this series (and a lot of mysteries) not everything’s what it appears to be, but even keeping that in mind, I was completely surprised by whodunit. Without saying too much, Drew was very happy with the stories he got from this whole case, and I think for once he was feeling some victory where nemesis (and unfair, not-completely-truthful writer) Norrie was concerned.

I loved the celebration with family and friends at the end. Hope definitely went through a lot of issues in this mystery, since as a murder suspect for one thing, she was losing sponsors. Then she was playing part-time mommy to Ethan’s girls, although that was something she really liked. But everything turned out great, and the ending was a good one. I can’t wait for the next book! This one releases on September 28, 2021, so don’t miss out on it!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Publishing via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

View all my reviews

The Hidden Corpse–review

Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Food Blogger series started last year by Debra Sennefelder, who interestingly used to be a food blogger herself. You can tell she’s no stranger to the world of blogging and promotion. There are some recipes at the end of the book that actually sound doable and seriously yummy!

I read a paperback ARC of this book from #Kensington Publishing, but that didn’t influence what type of review I would give. After my wrists got a little sore from holding the paperback, I got the ARC from NetGalley as well. But…I did buy a digital copy of the book, since I like to show up as a verified review on the big A whenever I can. 😉

My Goodreads review:

The Hidden Corpse (Food Blogger Mysteries #2)The Hidden Corpse by Debra Sennefelder

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was great to return to Jefferson, CT and visit with Hope, her sister Claire (she is such a hoot!), her bestie, reporter Drew, police chief Ethan and of course friends like Merrifield Inn owners, Jane and Sally Merrifield. I especially like Jane of two, because she was a mystery writer and still thinks like one. She never discourages Hope from investigating and might even be an enabler sometimes. I would like to see her go back to writing sometime in the series. She makes a good sleuthing buddy or at least sounding board for Hope.

Hope had her hands full with her sister running for mayor, having to contribute five recipes to a cookbook, still working on remodeling her house, training her dog, and now a neighbor was dead making Hope feel responsible. As the body count increased, Hope was trying to stay a step ahead of the killer, so that she wouldn’t become one of the bodies. The showdown was a nail biter, but everything worked out great, and I hadn’t guessed the killer. I liked how there was plenty of closure and explanation-giving before the book ended. The actual ending was very sweet, and I don’t think I could have wished for better! I’m anxious to see what the next book brings.

View all my reviews

The Uninvited Corpse–review

Tari Hann

This is the first in a new series by Debra Sennefelder that was released earlier this year. What a fun start! I hope you’ll like the characters as much as I did.

My Goodreads review:

The Uninvited CorpseThe Uninvited Corpse by Debra Sennefelder

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an awesome first book in this new series! I immediately was drawn to the characters and their chemistry with each other. And who doesn’t love it when the pet (a dog in this case) saves the day and nabs the killer? I didn’t guess the killer until the clues pointed that way, great twist.

Hope Early was a lifestyle and food blogger who had just moved back to her hometown of Jefferson, CT. When a local realtor woman was killed in a friend’s home, and Hope’s sister was the main suspect, Hope knew she’d have to work fast to get to the real killer before her fashionable sister ended up wearing orange for the foreseeable future. After another body was found and a couple of attempts were made on Hope’s life, would she even be able to prove her sister’s innocence?

I thought it was sweet that Hope had gone to school with police chief Ethan and had a comfortable friendship type relationship, even though she admitted only to herself she has feelings for him. Although what cozy mystery would be complete without a triangle right? Now there’s also lawyer Matt, who is also handsome as Ethan. Part of me says Team Ethan, but I’m anxious to get to know Matt a little better too. I just loved how Hope, her reporter friend Drew and her mystery author friend, Jane would meet and discuss the case. Jane may have been older, but she had a good head for mysteries and seemed to put them on the right path. Her sister Claire is every bit the fashionista and not one bit crafty like Hope, who makes a living blogging about food, crafts and home. But the two sisters love each other fiercely as Hope showed when she tried to figure out who the real killer was.

I’m anxious to read the next book and spend more time with these delightful characters I’ve just met!

View all my reviews