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Friday, November 3, 2023

A Tasty Slice of Mystery and Quirkiness: Ashes to Ashes, Crust to Crust

Ashes to Ashes, Crust to Crust (Deep Dish Mysteries, #2)Ashes to Ashes, Crust to Crust by Mindy Quigley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Year read: 2023

I recently delved into the world of Mindy Quigley's "Ashes to Ashes, Crust to Crust," the second installment in the Deep Dish Mysteries series, and I must say, it was a delightful journey through the picturesque town of Geneva Bay, Wisconsin. While I can't quite give it a full five stars, several aspects of this book kept me eagerly turning the pages.

First and foremost, Delilah's character development is a notable highlight. In the first book of the series, she was a bit hard to warm up to, but in this installment, her independence and hard-headedness began to take on a more endearing quality. She's far from your typical sugar-coated heroine, which is a refreshing change. You might still want to smack some sense into her at times, but that's what makes her a compelling protagonist.

The supporting characters also shine in this story. We learn more about Auntie Biz and Sonya, adding depth to the ensemble cast. These characters bring their unique quirks and charm to the narrative, making the book richer and more engaging.

The central mystery, involving poison and a culinary contest rivalry, is intriguing and keeps you guessing throughout. However, the poison's portrayal might require some suspension of disbelief, as it doesn't entirely match reality. Nonetheless, it's a minor issue that doesn't significantly detract from the overall enjoyment of the story.

The way Mindy Quigley weaves the town's gangster history into the narrative is a fun and unique touch. It adds depth and flavor to the setting, making Geneva Bay feel more alive.

One minor complaint is that I wished for more appearances from Butterball the Cat, who has quickly become a beloved character in this series. Butterball's antics add humor and heart to the story, and I hope to see even more of this furry sidekick in future installments.

In conclusion, "Ashes to Ashes, Crust to Crust" is a worthy addition to the Deep Dish Mysteries series. While it may not be a perfect five stars due to minor quibbles, it offers an engaging mystery, well-developed characters, and a unique setting. If you're a fan of cozy mysteries with a dash of humor and a slice of quirky characters, this series is worth sinking your teeth into. I'm looking forward to what Mindy Quigley serves up next!




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