Monday, December 21, 2015

Fat Tuesday Fricassee by J.J. Cook

I really love festivals, and as such everything Carnival and Mardi Gras. The fabulous celebration in Mobile, Alabama is the setting for the third part in the Biscuit Bowl Food Truck Mystery series by J.J. Cook. Fat Tuesday Fricassee.

From the back of the book:

The national bestselling author of Fry Another Day serves up a third helping in the Biscuit Bowl Food Truck Mystery series…

It’s Mardi Gras in Mobile, Alabama, and food truck chef Zoe Chase is driven to distraction attending high-society soirees, feeding the partying masses, and getting the skinny on a Fat Tuesday murder…

Two weeks of carnival celebrations has got Zoe running ragged. By day, she charms hungry tourists with authentic Southern cuisine. At night, she accompanies her father to one masquerade ball after another, hobnobbing with the high rollers of the secret cabal known as the Mistics of Time.

But the fun turns frightening when Zoe stumbles across “Death’s” dead body. Journalist Jordan Phillips attended the Mistics’ latest bash in a traditional Death costume, and received a fatal bullet wound for the privilege. With more than three hundred masked suspects determined to remain anonymous, and the police covering up the facts behind the murder of the investigative reporter, Zoe realizes the Mistics have some serious secrets to hide…

My thoughts:

I've been to New Orleans but never Alabama, and I must say with the richly developed setting I felt like I was right there, had been before, and simply adored the sights and sounds. I especially loved the secret societies with their parties and parades. It was a nice touch that added an extra layer of mystery and tension.

The characters were unique and very interesting. I will be going back to see how they got where they are with each other because I felt a little something between Zoe and someone who wasn't her boyfriend, and I want to see what has happened there in the past, just in case it develops more. And from that, you can tell these are the type of well crafted characters you can get invested in.

You don't need to have read the other parts to enjoy this freestanding mystery. It has a lovely pace and the right amount action to keep pages flipping. Plus, in the back you will find what sound like delicious recipes. I can't wait for the next part.

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.

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