Cheddar Off Dead By: Julia Buckley

Book Description....

"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..."

Title:  Cheddar Off Dead

Author:  Julia Buckley

Publisher:  Berkley

Series:  An Undercover Dish Mystery #2

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Cheddar Off Dead" by Julia Buckley

My Thoughts....

What a cozy mystery Christmas read that not only gives the reader a good story but some good food too!  I liked the plot that was presented that simmered around the death of a part time Santa Claus [Brad Whitefield] and a 'Undercover Chef' [Lilah Drake] in Pine Haven. This 'Under Chef' was Lilah Drake who was quite something else in that she had such a intriguing job ...an 'Undercover Dish business where she cooked for people who then took the credit for the food that didn't have the time or the talent to make.'  After delivering food to a third grade teacher at the school for a school party [macaroni and cheese] Lilah happens to see Santa in the parking lot. After speaking with him Lilah just minutes later happens to see something bad happens to Santa [hears a gunshot...she calls 911] and the story takes off from here.  Needless to say Lilah life will be put in jeopardy due to the fact she has witness a murder and someone wants to keep her quiet.  Now, how will this all turn out after putting Lilah under police protection? What will happen after she will have to team up with her former fling, Detective Jay Parker as they try to find out who this Santa really was and who was trying to kill her?  This is where I say you must pick up this good mystery to see how well this author brings it all out to her readers.  I found all of the characters very engaging, well portrayed, spirited and fun giving the reader a very interesting suspenseful mystery read.  Oh, I don't want to leave out Lilah's dog Mick [Chocolate lab]who was just charming pet and the detective Jay Parker whom Lilah was trying to avoid after that disastrous earlier date[from Book 1..The Big Chill] who added to this good read. I really liked how this author was able to give us a read where after you read the novel you can see that the clues were there all the time ...well hidden and very well done.  Be ready for 'yummy plot twist, deception, humor and some wonderful writing.'

  

This novel will definitely put the reader in the mood for the Christmas holiday...especially with all of that good recipes that will indeed make your mouth water.  If you are looking for a good mystery read especially during the holidays I would definitely recommend this one "Cheddar Off Dead."  The reader will get a little bit of it all from a well written holiday cozy captivating mystery that has a good flow of the storyline, the ending... wow and oh my the food that was talked about was off the chart good!

I received this book from NOR for an honest review.