What’s It Cannoli Be Murder about?
Tessa Esposito is working very hard to get her new restaurant Anything's Pastable ready for the grand opening in less than a week. Meanwhile, her cousin, Gabby, runs a bookstore that is hosting a famous author for a book signing. Tessa is making the desserts for it.
Author Preston Rigotta's new publicist turns out to be Gabby’s high school nemeses, Daphne Daniels, and Gabby soon learns that Daphne is still looking out for number one, no matter who else gets hurt.
After the event, Tessa, who had forgotten something at the bookstore, goes to get it only to discover Daphne's body with the remains of the same type of dessert that Tessa supplied by her side.
The new detective in town is handed the case, as Gabby's brother, Gino, also a homicide detective, cannot work it because of his relationship to two of the suspects—Gabby and Tessa.
Tell us more…
Detective Padraic “Paddy” McDermott who recently relocated from the big city (and who hates the small town and doesn't want to be there) seems determined to pin the murder on Gabby and Tessa because of their history with the victim. Therefore, they are forced to try and find the killer themselves.
It is revealed that both Preston Rigotta and the victim have a few skeletons in their closets. Was Daphne killed because of one of hers? Or was she killed because Preston and his family want to keep their secrets secret?
Why we liked it…
This is the second story in the Italian Chef Mysteries. It builds nicely on the previous story and keeps you guessing as to who had the best motive to eliminate someone who is going to cause a lot of trouble for them and their future plans. It is an extremely fun story, with well-developed characters, a solid plotline, a bit of humor, and a bit of suspense. I really liked the pacing of the story along with the interaction of the characters. You could feel the frustration and worry that Gino has for his sister and cousin.
A Final Word…
This was definitely a 5-star review. I'm looking forward to the next one to see what mischief the characters get into.
