Val Deniston is catering the debut of Bayport’s newest bookstore—but the death of a customer is about to draw her into a real-life murder mystery … book.
After winning the costume contest at the Halloween-themed bookstore party, Suzette is mowed down by a hit-and-run driver—and Val and her grandfather start to wonder whether it was really an accident or if someone was after Suzette. Granddad is a little distracted by his new enterprise as a ghost-buster, but as Val talks to Suzette’s coworkers and fellow creative writing students, she grows more convinced that the dead woman’s demons weren’t imaginary—and that she needs to rip the mask off a killer …
Includes delicious five-ingredient recipes!
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Crypt Suzette by Maya Corrigan is the sixth A Five-Ingredient Mystery. Val Deniston is catering the grand opening of Title Wave which is the new bookstore owned by Dorothy Muir. There is a costume contest as part of the festivities with a gift card to the bookstore as the grand prize. Suzette Cripps, who has been renting a room from Don Myers, Val’s grandfather, enters the contest and wins with her creative entry. The next morning, Chief Earl Yardley visits the house to notify them that Suzette is dead from a hit-and-run driver. Val has a feeling that it was not an accident and decides to learn more about Suzette. After someone tries to run Val down, she has a feeling she is on the right track. There are multiple suspects, good misdirection and discreet clues. You will have to pay close attention if you want to solve this case before the reveal. While Val is working on Suzette’s case, Grandad is busy with his new ghost hunting business. He has two women who have had items disappear. Both mysteries are cleverly done and interesting to follow. We can always count on Grandad to provide humor and he does not disappoint in Crypt Suzette. He is certainly busy with his Codger Cook column, private investigating business, and now ghost hunting. Bayport is celebrating Halloween and the festivities help provide Val with a vital clue. Bram Muir has come to town to help his mother with her new business venture and Val has caught his eye. While Crypt Suzette is the sixth book in the series, it can be read alone. There is cooking a plenty in Crypt Suzette and the author provides a couple of recipes at the end of the book. I always enjoy the banter between Val and her grandfather. I like that they have a close relationship and share the same interests (cooking and investigating crimes). The ending of Crypt Suzette will have you laughing. Crypt Suzette is a spirited cozy mystery with clever costumes, devilish delights, a crafty killer, Halloween hijinks, morbid moaning, and a phantasmal plunderer.
While we really don’t meet or get to know Suzette, of the title reference, while she is alive, the unraveling of her untimely death will keep you fascinated and turning pages late into the evening, no matter what time of day you begin this book. Taking place at my favorite holiday season and with plenty of involvement at some of my favorite types of locations, including a book store and a Haunted House, this book will make you reflect about favorite classic reads as well as being intrigued by this series as a new favorite.
Val Deniston and her Grandfather are both involved in food, in different ways, and sleuthing, also, in individual ways. Even Val is surprised by the creative ways her grandfather can come up with to become involved in investigating mysteries.
I don’t want to spoil the plot for anyone because there is so much to enjoy.
Believe me you will be wondrously surprised and delighted by the complications involved in this tangled plot.
At the end of the book author Maya Corrigan treats us to MANY mouth watering delights.
Val Deniston’s granddad has taken on another boarder, a young woman named Suzette Cripps. Suzette spends most of her time in her room, but she is planning to participate in the literary themed costume contest to celebrate the town’s new bookstore. The morning after the contest, Suzette is dead, killed by a hit and run driver. The police are investigating, but they think it was an accident. Val can’t help but think it was more than that. Is she right?
The mystery starts out quickly, and it is easy for us to share Val’s suspicion that this wasn’t an accident. There are plenty of suspects, and I felt like it took a little while for me to keep them all straight. This is a minor complaint, however, as they did get developed as the book went along. I’m in awe at how the clues were sprinkled into the book, and as Val used them to piece things together at the end, I felt foolish for not picking up on them myself. The book is set at Halloween, and the fall atmosphere is a lot of fun. We get a creepy Halloween inspired scene near the end as well. Val’s granddad is a hoot, and I really enjoyed his sub-plot involving ghost hunting. There are five more five-ingredient recipes at the end of the book. While it would be fun to read this book at Halloween, it works well at any season of the year. I enjoyed it in February, after all.
This is the first book I have read in this series and I really enjoyed it. Val and her grandfather have a local student, Suzette, renting a room in their house. Val is catering a Halloween Party at a new bookstore. The bookstore is hosting a literary costume contest. The next morning Suzette is hit by a car on her morning jog. At first it looks like a tragic hit and run accident but Val is not so sure. She sets out to prove that the accident may not be so accidental. While investigating she is also helping the town celebrate Halloween. I really enjoy the small town setting and the characters. There are a lot of fun Halloween Celebrations. The mystery was good with plenty of suspects and the solution made sense. I liked it that she worked with police during her investigation. There are recipes at the end. Enjoy this fun Holiday Cozy Mystery.
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
Another fantastic addition to this wonderful cozy series! Val is gearing up for Halloween with a catering job with the brand new bookstore. The grand opening is a success including the costume contest. At least until the winner is found dead the next morning and she just happens to be granddads house guest. Well of course she has to start asking questions which leads to hilarious moments with all the main characters and a few strange ones with guests. Add in the recipes and you will find yourself hungry yet satisfied by the end. A must read for culinary cozy fans. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
Val and her Grandad’s boarder, Suzette, is found dead, a victim of an apparent hit and run, the morning after a Halloween party at the new local bookstore. Val isn’t convinced that it was just an accident and starts digging into the young woman’s past and current. Many suspects arise including her mother’s ex-boyfriend, her boss at the inn she where she worked, and her writing group, The Fictionistas. Val and Grandad try to hunt out a killer as well as some supposed ghosts that are stealing from people. I have to say, the killer surprised me. There were lots of twists and turns in this book to make it intriguing. Very entertaining and I loved the introduction of the new bookshop owner and her son. Possible love interests for both Grandad and Val. Can’t wait to see what they investigate next
Suzette Cripps has been renting a spare bedroom in the house Val Deniston shares with her granddad. Suzette, a college student, had fallen on some hard times and needed a place closer to her job so she could still work and take her classes. So Val’s granddad agreed to let her stay with them until she could find something else. Suzette was quiet, secretive, and appeared to be a little fearful but Val and her granddad liked Suzette. After winning a costume contest at a bookstore’s Halloween party Suzette seems to have gone missing. Suzette apparently becomes the victim of a hit and run accident. However, the more Val learned about Suzette the more she believed this was no accident. Can Val find out what really happened to Suzette?
This is the sixth book in the series but my first book. I had no problems enjoying this book as a stand-alone mystery. The mystery is very well written keeping me guessing at every twist and turn. There is no shortage of suspects and the mystery moves at a fast steady pace. I really enjoyed the characters. They are relatable and likable. This is a great mystery for any time of the year but a must for the Fall/Halloween Season.
I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book supplied by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
Val Deniston, owner of the Cool Down Cafe located in the Bayport Racket and Fitness Club, is catering the grand opening of Dorothy Muir’s Title Wave Bookstore. Bram Muir, Dorothy’s son, is on site to help his mother with the opening. Suzette Cripps, a young college student who is renting a room from Val’s grandfather Don Myers. Suzette works at a local local hotel and is very secretive about her past. She seems to be afraid of something or someone and believes someone is after her. Suzette wins the costume contest at the bookstore and is excited to win the gift card to the bookstore.
Suzette is a member of the Factionista’s, a creative writing group. Members of the group are also in the contest.
The next day, Don Myers is notified by Chief Earl Yardley that Suzette has been killed by a hit and run driver. The Chief thinks it was an accident but Val and Don feel that she was murdered.
Val and Don start investigating (which they both love to do) along with their love of cooking. In between Grandpa writes his Codger cooking column for the newspaper, his private investigating business and his new ghost hunting business he is on board to find out who killed Suzette.
The interesting characters are many and you will have to be on your toes to keep up with Maya Corrigan. This book is a cozy mystery with a Halloween backdrop, clever costumes and a lot of suspects.
I received an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest review. A must read for those who enjoy cozy mysteries.
I really enjoyed this mystery. The characters were fun to get to know. All so different but what an interesting way to portray the book store, a book club and writers. It was still a mystery right up until the last chapter with a lot of wrong guesses. I will be reading more of by this author!
An excellent read! I was kept guessing until the end. This cozy mystery is extremely well written with a tight, multi-layered plot and engaging characters. There were multiple story lines, which were all tied up in the end. I’ll definitely be reading more of this author’s work. I received this book free and chose to make a voluntary, unbiased review.
The main reason I pick up these cozy mysteries is for the holiday theme. This one started out in that regard, but the theme was quickly pushed aside by the muᏒᎠᎬᏒ mᎽsᏆᎬᏒᎽ. Which I found super dísαppσíntíng. However, the kept me guessing until the end, and the were likable. Plus, as a ฿Ø₦Ʉ₴ there are five ψummψ š⊕uηdïηg recipes. So a bit of a with this one…
Food and books, what a great way to spend Halloween.
Crypt Suzette by Maya Corrigan is marvelously written story with mystery, family, friendship, a hint of love and lots of food. And would make a fabulous Halloween read if you are looking for one.
Val Deniston
Val is our sleuth and main character. She is very inquisitive, yet, friendly and she has a knack for cooking, Val runs a café at the fitness center and does catering on the side. I like that Val isn’t willing to let something go easily. She tries to get to the bottom of things with her Granddad’s assistance, of course. I also like that she takes care of her Granddad in a very respectful way.
Suzette
Suzette is a beautiful young woman, and sadly, she is the victim. She is living with Val and her Granddad until she saves enough money for an apartment. Suzette didn’t have a great life as her father left when she was young, and her mother had issues with Suzette.
However, Suzette was a hard worker, and she had dreams of being a writer which she was working at achieving. She was also an advocate for those who were wrong. I like Suzette and could see us being friends.
Mystery
I enjoyed the way that Val and her Granddad worked together to find out who killed Suzette. The clues were hidden very well and I didn’t pick up on them at first. However, I did guess who did it, and my guess was correct.
4 Stars for Crypt Suzette by Maya Corrigan
My rating for Crypt Suzette by Maya Corrigan is four stars. I truly enjoyed reading about Val and her Granddad’s adventures and look forward to the next installment. There are a few recipes, including one for Crypt Suzettes.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Crypt Suzette by Maya Corrigan.
Anyways, until next time,
Karen the Baroness
Happy Reading
If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.
It’s Halloween and Val’s grandfather has gotten her a job catering a Halloween party at the new bookstore in town, The Title Wave. Part of the festivities involve a costume contest. The winner turns out to be Suzette, the secretive young woman who is renting grandfather’s spare room. Tragedy strikes when she is found dead the next morning, killed in a hit and run accident – or was it really a murder? Val and her grandfather start following the clues to bring the killer to justice.
The relationship between Val and her grandfather is wonderful. I can think of only one other mystery series I have read with such a great connection between generations. They share a house and team up to solve a crime or two. When not tracking a killer, grandfather, Don Mayer, writes a column called the Codger Cook, with five ingredient recipes. He has also branched out beyond that by becoming a ghost hunter. Truly an active senior citizen.
Sifting through their clues and trying to uncover the many local secrets, Val and Don work well with the local police. I find that refreshing. Too often the amateurs see the police as a bunch of incompetents. I don’t want to give any more details because I don’t like spoilers. Also, this works well as a stand alone so brew up your beverage of choice, find a comfy chair and settle down for a very entertaining read. Then line up the previous five books for a binge read. I’m already looking forward to the next entry.
This is the sixth in the series. I was not disappointed. This series just gets better and better.
A young college student, Suzette Cripps, is renting a room from Val Deniston’s grandfather. Suzette is the victim of a hit and run. As the story progresses, we learn more about Suzette, her family, and work relationships. Suzette has not had an easy life.
As if the hit and run of Suzette isn’t enough, there are burglaries in the neighboring towns. Are these connected to the death of Suzette. Is the break-in at Val’s and her grandfather’s home connected to either of the previous situations?
I liked the writing students get togethers and their leader/teacher. She had a way to pull out information and show the dynamics of the group. See how these are deftly integrated into the story.
An added bonus are recipes at the end of the book.
I was given an advanced reader’s copy and am not required to leave a positive review.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed a lot of things about this book. The characters are well developed and have their own identities so it’s easy to keep them straight. The story line was awesome and had so much depth, twists and turns. I had a few guesses who the killer was later on but I was never completely sure. I also love the little added love interests slowly blooming in this book as well. Maya did a fabulous job and I very much look forward to the next in the series.
A Word of Advice: Don’t Keep Your Fears to Yourself…
Val Deniston is catering a special event celebrating the opening of the book store, Title Wave. The opening coincides with Bayport’s annual Spooktacular Halloween event. As part of the opening celebration, the bookstore will be hosting a Costume Party. Suzette Cripps, who rents a room from Val’s grandfather, is one of the contestants and also a member of a creative writing group, called the Fictionistas. For the contest, Suzette dressed up as Moaning Myrtle from the Harry Potter books. The bookstore owner’s brother, Bram, declares Suzette the winner and awards her a gift certificate to buy books.
Unfortunately, Suzette never gets an opportunity to use the Gift Certificate, as she is found dead the next morning on the peninsula road, an apparent hit-and-run victim. The leader of the writer’s group, Gillian Holroyrd, sent Val some pages of the book Suzette was writing and asked her to attend the next meeting of the Fictionistas, which will be a tribute to Suzette. As Val reads the pages and starts thinking about Suzette’s activities, she realizes that Suzette was scared of something or somebody. Talking with people who knew Suzette confirms this and Val starts seriously doubting that Suzette’s death was accidental.
Was it really an accident or was Suzette murdered? Who would want her dead? Why? Can Val and her grandfather figure out the mystery?
Maya Corrigan has developed a very involved mystery that will keep readers guessing clear through to the end. There are plenty of suspects, red herrings, and finger-pointing, along with the usual twists and turns of a good mystery to keep the reader involved.
Crypt Suzette by Maya Corrigan is book 6 in the 5 Ingredient Mystery series. I have only read book 1 and 2 but was able to get up to date quickly.
When college student, Suzette, a boarder in Val and her grandfather’s house, is ran over in a hit skip while she is jogging. Val sets out to find out who was behind the wheel. Since Suzette was very secretive with her past life, Val has her hands full. Was it someone in her writing group, at her part time job, or from her past. Even when Val is targeted, she still has plenty of suspects on her radar.
Corrigan gives twists and turns to have you guessing until the end. There is also humor, a hint of romance, and recipes. Everything a great cozy needs.
Crypt Suzette will have you in the Halloween spirit.
.I was given an ARC by NetGalley and Kensington Books and this is my honest review.
After reading Crypt Suzette and I found myself very interested in finishing this book to see who was the killer! There were lots of facts and clues which I enjoyed as I kept reading, plenty of twists and turns which I liked yet I was still surprised when it all came together!
Val the protagonist was one of the busiest females I’ve ever encountered, with her cafe, catering, sleuthing, taking care of others which all were intertwined with the mystery.
I liked Val and her granddad who shared a large house and their interactions they had. It sounded like a loving relationship.
It’s a nice clean mystery and good to read this fall, since the setting surrounds Halloween.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required.
Cozy Mystery on the Chesapeake Shore
This book is the sixth in the series and the first that I have read. It stands alone exceptionally well. This is a very good story, but some parts moved a bit slowly. There were several issues in the book that I found to be irritating or offensive. Other than that, it is a good story with a good plot and a wonderful setting. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.
Val and her Granddad have invited Suzette Cripps to stay in their home while she attends a nearby college. Suzette doesn’t share much about her life before arriving in Bayport, but before Val can befriend Suzette and learn more about her, she is killed. Val and Granddad are convinced that Suzette’s murder has to do with her past. There are a number of viable suspects and it takes Val to discover the secret between Suzette and the killer. Good chaacter relationship, especially between Val and her Granddad and an enjoyable book. I voluntarily read and Advanced Reader Copy of this book.Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Publishers for the opportunity.