Book 2 of The Trudie Fine Mystery Series. A cozy, culinary mystery.
Trudie Fine's romantic dinner with Detective Daniel Goldman is cut short by a gruesome murder. When her good friend May Dubois is discovered sitting by the body of her dead brother, holding a bloody knife, the case seems as cut and dried as sliced okra. From the start, however, Trudie believes in her friend and sets out to prove May's innocence. But if May isn't the killer, who is? Taking over as temporary manager at May's New Orleans-themed restaurant to do some sleuthing plunges Trudie into a jambalaya of dangerous waters. Recipes included.
Trudie Fine's romantic dinner with Detective Daniel Goldman is cut short by a gruesome murder. When her good friend Ma Dubois is discovered sitting by the body of her dead brother, holding a bloody knife, the case seems as cut and dried as sliced okra. From the start, however, Trudie believes in her friend and sets out to prove May's innocence.
But if May isn't the killer, who is?
Taking over as temporary manager at May's New Orleans-themed restaurant to do some sleuthing plunges Trudie into a jambalaya of dangerous waters.
Recipes included.
Excerpt
As I entered the kitchen, tortured cries rang out from the alley. I followed Daniel out the back door. The restaurant staff stood in a ring gazing down at the ground, their shrieks and sobs escaping into the muggy August air.
"Police," Daniel pronounced in an authoritative tone as he shouldered his way into the scene.
I took advantage of the opening he'd created and peered through to see what had happened.
I gasped.
A man's body lay face up, a red stain spreading across his white shirt like a paper towel absorbing a spill. His face was turned away from me, but reflecting from the overhead spotlight on the building, a large diamond sparkled in his left ear. Micah.
May sat on the ground rocking back and forth, her voice keening, face tot eh heavens. Here hands were raised high, grasping a chef's knife dripping with blood.
Professional Reviews
A Fine Mystery!
What a wonderful cozy mystery! This is the second book in the Trudie Fine series. I have been impatiently waiting for this book to come out & I admit I was not disappointed. I downloaded it this afternoon & finished it this evening. I did not want to put it down! I love the way the relationship between Trudie & boyfriend Daniel is progressing & blooming. I laughed out loud when Trudie met Daniel's dad for the first time. There are so many great friendships also in this story. I didn't guess the murderer until close to the very end. Now I can't wait for book 3 to come out!
A fast paced read and involving storyline
Story pace is good and the mystery is exciting. Author knows her realm and creates the characters to go along with it. While the story includes backstory, Deitch doesn't rely on the first time reader knowing all the details. She give just enough info to keep the reader involved. Looking forward to the next installment!
Second As Good As The First
This is the second book in the series and I say series because I hope there will be more. very likable characters, again easy to figure out the bad person but still a good read. I hope the third book will be along soon.
'Fine Dining' is another excellence Trudie Fine novel by Gale Deitch!
Although there is crime, bullying, extortion and murder, it is still a very light-hearted, fun and easy read. I practically read it straight through. It's very hard to put down.
The book has numerous plots and story lines, but primarily Trudie Fine finds herself in the middle of a murder case and jumps to the rescue of the murder victim's sister. There are several sub-plots that keeps the reader on the edge of their seats, but behind the scenes is a wonderful romance. I really enjoyed the shadow of jealousy on both parties, Trudie and Daniel, made me chuckle...
Gale Deitch has a wonderful and easy writing style that I just love! The novel just flows...I simply just can't say enough! The book seems to just write itself. I can't wait to read Trudie Fine, book three.
I most definitely recommend checking this book out. Thumbs Up! Absolutely a five star rating.
Reviewed by Lauri Nye
11/24/2017
Fine Dining has it all. One chaos causing relative, jealous characters, bumbling criminals, and Gumbo!! The second of the series, the story's characters are vibrant and well developed, all immersed in a well written plot. The recipes are a great bonus.. looking forward to the next installment.
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