Cheddar Off Dead (Undercover Dish Mystery #2) by Julia Buckley

Who is ready for Cheddar Off Dead (Undercover Dish Mystery #2) by Julia Buckley? This is the second part in the series we started reading together last year, and it delicious. If you are new, you are in for a treat with this lovely foodie cozy series.

From the back of the book:

Caterer and cook Lilah Drake is up to her elbows in deadly trouble in the latest mystery from the author of The Big Chili...
  
The Christmas holidays are one of Lilah’s favorite times of the year, filled with friends, family, and, of course, tons of food orders for her Covered Dish clients. But Lilah’s Yuletide cheer ends when she sees a most Grinch-like crime: the murder of a Santa in a school parking lot.

It turns out the deceased Kris Kringle was a complicated tangle of naughty and nice, with a long list of people who might have wanted him dead. And whoever did the deed wants to make sure that Lilah keeps quiet. Now, Lilah will have to team up with her former fling, Detective Jay Parker, to unwrap the mysteries of a deadly Christmas killer and stay alive long enough to ring in the New Year.

My thoughts:

Lilah is back and better than ever as are all the characters that made the first part so awesome. Jay remains adorable and while probably the better choice for her, I do love a man with an accent and Lilah's ex always catches my attention. It was fun to get to know Cam and Fina in this part as well. Plus you know I am always a sucker for the pets and loved seeing Mick, the lab. The setting and time of year, holiday time, made this feel so sweet and welcoming even amid murder and murder attempts.

The mystery was a fun one and I kind of figured it out. I really like that a RPG was so integral to the story. I do play online games as well, so that was a neat touch for me. I read this in one night, couldn't put it down. It was a perfect blend of mystery and world building that have me hungry for the next part. Make sure you peek in the back for more great recipes.

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. 

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