by: T.C. LoTempio
Series: Tiffany Austin Food Blogger
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release Date: January 2, 2024
Publisher: Severn House
The Bon-Appetempting Pizza Bake-Off has the small town of Branson, Georgia buzzing. Not least its organizer, Southern Style’s food critic and blogger Tiffany Austin. But right before the finals one of the celebrity judges falls ill, and to Tiffany’s horror the magazine replaces him with none other than handsome TV star and restaurateur Bartholomew Driscoll.
Tiffany once gave his restaurant a poor review, and she’s convinced he’s only accepted the job to get revenge. She fully expects Driscoll will find a way to ruin the contest...but she definitely doesn’t expect to trip over his dead body backstage!
Soon, it’s clear Tiffany wasn’t the only person who had less than positive feelings towards the sharp-tongued Driscoll. She’s surrounded by suspects – but which of the motley crew of contestants, family members and scorned friends and colleagues had the guts to commit murder?
With the help of her BFF Hilary and annoyingly handsome detective Bartell, and with cat Lily and puppy Cooper as emotional support, Tiffany investigates, only to discover that revenge is indeed a dish best served cold…
Doing very well, thanks for asking! All worn out from the holidays!
I hear you. Could you please introduce yourself?
My name is Tiffany Austin. In another life, I was a chef at a swanky New York hotel until a complicated love affair made me return to my hometown of Branson, Georgia. I’m now working as a food blogger for Southern Style magazine. My current love interest is a hunky detective, Philip Bartell. My interests include collecting recipes, cooking, oh and yes…murder.
Can you please tell us about some people we’ll meet in your story?
Hilary Hanson and I have been BFF’s ever since grammar school. As a matter of fact, it was she who told me to apply at Southern Style! Of course it didn’t hurt that Dale Swenson, another old friend, is the editor-in-chief! (Dale always had a crush on me). Then there’s Detective Philip Bartell. He and I have a …complicated relationship. I get involved in murders and he doesn’t like it! But I’m hopeful one day he’ll accept the fact that sometimes I just can’t help getting involved! I also have a Siamese cat, Lily, and a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, Cooper, whom I adore. Unfortunately, neither of them have the nose for crime that some other pets do (Purrday of the Urban Tails Pet Shop mysteries and, of course, Nick from the Nick and Nora mysteries!). In my latest adventure, A CRUST TO DIE FOR, I end up getting involved in the murder investigation of a nemesis, Bartholomew Driscoll, because Hilary’s sister Arleen is the prime suspect!
What’s your most prized possession?
A spatula signed by Emeril! He gave it to me after enjoying a delicious meal at my former place of employment! It’s currently hanging on my kitchen wall.
Why do you feel the need to put on your sleuthing hat and investigate murders?
Well, the first time (Eat, Drink and Drop Dead) was because I myself was the number one suspect! This time around it was to clear Hilary’s sister Arleen of suspicion. As for future adventures, well…I have to admit I rather like sleuthing! And I’ve been told I’m good at it!
When you aren’t investigating murders, what do you like to do?
Check out the newest fashion magazines, and watch cooking shows on the Food Network of course! I'm a big fan of Guy’s Grocery Games, Pioneer Woman, Beat Bobby Flay (I think I could!) and Drive-ins, Diners and Dives!
I’m a romance girl. Tell me more about your romance with Detective Bartell.
Things are looking very promising in that department with the aforementioned Detective Bartell—as long as we can separate business from pleasure! (which we’re doing so far)
What’s next for you?
I’m set to cover a foodie convention where I imagine a dead body will turn up LOL. Of course, that all depends on Severn House renewing the series, and that depends on sales. But I am ever hopeful that people will want to see more of me and my adventures!
Tiffany, thank you so much for your time.
You are very welcome! Keep eating!
Purchase A Crust to Die For from:
(Affiliate Links Used)
The Tiffany Austin Food Blogger Mystery Series:
Book One ~ Eat, Drink and Drop Dead
Places to find T.L. LoTempio:
You can follow the A Crust to Die For Blog Tour here.
I enjoyed the character interview.
ReplyDeletethanks so much!
Deletethank you so much for hosting me and Tiffany today! TC
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. Thank you for doing the character interview.
DeleteWhat a fun character interview!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a good book def interesting!
ReplyDelete