Penne Dreadful
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Average rating4.3
First book in a new series from USA Today bestselling author Catherin Bruns! Penne Dreadful, the first in the Italian Chef Mystery books, finds Tessa Esposito embroiled in a hot investigation. Tomato sauce isn't the only thing that runs red... A delicious new cozy mystery that is: For fans of Joanne Fluke and Susan Furlong For readers of cozy mysteries and food mysteries Includes delicious recipes Local Italian chef Tessa Esposito is struggling to get back on her feet following her husband's fatal accident. And when the police knock on Tessa's door, things just get worse. They've discovered Dylan's death wasn't an accident after all, and they need Tessa to start filling in the blanks. Who would want her beloved husband dead, and why? With the investigation running cold, Tessa decides it's time to save her sanity by reconnecting with her first love—cooking. And maybe the best way back into the kitchen is to infiltrate Dylan's favorite local pizza parlor, which also happens to be the last place he was seen before he died. Tessa has never been a fan of detective novels, but even she can see that the anchovies aren't the only thing that stink inside the small family business. And with suspects around every corner, Tessa finds that her husband's many secrets might land her in hot water.
Series
Featured Series
2 primary books#1 in Italian Chef Mysteries
Italian Chef Mysteries is a 2-book series with 3 primary works first released in 2019 with contributions by Catherine Bruns.
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Penne Dreadful is the first in the Italian Chef Mysteries by Catherine Bruns. This was also the first of Bruns' books that I've read. I will definitely be back for more!
Tessa Esposito is a wonderful chef. She's also now a widow, reeling from the death of her husband Dylan. He died in what she thought was a car accident, but now she's learned that it was no accident. Gino Mancusi, her cousin, is a police officer working on the investigation, and he gives Tessa the heads up. He also encourages her to apply for a job at a restaurant Dylan used to frequent, where she might have a chance to do a little investigating of her own. (Not police approved, of course.) Gabby, Gino's sister and Tessa's best friend, is happy to help root out information. As the story progresses, Tessa learns some things that make her question not only who might have wanted Dylan dead, but how well she really knew him.
This book is a joy to read. There are twists and turns and intrigue, and hints of romance yet to come in the series. I cheered for Tessa and wanted to bop her over the head sometimes, putting herself in situations that had me on the edge of my seat. The characters are believable and engaging (sometimes you love them, sometimes you don't, and that's how books should be), and the story doesn't drag. I look forward to more books in this series.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions here are mine, and I don't say nice things about books I don't like.
