Not a murder mystery fan? Me, neither, but I just had to try this one out – the catering company Macaroni on Wheels really made me curious. And I was not disappointed. Which is quite nice since I am quite opposed to mysteries and murder stories. Read on to find out more about the story and why I enjoyed it.
Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Case of the Bayfront Murder by S.K. Derban, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: Case of the Bayfront Murder
Series: A Macaroni on Wheels Mystery #1
Author: SK Derban
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: March 27, 2024
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Little Italy in San Diego, once a thriving fishing community, has blossomed into a prominent tourist destination. Nestled in the heart of this vibrant neighborhood, both travelers and residents find the Tiepolo Mercato a favorite spot to stop and shop. Ezio and Benedette Tiepolo are the proprietors of the Mercato, while their daughter owns Macaroni on Wheels, the catering company located directly next door.
There’s more than pasta cooking in the Macaroni on Wheels kitchen. Meet Terza Tiepolo, a feisty Italian caterer who fills her free time solving crime. She belongs to a local murder mystery book club, and leads the other participants in their monthly whodunnit contest.
Terza also works diligently to grow her catering business. But when a prominent doctor hires Terza’s company to cater a dinner party, she never expects murder to be on the menu. The prestigious bayfront event should enhance the Macaroni on Wheels portfolio, and Terza anticipates meeting many potential new clients. On the day of the party, Terza arrives early to prepare, only to discover her grand expectations are as dead as the body on the kitchen floor.
Fans of cozy mysteries will revel in solving the murder along with Terza, and will appreciate her zest for life. Readers will also treasure the introduction to her vibrant Italian relatives. They will enjoy getting to know the Tiepolo family, and will smile at the special relationship Terza has with her mother and father. The fun never stops when the animated relatives join together each Sunday for dinner. Consider this your personal invitation!
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub
My Thoughts:
Case of the Bayfront Murder was such a fun read. It started with the name of the catering company – Macaroni on Wheels. How fun is that? Terza and her friend Moheenie were a perfect pair. One impulsive and bold, the other the reality check yet still a bit curious and brave. They balanced each other just right. Add in Moheenie’s husband Ranger and the trio is just tons of fun.
Terza’s family is close – both in proximity and between members. I love that her mother and father know her well, expect her to live well, and ask her daily if she has read her Bible. While the religious aspect is not high in the book, that small bit really adds a lot to the background that is felt throughout the read. Terza’s family can walk to each other’s homes and businesses. It just sits well for it to be situated in Little Italy of San Diego.
I enjoyed the process of Terza and Moheenie trying to figure out things with the murder that occurred and how to do them without tampering with evidence and without getting themselves in trouble. I often found myself thinking “Oh, don’t do THAT.” But, they did it anyway (why don’t book people listen to me?). It turns out fine in the end and the murder was solved. I enjoyed walking along with them as they explored ideas and people and motives.
While it is a murder mystery, there are no gory details or twisted, overly grotesque descriptions. It is clean and light and just the right words to keep the reader in the story without the unnecessary exploitation of imagery.
Definitely a fun read and I look forward to the next Macaroni on Wheels Mystery. Who knew I’d ever say that?
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About the Author
S.K. Derban resides with her husband in Southern California. Although born in the United States she moved to London within the first three months, and remained in England until the age of five. Her father, an American citizen, was a decorated veteran of the Second World War. Her British mother was involved with the London Royal Ballet Company, and a great fan of the arts. After returning to the United States, Derban’s life remained filled with a love of the theatre, and a passion for British murder mysteries.
S.K. Derban’s personal travel and missionary escapades are readily apparent as they shine through into her characters. Readers are often transported virtually across the globe. She has traveled to Hong Kong on five separate occasions to smuggle Bibles into China, and has been to Israel on seven missionary trips. Derban’s other adventures include visits to Bangkok, Greece, Egypt, Italy, and the Caribbean.
Beginning with her faith in the Lord, S.K. Derban relies on all aspects of her life when writing.
She hopes her books will allow readers to go on holiday without having to pack!
Connect with S.K. at childofthecarpenter.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will win an Italian Style Kitchen Goodies prize pack which includes Red and White Dish Towels, Oneida Spatula Set of 3, Oven Mitt, Pot Holder, Silicone Whisk, and Imported Italian Pasta!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 7, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 14, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics. Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies. Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
Blessings,
Lori, At Home.