Book Review: Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth

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Mad Mabel  by Sally Hepworth  is a domestic thriller about the youngest person convicted of murder in Australia, Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick. Now 81 years old, Elsie is living on Kenny Lane and has been for the past sixty years. When a mother named Roxanne moves into Mabel's neighborhood with her seven year old daughter, an unlikely friendship forms between Elsie and the seven year old child named Persephone. As Elsie's secrets come to light, her world comes crashing down.  Having read quite a few novels by Sally Hepworth, I requested an Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of Mad Mabel  without reading the synopsis of the story. I was thrilled when NetGalley and St. Martin's Press approved my request. The expected publication date of the book is April 21, 2026. Not knowing anything about the storyline before I started reading Mad Mabel  made the story much more interesting to me as I had no preconceived ideas. The tale was told from Mabel's perspective in alternating timeli...
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Book Review: Death by Food Truck: 4 Cozy Culinary Mysteries by Joi Copeland, Cynthia Hickey, Linda Baten Johnson, and Teresa Ives Lilly

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Christian Cozy Mystery Novella Book Review of Death by Food Truck: 4 Cozy Culinary Mysteries by Joi Copeland, Cynthia Hickey, Linda Baten Johnson, and Teresa Ives Lilly

Death by Food Truck Review: 4 Cozy Culinary Mysteries Full of Suspense & Romance

Death by Food Truck: 4 Cozy Culinary Mysteries by Joi Copeland, Cynthia Hickey, Linda Baten Johnson, and Teresa Ives Lilly is a fun and unique collection of four cozy culinary mystery novellas. Set at Birch Point Lake Park, the stories follow a rash of deaths linked to four different food trucks. Each novella blends mystery, romance, and food, making it a tasty treat for fans of cozy mysteries. This collection was published on July 1, 2023.

I want to thank NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for approving my request to read this book. I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.

My Thoughts on the Stories

When I first requested Death by Food Truck, I didn’t realize it contained religious themes. The first novella, in particular, leaned heavily on Christian elements, which made it harder for me to fully enjoy. The other three novellas were less religious, though spiritual references were still present. While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with Christian cozy fiction, it’s just not my personal preference.

That said, the food truck mysteries themselves were engaging and fun! Each story includes a charming romantic subplot that didn’t feel forced, and the food descriptions added a delicious layer to the mysteries. I did find the culprits fairly predictable despite the authors’ attempts to mislead readers.

If you enjoy mysteries that combine murder, romance, and culinary themes, these novellas deliver. The blend of food and suspense makes this collection stand out from other cozy mystery books.

Final Rating

I gave Death by Food Truck: 4 Cozy Culinary Mysteries 3 out of 5 stars. Fans of Christian cozy mysteries will likely enjoy these stories, but if you prefer food-focused mysteries without strong religious themes, keep in mind that Christian elements are present throughout.

Overall, if you love cozy culinary mysteries, food truck mysteries, or romantic twists in your cozy reads, this collection offers a unique and entertaining experience.

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