Cornbread, Ribs, and Murder

 

CORNBREAD, RIBS, AND MURDER

Brenda Whiteside and Joyce Proell

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GENRE:  Mystery

 

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BLURB:

 

It’s a rib cookoff…with a recipe for murder.

 

Nicole Earp and Emma Banefield are celebrating another birthday at the Dulce Inn with the added fun of a rib cookoff in the park. Not only are chocolate martinis in their plans, Nic has her heart set on winning the cornbread contest. But as the excitement bakes, someone is stirring up trouble for the inn and its employees.

 

Strange occurrences at the Dulce are on the rise. Slashed tires, menacing phone calls, and unsavory characters add a vibe that threatens the sisters’ anticipated fun-filled stay. When the hot-headed hotel owner is caught wielding a bloody letter opener over a dead coworker, the sisters are embroiled in a caper to help the one person who finds their sleuthing as welcomed as a rattlesnake in her bed. But is she innocent?

 

The Chocolate Martini Sisters are primed to find out. First, they’ll have to eliminate a host of suspects that includes a dishonest restaurant owner, a jilted girlfriend, an ex-wife, the barkeeper, and a masseuse with a crush. If they can stay off the radar of the surly chief homicide detective long enough, they can put out the fire…unless the killer burns them first.

 

The third book in this amateur sleuths, cozy mystery series will have you chuckling and on the edge of your seat as the sisters solve the murder.

 

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EXCERPT

 

“Care for a celebratory chocolate martini?” Grinning, Emma attempted to arch one questioning brow, similar to the dramatic effect she’d seen in movies, but both shot up. 

 

Nic chuckled. “Do you really need to ask?”

 

In silent agreement, they’d set a course to the Azul Saloon when a piercing scream rang out. Emma startled, then froze. 

 

“What the heck?” Nic grabbed her hand clawing into the skin enough to make her flinch, then gulped and, noticing her pained expression, released her grip. “Sorry.”

 

The scream set a fire under the desk manager’s feet who darted from the reception area.

 

“For an older man, Oliver Stonewell sure can move.” Emma hustled after him, sprinting across the lobby, curious about what she might find at the source of the wretched scream. Nic kept pace at her side, hand flat against the top of her hat, holding it steady. 

 

As they closed in on the administrative office corridor, another longer scream morphed into a painful yowl. “Hellllp.” 

 

The agonized cry tripped along Emma’s spine like jagged nails scratching at her skin. She raced past Jillian’s empty office. Following Oliver, she veered into the second open doorway and halted with a gasp. Oh my God. She’d seen the raw ugliness of death before, yet it didn’t prepare her for this—lots and lots of blood blossomed across the man’s shirt. She clapped a hand to her mouth stifling a cry. Unexpectedly light-headed, dots floated across her vision. Teetering, she caught the door jamb. Her legs steadied, but her stomach threatened to revolt.

 

“Aw, jeez,” muttered Nic, echoing the horror coursing through her shaky body.

My Review

Cornbread, Ribs, and Murder is book 3 of the Chocolate Martini series.I haven't read the first two books, but the book can stand alone with no problems. It would probably help you understand the sisters if you read the first two books, but as I said you don't have to.

I liked the title of the book very much. In fact that's why I reviewed it. I also like the fact that the two heroines are sisters who love chocolate martinis. I liked the plot and it seems to me that the sisters are pretty good at reading people. Both of them are involved in sleuthing, but I thought Nic was a bit bolder. I thought the mystery was solid, and I didn't know who murdered Leo until the last thirty pages. By that time all the readers probably had a guess who the murderer was, LOL. so I don't deserve much credit for guessing right. 

Lastly, I love cornbread, but I'm very particular how it's made. Nic's prize winning recipe is printed at the end of the story. I think I'll try the recipe and see if I like it. 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

After hearing countless stories as a mental health professional, Joyce retired to create her own tales. As an award-winning author, she writes historical romance and cozy mystery where all endings are guaranteed happy. She shares her home on the prairie with a husband and a little dog with a big personality. When she isn’t reading or writing, she likes to swim and finds baking almost as relaxing as a day at the spa. 

 

Visit here at her website: https://joyceproell.com/ or at https://www.facebook.com/JoyceProellAuthor

 

Brenda Whiteside is the award-winning author of romantic suspense, romance, and cozy mystery. She writes children’s books under the pen name, Brenda Sue. After living in six states and two countries—so far—she and her husband have settled in Central Arizona. They admit to being gypsies at heart and won't discount the possibility of another move. They share their home with a rescue dog named Amigo. While FDW fishes, Brenda writes. 

 

Visit Brenda at https://www.brendawhiteside.com or https://www.facebook.com/BrendaWhitesideAuthor

 

Book Link:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW1GPJR7

 

Series Link:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BQ9T7ZBX

 

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION 

Brenda Whiteside and Joyce Proell will award a $20 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter.

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway