Olive and Let Die by Susannah Hardy

It's been a long time since I watched soap operas. I first tuned in when I was stuck at home pregnant over twenty years ago and was drawn to the over the top characters and extremely over the top plots. Once I went back to work, I never tuned back in but I did keep my love for the occasional dramatic flair. That flair is what I loved most about Olive and Let Die by Susannah Hardy. 

From the back of the book:

The second Greek to Me Mystery from the author of Feta Attraction

As manager of the Bonaparte House, a historic landmark and Greek restaurant in upstate New York, Georgie Nikolopatos knows her local legends—and her traditional Greek recipes are to die for.

Between her soon-to-be ex-husband Spiro coming out of the closet and her budding romance with Captain Jack Conway, Georgie’s life is beginning to feel like a soap opera.  And that’s before a surprise visit from her estranged mother Shirley, better known as soap star Melanie Ashley. But the dramatic family reunion takes a chilling turn when another long-lost relative turns up dead.

Just outside Spiro’s new restaurant, Georgie and Melanie find the body of Doreen Webber—a cousin Georgie never knew she had. With Spiro’s partner Inky on the list of suspects, Georgie begins to wonder what else her mother may be hiding. Is the dead-broke diva capable of murder?  She’d better find out before someone adds a new twist to the family plot.

My thoughts:

This is the second part in the Greek to Me Mystery series and, although I haven't read the first part yet, I was easily able to follow along. The characters are so fabulous and even though there was some romance, it wasn't as focal as can be the case the cozies, which was refreshing. This was all about the mystery; and what a wonderfully intricate mystery it was!

The last few chapters of this book are an amazing ride that I won't soon forget. I loved the way the story intensified just before it wrapped up. The payoff was brilliant. Plus, there are some underlying family mysteries that make the series something you want to keep up with. I know I will be eagerly awaiting the next part, as well as grabbing a copy of the first part. 

Oh, and another bonus: recipes! The recipes in the back sound delicious and I can't wait to try them. 

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 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.