It’s a recipe for disaster when bookbinder Brooklyn Wainwright is asked to restore an antique cookbook in this novel in the New York Times bestselling Bibliophile Mystery series. Brooklyn’s sister Savannah and her former culinary school classmates all became successful chefs, especially Savannah’s ex-boyfriend Baxter Cromwell, who went on to culinary superstardom. When he invites the old gang … he invites the old gang to the gala opening of his new restaurant in San Francisco, Savannah asks Brooklyn to restore a rare antique cookbook as a present for him.
The night they all gather, Baxter is found dead, the cookbook has disappeared, and Savannah becomes the suspect du jour. But Brooklyn knows her sister is innocent, and there are plenty of old grudges simmering among this backstabbing bunch. Now she’ll have to turn up the heat on the investigation before Chef Savannah finds herself slinging hash in a prison cafeteria.
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A Cookbook Conspiracy is the 7th book in Kate Carlisle’s Bibliophile Mysteries. I’ve read the previous ones in this series, and I am current on another of her series. Hopefully by this time next year I will be current on them all. What a great writer, and this was no exception. Fun, cozy, clever, and just plain easy to read. I really enjoy this sub-genre and this book is one of the main reasons. Cooking, friends, family, book drama… it has everything to keep you consistently entertained.
Brooklyn’s sister visits, and Savannah’s got a problem. All her former chef friends are cooking for a new restaurant opening in San Francisco, including Baxter, a notoriously difficult chef who’s hurt most people in his inner circle. Toss in some blackmail, marital affairs, and a 230-year-old book that has Revolutionary secrets, and you’ve got quite the mystery unfolding. Baxter’s killed. Clearly, this is a good thing. The man was bad news… and even though no one should be murdered, you will be glad to see this happen. It’s fiction, friends!
Brooklyn meets more of Derek’s family. They consider enlarging their apartment. Some changes are in store for both their families in the near future. And things are getting scary in downtown San Francisco. Good story, and it kept me focused. I would’ve loved some of the backstory to be fleshed out for the 5 or 6 culprits, and it felt a bit rushed to explore the reasons why each might kill Baxter. Otherwise, I think it’s a great installment in the series. On to #8 later this month.
Brooklyn’s sister, Savannah, went to culinary school in France and became friends with a group of people who all went on to become successful chefs. Savannah’s ex-boyfriend went on to become especially successful and has invited the group to attend the opening of his new restaurant in San Francisco. In honor of this event, Savannah asked Brooklyn to restore an old cookbook that Baxter gave her years ago. The night everyone gets together Baxter is killed and the cookbook goes missing. And, to make matters worse, Savannah is the prime suspect. So, Derek and Brooklyn set out to prove her sister’s innocence and find the real killer.
I’ve really been enjoying this series and this book is no exception. The author writes excellent cozy mysteries although I am new to this particular series. It was the Fixer Upper series which first brought me to Kate Carlisle but I am reading this series as fast as I can get them from the library. The book’s well-written with wonderful characters and you’ll be drawn in from the beginning. Full of action and intrigue, this book will keep you guessing throughout. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order for the most enjoyment and benefit.
Who knew that when a bunch of chefs went to school their world was a bit like a soap opera on daytime TV. And now when they all get together again years later someone ends up dead. Once again poor Brooklyn gets involved but I do love that hunky Derek by her side. Check this one out.
This series has the best covers! I just love these wacky plots and fun characters, they keep me entertained all afternoon
I love both of her series but this is my favorite, who knew I’d love book binding? The characters are quirky but believable, the lead and her hot honey are such fun and the family members and friends are original and quirky as well. I always enjoy the mystery but it’s settling back into a world I’ve come to know and love each time, that I so look forward to. You really can’t miss with either of her series but I do love this one best.
This was a fun, easy read. As always, from this series, a page-turner. I managed to guess whodunnit correctly, but I like that they never reveal the motive til the very end. Looking forward to the next installment!
You simply cannot go wrong with a book by Kate Carlisle. Always a great read and a fun story.