Kirkus Review
A Virginia café owner probes the murder of an unpopular public official. As she prepares to open Cookin' the Books, her literary-themed eatery, Tish Tarragon is also looking forward to a romantic Thanksgiving dinner for two with her new boyfriend, Sheriff Clemson Reade. At the annual village Turkey Trot footrace, however, someone with a high-powered rifle manages to blow a hole in both her plans. The victim, Deputy Mayor Royce Behrens, seems like such an innocuous target that everyone assumes the intended victim must be Mayor Schuyler Thompson, Tish's former main squeeze. But although Tish's parting from Schuyler was anything but amicable, she still has a hard time believing that anyone would want to kill the irascible mayor. What firmly cements her conviction that Royce was the intended victim all along are her chats with the friends and family of the late unlamented. Everyone, from former town council secretary Faye Wheeler to Royce's own mother, Annabelle, had reason to resent the shady philanderer. Once her ex is no longer seen as the real victim of the shooting, Tish is free to join Sheriff Reade on the hunt for the killer. Meade introduces readers to the quirky residents of rural Hobson Glen as Tish balances her investigation with her need make sure all her buddies get the convivial Thanksgiving meal they deserve. A good-natured look at a pretty mean-spirited crime. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Meade, beloved by fans for her multiple cozy-mystery series (like Pret' Near Perfect and Rosie the Riveter), offers up her seventh Tish Tarragon story. Amateur sleuth Tish and her boyfriend, Sheriff Clemson Reade, face one of their most twisted and challenging cases yet when Royce Behrens, the town's deputy mayor, is shot to death during the annual Turkey Trot. As Tish and Clemson dig into the case, they find suspects and motives galore, with dirty politicians, financial shenanigans, secret affairs, and bribery set against deeper issues of infidelity, jealousy, child neglect, ugly family infighting, and greed. While solving Behrens' murder takes center stage in the story, there's plenty of room for the antics of Tish's quirky band of eccentric but lovable friends as well as mouthwatering descriptions of the dishes she cooks for her popular Cookin' the Books Café. The plot also highlights the challenges of complex family dynamics and Tish's budding romance with Clem, but it's the memorable characters, gentle humor, clever plot, and intriguing relationships that make this a story fans of cozy mysteries will enjoy.
Library Journal Review
With elaborate relationships, juicy secrets, and nefarious schemes, Meade's seventh Tish Tarragon novel (following Of Mushrooms and Matrimony) is another savory murder mystery. Tish has a lot to be thankful for: an understanding boyfriend, a close group of friends, the forthcoming opening for her new Cookin' the Books Café. But first, she has to handle catering for the Turkey Trot, Hobson Glen's annual race, an event that's been moved up to pre-Thanksgiving because of local politicians' misguided priorities. As everyone assembles at the trailhead ready to run at the starter's pistol, they instead hear deadly shots fired, and the deputy mayor is killed. Tish has established her sleuthing abilities, and she confidently assists Sheriff Reade in solving the murder. The victim's immoral politics result in a significant list of suspects, and they all give riveting testimonies that further complicate the investigation. Although the jolting reveals could have had more emotional impact, given the complex histories of the suspects, the book still builds a compelling plot. VERDICT Fans of the series will enjoy the camaraderie and supportiveness between Tish and recurring characters, as well as the delicious menu cooked up for the upcoming holiday and Tish's new café.--Hazel Ureta
