Southern Sass and Killer Cravings
For generations, the women of the Brown family on Peach Cove Island have been known for their Southern sass and sweet homemade desserts at their beloved Peach Diner. Since their mother’s passing two years ago, Marygene has been stuck in Atlanta while her sister Jena Lynn has been running the family business. Now Marygene has left her husband and returned to her hometown, where she can almost feel Mama’s presence.
But all is not peachy back home. Marygene has barely tied on an apron when a diner regular drops dead at the counter. When it turns out the old man’s been poisoned, Jena Lynn is led away in handcuffs and the family eatery is closed. Now, to save her sister and the diner, Marygene must find the real killer. With some startling assistance from her Mama’s spirit, Marygene will be serving up a special order of just desserts.
Series: Marygene Brown Mysteries – Book #1
Author: Kate Young
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Culinary
Publisher: Kensington Books
Page Count: 368
Rating: 
A brand new cozy mystery series from Kate Young “Marygene Brown Mysteries” published by Kensington Books is a thought-provoking book with lots of pleasant characters and great potential. This book is well-written, with smooth transitions and plenty of plot twists. Readers will enjoy getting to know Marygene and spending time with her and the other characters.
Marygene is a very amiable character with flaws and fears. She reminds us that we are all human and sometimes we hold ourselves responsible for things beyond our control. We try to governor everything and when we can’t we feel like a failure. Marygene is a character many of us can relate to and understand. Add just a touch of the paranormal into the mix in the form of a ghost, and you have the makings of a very absorbing mystery with a nice dash of humor. Other characters in Southern Sass & Killer Cravings are warm, caring, and suffer from normal human frailties. They have insecurities, secrets, and burdens and this is what makes them interesting and likable.
The method of murder and the victim is fascinating. However, the method of the murder was a bit too obvious for seasoned readers. The victim was at first a very kindly person. Yet as the story unfolds, we learn that perhaps he wasn’t as nice or as good as initially thought. This makes for an absorbing turn and keeps the reader engaged.
For the first novel in a new cozy mystery series, Southern Sass & Killer Cravings is a pleasurable read, fast-paced with enough action to keep readers turning the page. However, I did take issue with a woman who has just gotten out of a physically abusive marriage associating with a man who has a violent temper. Most abuse victims, once out of an abusive relationship will not willingly have a friend who is physically violent with an explosive temper. This is simply not a judicious scenario.
Overall, this is a good book and what will be a good new cozy mystery series. It has great potential, notable characters, and a ghost that I hope will continue to make an appearance. Ms. Young is a seasoned writer and knows how to tell a compelling story. The recipes in the back of the book are delicious!
Readers who enjoy Southern Sass & Killer Cravings will also enjoy books such as Darci Hannah’s https://www.darcihannah.com/ “A Very Cherry Mystery” series https://www.thecozyreview.com/cozy-mystery-cherry-scones-broken-bones/ or Krista Davis’ http://www.kristadavis.com/ “Domestic Diva” series https://www.thecozyreview.com/the-diva-sweetens-the-pie-a-cozy-mystery-book/.
About the Author:
Kate Young writes humorous southern mystery novels. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and the Guppy Chapter. Kate lives in a small town in Georgia with her husband, three kids, and Shih Tzu. When she is not writing her own books, she’s reading or cooking.
Represented by Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency.
Contact Kate: kayoungbooks@att.net
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