Book Review & Giveaway ~ THE WEDDING SOUP MURDER by Rosie Genova

The Wedding Soup Murder (An Italian Kitchen Mystery, #2)
by: Rosie Genova
Series: An Italian Kitchen Mystery
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release Date: October 3, 2021 (Re-issue)
Publisher: Two Roses Books
Amazon | Paperback | Goodreads

A wedding with all the trimmings—and death as an unexpected guest…

Victoria Rienzi came home to the Jersey shore to research a new book and perfect her cooking skills at her family’s seaside restaurant, the Casa Lido. But when Vic’s exacting nonna puts her in charge of catering the soup course for a wedding at the exclusive Belmont Country Club, it’s not long before trouble is simmering in the kitchen. Three temperamental chefs are butting heads, their sous chefs are throwing punches, and the formidable club president, Elizabeth Merriman, antagonizes everyone around her.

Elizabeth, aka “The Iron Lady,” has made her share of enemies, including the father of the bride, who was caught embezzling from the country club. She threatens to fire the famous pastry chef in charge of the wedding cake, who doesn’t bother to hide her hatred of Elizabeth. And who is the mystery man in dark glasses, who never leaves the older woman’s side?

Though the wedding goes off without a hitch, by the time the happy couple and their guests depart, Elizabeth Merriman is missing. When her body is found on the beach the next morning, it appears that the country club president slipped from the top of the seawall, but Vic isn’t convinced. Did The Iron Lady finally push someone too far? And did that someone push her back—into the arms of death?

The Wedding Soup Murder by Rosie Genova was just what I needed to put me in a relaxing mood to read. This is the second book in the series and can be read as a standalone. I didn’t read the first book in the series, Murder and Marinara and I had no problem getting into The Wedding Soup Murder or understanding the dynamics of the characters. The last couple of cozies I've read have had characters who irritated me with their actions, but the actions of Victoria 'Vic' just seemed genuine and natural.

Victoria ‘Vic’ Rienzi has moved back to her hometown of Oceanside Park, New Jersey for the summer. She writes mystery books under the pen name Vick Reed. But she wants to write a non-mystery book and learn how to cook. She spends most of her time at her family's Italian restaurant as a prep cook and waitress. Why she never learned to cook is a little bit of a mystery to me. But that’s beside the point.

Vic is tasked with preparing the soup course for the wedding reception of a family friend's daughter. While at the reception, chatting with Dr. Charles ‘Chickie’ Natale (a family friend) and his wife, they are interrupted by Elizabeth Merriam. Elizabeth is the President and Events Manager of the Belmont Beach Country Club. During this interruption, Vic learns something about the man that comes as a complete shock to her.

The next day, news spreads about the death of Elizabeth. This puts a bigger light on Dr. Chickie. Apparently, in the previous book, Vic helped to solve the murder case. Now, with Elizabeth’s death and suspicion on Dr. Chickie, her father wants Vic to prove that their friend is innocent of murder. “You’re a regular Jessica Fletcher. Murder follows you wherever you go.” Against the wishes of her mother, grandmother, and Detective brother, Vic and her sister-in-law set out on an investigation.

I loved this case of whodunit tremendously. Just when you think you knew what happened and why, think again. The characters are all likable. There's a romance element that involves a love triangle between Vic, her former boyfriend, Tim, and a new carpenter in town, Cal. I can’t wait to see what happens there. And of course, there are wonderful Italian food recipes.

The Wedding Soup Murder gave me everything I could wish for in a cozy mystery and more.

**Received a copy from the author and reviewed the book voluntarily.**

Rating: 5

Purchase The Wedding Soup Murder from:

Amazon | Paperback | Goodreads

An Italian Kitchen Mystery Series:

Bestselling and award-winning author Rosie Genova left her heart at the shore, which serves as the setting for much of her work. The inspiration for her cozy series, the Italian Kitchen Mysteries, comes from her deep appreciation for Italian food, her affinity for the New Jersey seaside, and her love of classic mysteries from Nancy Drew to Miss Marple. A former journalist and teacher, Rosie also writes women’s fiction and suspense. The proud mama of three grown sons, she still lives in her favorite state with her husband and a charming mutt named Lucy.

Places to find Rosie Genova:

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Bookbub | Amazon Author Page

You can follow The Wedding Soup Murder Blog Tour here.

To celebrate the release of The Wedding Soup Murder, there are two giveaways going on. The first is an individual giveaway just for Read Your Writes Book Reviews, and the second is a tour-wide giveaway. Good luck!

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