Butter Off Dead by Leslie Budewitz

After how much I adored Assault and Pepper by Leslie Budewitz, you can imagine I was pretty excited to get my hands on Butter Off Dead, the third part in her Food Lovers' Village Mystery series. If you haven't read Leslie Budewitz this is a perfect place to jump in - who doesn't love extra butter?

From the back of the book:

As the national bestselling Food Lovers’ Village Mysteries continue, the merchants of Jewel Bay, Montana, try to heat up chilly winter business with a new film festival. But their plans are sent reeling when a dangerous killer dims the lights on a local vendor...

In an attempt to woo tourists to Jewel Bay and cheer up the townies, Erin Murphy, manager of the specialty local foods market known as the Merc, is organizing the First Annual Food Lovers’ Film Festival, filled with classic foodie flicks and local twists on favorite movie treats. But when her partner in planning, painter Christine Vandeberg, is found dead only days before the curtain rises, Erin suspects someone is attempting to stop the films from rolling.

To make matters worse, Nick—Erin’s brother and Christine’s beau—has top billing on the suspect list. Convinced her brother is innocent and determined that the show must go on, Erin has to find who’s really to blame before Nick gets arrested or the festival gets shut down. But the closer she gets to the killer, the more likely it becomes that she’ll be the next person cut from the program...

My thoughts:

The first thing that really struck me about this was that it was not told in third person, which was a refreshing change and one that was pulled off very well. This was my first time reading this series and I was easily able to sink into the story and characters without feeling like I was missing a thing.  

The setting was fun, I could really see myself at the food lovers film festival, as that is right up my alley being a food lover and a film lover as well. Of course, it wouldn't be a cozy without a mystery and this one had a great mystery, filled with lots of twists and turns. The involvement/possible involvement of family made this feel even more intense and there were some personal mysteries that needed to be solved to - that always adds a nice element. 

Speaking of nice elements in the back of the book you will find some recipes that are just as delicious as the mystery itself!  

Take some time to browse the other great mysteries available from Berkley Prime Crime. While you are there, you can sign up for the newsletter so you never miss a new release. I must warn you though, after browsing my wish list is longer than I could probably read. You can also connect with them on Twitter where you can happen across a fun giveaway as well. 

Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.