Revenge of the Chili Queens by Kylie Logan

There is nothing that warms your soul like nice spicy bowl of chili. I have heard of chili cook-offs before but I have never made it one. In fact, before reading Revenge of the Chili Queens, part three of the Chili Cook-Off Mystery Series by Kylie Logan, I did not even know there was such a thing as a traveling chili cook-off. I just know you are going to love this tasty mystery.

From the back of the book:

The author of Death by Devil’s Breath takes the chili cook-off circuit to southern Texas to prove that revenge is a dish best served hot . . .

Everyone in San Antonio remembers the Alamo, but how many remember the Chili Queens? Back in the early twentieth century, these spicy señoras sold their lip-smacking chili in plazas all around the city. Now, as part of the Chili Showdown, Maxie and her half-sister, Sylvia, are dressing up as the Chili Queens to raise money for charity.

But someone wasn’t feeling too charitable toward a local troubadour, who is murdered at the fundraiser. When their friend Nick Falcone, head of security for the Showdown, actually becomes the prime suspect, it’s up to Maxie and Sylvia to turn the heat up on a killer, who’s planning a chili reception for them . . .

My thoughts:

I mention characters a lot because to me they really are what makes a good story great. This book has fabulous characters! Maxie is so awesome and down to earth and I just love that her relationship with her half sister isn't perfect; it is real. Nick, the main suspect and a friend of Maxie's, is totally dreamy and also damaged in a way that makes him real as well. The setting is a traveling chili cook-off and to me it had a great feeling of camaraderie like you would expect with a circus or anything where the same people spend a lot of time together.  

I loved how the mystery was paced and there were even some pretty intense moments while Maxie and Nick were investigating. In addition to turning up clues, bits of Nick's past were turned up as well, which lent to the depth of his character. I really enjoyed reading this and will be catching up on past parts as well as looking out for new parts. Of course, in the back you will find a chili recipe to try and a tease to another book in a different series by Kylie Logan, League of Literary Ladies, which sounds awesome as well.

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