The Witless Protection Program
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In the fifth Catering Hall Mystery by Agatha Award-winning author Maria DiRico, series sleuth Mia Carina has finally steered her Italian-American family’s catering hall, Belle View Banquet Manor, into becoming the premiere party site of Astoria, Queens. Now if only her presumed dead ex-husband would get out of the way... A strong, independent woman and respected entrepreneur, Mia never imagined she’d pine for a marriage proposal. Yet lately, with her beloved Shane, she’s on tenterhooks. It’s especially surprising, considering Mia’s first husband, Adam, was a philandering grifter, assumed lost-at-sea after a boating disaster. But everyone knows what happens when you assume . . . While working a huge wedding expo in Manhattan, Mia is shocked to spot the man who nearly destroyed her life. The one who’s supposed to be sleeping with the fishes. But she loses him in the crowd. And when it happens again the next day, it’s time for an emergency meeting with the family—and the Family. Because if Adam is alive, Mia is still married . . . Everyone wants Adam dead. Everyone except Mia. She’s dealt with enough police for a lifetime. Mia needs to be a divorcée, not a widow. But someone out there disagrees, and if Mia doesn’t discover who, she may never be free to marry Shane—or anyone else . . .
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4 primary booksCatering Hall Mystery
Catering Hall Mystery is a 4-book series with 4 primary works first released in 2020 with contributions by Maria DiRico.
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Book Review: The Witless Protection Program by Maria DiRico
Rating: 5 Stars
I recently had the pleasure of diving into Maria DiRico's delightful mystery novel, “The Witless Protection Program,” and it did not disappoint. From the moment I set eyes on the charming cover, I knew I was in for a treat.
The story follows Mia Carina, a strong and independent woman who runs her family's catering hall in Astoria, Queens. Set against the backdrop of the bustling borough, Mia finds herself in a whirlwind of events when her presumed-dead ex-husband, Adam, resurfaces, throwing her life into chaos.
The impeccable blend of humor, intrigue, and heartwarming moments in this book is what elevates it to a 5-star read for me, keeping me in stitches one moment and at the edge of my seat the next. The writing is top-notch, and the book read well as a standalone. Making it accessible to new readers while still satisfying long-time fans of the series. The pacing was spot on, with a well-crafted mystery that kept me guessing until the very end.
The characters in the book are a true highlight - likable, funny, and wonderfully fleshed out. I found myself rooting for Mia and empathizing with her journey as she navigated the unexpected twists and turns of her past coming back to haunt her. And let's not forget about the setting - DiRico expertly brings Astoria to life, immersing readers in its vibrant culture and community. As a cherry on top, the inclusion of bonus recipes at the end was a delightful touch that added an extra layer of charm to the book.
While it saddens me to hear that this may be the end of the series, I am eager to explore the other books and dive deeper into Mia's world.
In conclusion, “The Witless Protection Program” is a must-read for anyone looking for a captivating mystery with a generous dose of humor and heart. Maria DiRico has crafted a gem of a novel that will leave you wanting more.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
