The Agatha Award–winning author of Grilling the Subject returns to the Cookbook Nook in Crystal Cove, where the annual Renaissance Fair serves up a helping of crafty courtiers, damsels in distress, and medieval murder . . .As the annual Renaissance Fair comes to Crystal Cove, Jenna Hart’s Cookbook Nook is packed with tasty treats and all things medieval, while her pal Bailey is ready to swoon … Bailey is ready to swoon over her upcoming nuptials at a local vineyard. But when the two friends discover the body of the vineyard’s owner bludgeoned by a winepress, all their merriment fades, along with their hopes for a vintage year.
Which churlish varlet did the deed? Was it the victim’s errant brother, who stood to inherit the vineyards? Or the owner’s crestfallen ex-girlfriend? Mayhap it was the newly arrived comely wench, or her jealous husband. Fie on them all! Verily, Jenna can’t rest until justice is served, and she vows to track down the killer. But can she sniff out the truth before the villainous culprit strikes again?
Includes tantalizing recipes!
Praise for Daryl Wood Gerber and the Cookbook Nook Mysteries:
“There’s a feisty new amateur sleuth in town and her name is Jenna Hart. With a bodacious cast of characters, a wrenching murder, and a collection of cookbooks to die for, Daryl Wood Gerber’s Final Sentence is a page-turning puzzler of a mystery that I could not put down.” —Jenn McKinlay, New York Times bestselling author of the Cupcake Mysteries and Library Lovers Mysteries
“In Final Sentence, the author smartly blends crime, recipes, and an array of cookbooks that all should covet in a witty, well-plotted whodunit.” —Kate Carlisle, New York Times bestselling author of the Bibliophile Mysteries
“Readers will relish the extensive cookbook suggestions, the cooking primer, and the whole foodie phenomenon. Gerber’s perky tone with a multigenerational cast makes this series a good match for Lorna Barrett’s Booktown Mystery series . . .” —Library Journal
“So pull out your cowboy boots and settle in for a delightful read. Grilling the Subject is a delicious new mystery that will leave you hungry for more.” —Carstairs Considers Blog
About the Author:
Agatha Award–winning and nationally bestselling author Daryl Wood Gerber is the author of the Cookbook Nook Mysteries, the French Bistro Mysteries, the Cheese Shop Mysteries (as Avery Aames), and stand-alone suspense thrillers. Little known facts about Daryl are that she’s jumped out of a perfectly good airplane, has hitchhiked around Ireland by herself, and has appeared on an episode of Murder, She Wrote. She loves to read, cook, and golf, and has a frisky Goldendoodle named Sparky who keeps her in line!
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Pressing the Issue is the 6th book in the Cookbook Nook Mysteries written by Daryl Wood Gerber. I’ve read several other series by this author and I’ve also read the previous books in this one. I enjoy the seaside California setting, the combo book/cafe backdrop, and the memorable characters, including protagonist, Jenna, a thirtyish storeowner with immense curiosity and a penchant for finding dead bodies. Of course, this is the typical story for a cozy mystery, but each one carries its own twist. It even tosses in a few fun pets that make us warm and cozy.
A Renaissance Faire has come to Crystal Cove, and Jenna is caught up in the costumes, acting, and guests. Too bad one of them has it out for the head of the event, a local who runs a vineyard and wedding venue. He’s hosting Bailey’s (Jenna’s best friend) upcoming nuptials, but there seems to be a curse. When the man ends up murdered by an old wine press, Jenna must solve the crime to clear friends and keep the wedding on schedule. Was it the man’s brother who raises birds? A girlfriend recently dumped? A couple who have mysterious secrets? A neighbor with a grudge against the family? Or one of the other supporting characters who each have something to do with the Faire?
Gerber keeps the plot light and fun with the backdrop setting. Between the descriptions and the language, readers are immersed in Medieval times. The mystery had depth, and it could’ve gone in several directions. New and old characters popped up, and I enjoyed the progressive romance of Jenna and her local boyfriend. I think they’re good for one another, but they also don’t dominate the story. The writing is fun and solid. The setup for future books continues with the various shenanigans the Cookbook Nook. And I can’t wait to see who gets married next among Katie, Pepper, Cinnamon, Vera, and Lola. Only two have a real chance, as the others seem to squash their romances as much as they find them. Nonetheless, it will be amusing to stay the course on this ride.
I did win a copy of this book from an author sponsored Facebook contest but I am not letting that influence my review.
Very fun book and the mystery was pretty good too. The story moves around the Renaissance Fair being held in Crystal Grove. When Nick Baldine (a local vintner who is the King of the Fair) is found dead, Jenna Hart and crew are pulled in to try to help soothe the bad vibes and find justice for one of their own. Ms. Gerber pulls you into the fair atmosphere and lets you feel the emotions passing through different characters as they question whether a long time friend might have committed a heinous crime.
Very nice details on things like pottery making and historical facts about Pasties. Also like the fact that in addition to seeing Jenna putting out book displays in her shop the Cookbook Nook, you see customer reactions i.e. some younger women tittering about some more risqué features. My one very slight problem was that occasionally the introduction of a baking feature or a book reference seemed a bit formulaic but that did not deter from the overall enjoyment.
Glad Tito and Bailey’s marriage went off despite the dire forewarnings and events and looking forward to hear more about what Jenna and Rhett need to talk about!
Reposted from Goodreads.
The Renaissance Fair has come to town, and all of Crystal Cove is getting into the act. However, not everyone is in the partying mood, as Jenna Hart discovers when she and some friends stumble on the body of Nick, a local vineyard owner. Nick was universally loved, or so it seemed. Who wanted him gone?
It was so glad to be back with Jenna and her community. She really does have a large group of friends and family, and they all get their moments to shine here. Of course, we get some strong suspects. I did figure some parts of the mystery out early, but I didn’t have it all pieced together until Jenna figured it out. And the Renaissance Fair proves to be another fun backdrop for the action.
NOTE: I received in ARC of this book.
It’s time for Crystal Coves annual Ren Fair and everyone is excited. All the shop keepers are getting into the spirit, even Pepper who can be a grouch. Jenna has so many things planned and hopes she’ll be able to attend everything that she wants to. There is so much to look forward to, like her best friend Bailey’s wedding in a couple of weeks. The wedding is to be held at a local winery and Jenna is happy to take a moment away to help Bailey figure out some of the wedding details. Nick Baldini, the winery owner, also happens to be king of the fair. When Nick is found dead people wonder why someone would kill him, he was a beloved member of the town and didn’t seem to have any real enemies. With Buck’s death Bailey is afraid she’ll have to look for another venue and postpone her wedding. Even though the police told her to stay out of it Jenna feels like she needs to look into Nick’s death and Bailey is right there with her. Will they be able to come up with the answers to the clues they find as they investigate? Follow along as they delve into Nick’s everyday life, his persona at the Ren Fair, and into his past. Will they find the killer before the killer finds them? This is such a fun series filled with great characters, an exciting story line, and tasty recipes!!!
It was fantastic to be back in Crystal Cove with Jenna and Bailey for the Renaissance Faire.
The Cookbook Book is geared up for the Renaissance Faire with books, crafts and food, and all are in costumes as well.
Bailey is excited preparing for her wedding at Baldini Vineyards.
When a death occurs at Baldini Vineyards, Bailey is upset as her wedding will not take place. Can she find a new venue on short notice?
Jenna has said she will leave the investigation to Cinnamon and the police, but not matter how she tries she just can’t stay out of it.
Another wonderful book written by Daryl Wood Gerber.
Thank you NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.
Thank you Daryl Wood Gerber for another fun trip to Crystal Cove.
This is such a perfect cozy. Seeing the characters grow each story. And now I want to go to a Renaissance Fair.
In Pressing the Issue, book 6 of the Cookbook Nook series, we return to Crystal Cove where a Renaissance Fair is taking place. This is a great series and this one does not disappoint either!
When Nick Baldine, the owner of a local vineyard and the King of the fair, turns up dead with numerous possible subjects, Jenna is determined to find the murderer while keeping her fair activities at her store running smoothly and help her friend, Bailey with her upcoming wedding. The story flows and has a great cast of characters. There are plenty twists and turns in the story and you are kept guessing until the end.
I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for an honest review.
I was so thrilled when I heard there was going to be another book in the Cookbook Nook Mysteries! It has been one of my favorite series since I read book one, FINAL SENTENCE. In this sixth book in the series, author Daryl Wood Gerber doesn’t disappoint!
PRESSING THE ISSUE is the perfect installment to this delightful series. All of the wonderful characters are back and at their best, this time deeply intrenched in the local Renaissance Fair. Seriously, I had a smile on my face the entire time I was reading it.
A fabulously well plotted mystery, I was so engrossed in the story, following along with, Jenna trying to figure the who and the why, that I lost all track of time and didn’t look up until I had finished the last page.
Fans of Daryl Wood Gerber, and the Cookbook Nook Mysteries, will not be disappointed. Haven’t read this series? If you love cozies, and a culinary theme, it’s time for you to get started!
Pressing the Issue by Daryl Wood Gerber is the sixth book in A Cookbook Nook Mystery series. Jenna Hart is busy getting the Cookbook Nook ready for the Crystal Cove Renaissance Fair. I love reading about a Ren Faire encompassing a town. All elements common to cozy mysteries within the book flow seamlessly and seem quite normal within the context of Ren Faire and they just make the story so much more enjoyable. I suspect Ms. Wood Gerber did a lot of research as the realism throughout this book is amazingly portrayed and well-integrated throughout the story. The Cookbook Nook is prepared for the Ren Faire with books, crafts and food, Faire speak and costumes. Jenna, Bailey and friends worked together to make this faire spectacular. Additionally, Bailey is preparing for her wedding at Baldini Vineyards. “Bad vibes” are confirmed when, Nick, the king of the faire, is found dead. What impact with that have on her wedding and the faire? In true Jenna fashion, she can’t leave the investigation to Cinnamon and the police.
“Be careful what you wish for, it might come true.” is an example of a powerful oxymoronic and paradoxical idea. It is as central to human thought and/or experience today as it was centuries ago. Since the beginning of civilization, people have dreamed of fame or wealth or other good fortune. In one of Aesop’s most popular fables, Aesop wrote, “We would often be sorry if our wishes were gratified.” Do you believe in Magic? If not, after reading this story you may believe both are a reality at the Renaissance Faire. “Pressing the Issue” skillfully combines fantasy, reality; murder, mayhem, and “can’t put the book down” reading enjoyment! I loved being introduced to the Ren Faire in Crystal Cove, and all the other village characters with descriptions so vivid that you feel as if you are there. I highly recommend this book to everyone who loves a good cozy read with a Renaissance flair and quirky characters. Ms. Wood Gerber is a superb storyteller. Mystery, humor, romance, with a delicious food (and recipes) are all blended together perfectly. This book has been pure pleasure to read. HUZZAH! Pressing the Issue is a superb book.
Disclosure: Thank you NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy I have voluntarily provided an unbiased and honest review.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
We arrive in Crystal Cove just in time for the Renaissance Fair and Bailey’s wedding. Everyone was having a great time until the Nick, the king of the faire and owner of the venue for Bailey’s wedding is found dead. With a booth at the fair, the Cookbook Nook, and all the wedding plans the last thing Jenna Hart needs in a murder to solve. Nick was a very popular resident of Crystal Cove, who would want him dead? Jenna starts talking to everyone she can, maybe she can find the killer before all the people in town for the faire clear out and maybe Bailey’s dream wedding can take place as planned. Let the sleuthing begin.
The last book in this series had me struggling with many emotions. I was so glad to pick up this book and reconnect with all the characters and their lives at a happy time with the wedding and Ren Faire. The author does an excellent job of getting us up to date and back into the groove with Jenna and her friends and family. We also meet some new characters in town for the faire. Daryl Wood Gerber creates such delightful characters that have grown in each new installment of this series.
I was very taken with the vineyard setting Bailey and Tito had chosen for their nuptials. It was described so nicely and sounded like a beautiful place. I have never been to a Ren Faire but I had in my mind a set-up similar to the setting in Joyce and Jim Lavene’s Renaissance Faire Mysteries, but this being only a pop-up type event it wasn’t as elaborate as the faire in those stories, but it sure appeared to be a lot of fun.
The mystery is so well-written, plenty of suspects and plenty of twists. I do have a problem when I read books by this author. I tend to get all wrapped up in happening to the regular characters and the great books Jenna has a the CookBook Nook that I usually miss some very important clue. This time I made myself pay attention, even highlighting lines from the book on my Kindle. This time when we reached the reveal of the killer I was so happy to see my diligence paid off and I was right.
Another great story from Daryl Wood Gerber.
This series is best read in order for maximum enjoyment.
PRESSING THE ISSUE by Daryl Wood Gerber
The Sixth Cookbook Nook Mystery
Excitement is running high in Crystal Cove with the annual Renaissance Fair in town and preparations underway for Bailey’s wedding at a local vineyard. While Jenna Hart is practicing her “fair-speak” and stacking the shelves of the Cookbook Nook with Renaissance themed cookbook, Bailey is in a tizzy, worried about her wedding, especially since her mother has got “vibes”. And not good ones. A missed phone call sends the pair and their significant others to the vineyard only to find the owner murdered. Bad vibes indeed.
Love is in the air, unfortunately, so is murder. Could Nick’s death be caused by love gone wrong? There are plenty of possible suspects including the girlfriend he recently dumped, the woman who has stolen his heart, even his brother! The book delves into other loves as well. In addition to Bailey’s wedding preparations, wedding bells are on the minds of more than one other character.
I enjoyed the Renaissance Fair theme to the latest Cookbook Nook mystery. I’ve always wanted my own Ren costume and I know I could nail down my “fair-speak”. As for solving the murder…Daryl Wood Gerber creates an intriguing mix of suspects and clues which Jenna navigates, well, more accurately, Bailey drags her through.
PRESSING THE ISSUE combines Renaissance Fair fun, wedding preparations with a mini bridezilla, and murder to create a delectable mystery.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
This book was jam packed full of details. The author set some of the story in the Cookbook Nook but most of it was set in town at the Renaissance Fair and a bit at vineyards giving us a bigger picture than usual. She really tried to develop the Fair into the story line and not just as a side mention for strangers to be incorporated into the story.
All of that time spent on places and events meant less on characters. All of the usual characters pop in briefly, but weren’t really meaningful in this one, despite Bailey’s upcoming wedding being, theoretically, a big issue. This left me a little flat.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
With Bailey and Tito’s wedding quickly approaching, Jenna is helping them with last minute details, including finalizing details at Baldini Vineyards, the venue for the reception. But when they receive a cryptic message from Nick Baldini on Bailey’s voice mail, Jenna and her friends rush up to the vineyard where they discover Nick’s dead body. Despite all of her friends warning her to stay out of it, Jenna begins questioning several of the potential suspects. Unfortunately, she learns that Nick recently had verbal altercations with many of those same people, leaving her with too many suspects and too many motives. The twists and turns in the story kept the reader guessing through to the end, though I did have a sense of who the killer might be earlier. Nonetheless, it did not detract from reading about Jenna’s mind set in solving the murder. The Renaissance Fair background also provided an interesting backdrop to this story. Throughout the fast-paced story, there are detailed descriptions of many of the stalls with their crafts and activities that make the reader feel as if they are actually part of the story. There are also delectable descriptions of Renaissance food, such as a meat pasty, with the recipes included at the end of the story. Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing this Advanced Reading Copy.
It is no secret I am a fan of Daryl Wood Gerber. This is a very fun series, and although it is book number 6, it could stand alone without the reader losing much of the story. It’s always fun to revisit Crystal Cove and the Cookbook Nook. Jenna, Bailey, Katie and the regulars in each story evolve with every book. The characters in this series really make it special for me. This time around Bailey is getting married. The week before the wedding Crystal Cove is engaged in a Renaissance Fair. The Cookbook Nook has a stand with Katie’s Cornish Pasties, there are crafts galore, and everyone gets to dress up and have fun at the fair. Until Nick, Bailey’s wedding planner is found murdered. Now they have to find the killer before they strike again. It is a fast paced story that goes in twists and turns and keeps you guessing who the killer is until the very end. It is a great addition to a series I love, and I am already looking forward to book 7. I did receive this book in exchange for an honest review, but all opinions are my own.
There’s a lot of exciting events happening in Crystal Cove in the coming weeks. The Renaissance Fair is about to begin and Jenna has a lot of activities scheduled in the store plus has plans to participate at the pier with Rhett. Also in few weeks Bailey and Tito are getting married at Nick Baldini’s vineyard. Everyone is having fun dressing in costume and conversing in “fair speak”, but Bailey cannot shake the feeling that something bad is going to happen. Even Bailey’s mother said she has a vibe of something coming. One evening after having fun at the Ren Fair the two couples (Jenna & Rhett and Bailey & Tito) go to discuss some wedding plans with Nick at the Vineyard only to stumble on his bludgeoned body. Police Chief Pritchett gives Jenna orders to stay out of the investigation but with Bailey’s wedding on the line, Jenna can’t help herself.
This book was so much fun to read. I’ve never been to a Ren Fair and reading this book makes me want to go to the next one in my area. I think it would be a lot of fun to dress in costume and speak the renaissance dialect. The plot of the murder mystery was expertly woven with twists and turns in the secondary storylines of Bailey’s wedding and Jenna and Rhett’s relationship. The characters are wonderfully entertaining and complex. The setting of the Ren Fair was a perfect compliment to Bailey’s upcoming wedding at the vineyard. This is book 6 in the series but can definitely be enjoyed as a stand-alone mystery. This is a very well written cozy with an entertaining plot and characters. I recommend this book and look forward to reading more of this series.
I was provided with an ARC of this book with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Pressing the Issue by Daryl Wood Gerber is the sixth book in A Cookbook Nook Mystery series. Jenna Hart is busy getting the Cookbook Nook ready for the Crystal Cove Renaissance Fair. Bailey Bird, though, is of little help since she is out of sorts. Bailey is getting married in two weeks to Tito Martinez at Baldini Vineyard. Lola Bird has not helped matters by telling Bailey that she has a bad vibe about the nuptials. Bailey receives a cryptic message from Nick Baldini and it sounds like he is in trouble. Jenna and Bailey rush to his home to find him on the floor with blood coming from a head wound. They check for a pulse and find their King of the Renaissance Fair, Nick is dead. Jenna quickly contacts Police Chief Cinnamon Pritchett who warns Jenna to stay out of the investigation. The murder weapon turns out to be a winepress that Nick had shown them earlier in the day. Bailey is thrown into a tailspin. What will happen to her wedding? Jenna quietly (does not want to incur Cinnamon’s wrath) begins asking questions to find out more about Nick and who could have wished him harm. Time is running out because soon the Renaissance Fair visitors will be departing, and the killer could be hiding among them. Who could have committed this dastardly deed? Will Bailey and Tito have their wedding?
Pressing the Issue can be read alone. Everything a reader needs to know is included in the book. Returning to Crystal Cove is like visiting old friends. It is a charming town with welcoming townspeople, a beach, and inviting shops. The main characters are warm, friendly and relatable. It was lovely to catch up with Jenna, Bailey, Kate, Rhett and Aunt Vera. The descriptions of the Renaissance Fair are vivid. I enjoyed reading about the costumes, food and activities (the Renaissance Fair speak was entertaining and amusing). It felt like I was there enjoying it with them. There are delightful book descriptions (cookbooks and some cozy mysteries). The tantalizing food narratives will have your mouth watering (recipes included at the end of the book). I appreciated how the author incorporated Charlotte Bessette of Fromagerie Bessette into the story (from the Cheese Shop Mystery series written under her Avery Aames pen name) and her mention of Ohio State University (Go Buckeyes). The mystery was enticing, but avid cozy mystery readers will find it child’s play to solve. There are several suspects and some good misdirection that will lead readers down the wrong path. I do wish that Police Chief Pritchett would start working with Jenna on the investigations. Cinnamon knows that Jenna’s natural curiosity will not keep her away from looking into a case and Jenna is good at ferreting out information. I found the ending to be endearing. I am rating Pressing the Issue 4 out of 5 stars.
A story full of fun, frivolity and of course murder. The town of Crystal Cove is holding its annual Renaissance Fair and everything is perfect until the discovery of a dead body. The body is the King of the fair and the wedding planner for Jenna Hart’s best friend Bailey. The question becomes can Jenna figure out this murder in time for Bailey to live happily ever after.
The thing that impresses me about this story is how well the author conveyed the setting, costumes, crafts and language. Her descriptions were so explicit I could totally envision the Renaissance Fair. I also enjoyed all the interesting characters and their relationships.
This is the 6th Cookbook Nook Mystery but could easily be read as a stand alone. I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
It’s Renaissance Fair time in Crystal Cove, California. Just about everyone in town is in the spirit and embracing the trip back to medieval times – especially the fair Maid Marian and Robin Hood, also known as Jenna and Rhett! All the squires, serfs, noblemen and noblewomen are having a wonderful time until Nick Baldini, local vintner and the man in charge of the Ren Fair, is found murdered at his home by Jenna and her bestie Bailey when they stop by to discuss Bailey’s upcoming nuptials. Cue Jenna’s guilt over the fact that ever since she moved back to town murders are happening at an alarming rate, but she quickly gets over that and starts her investigation into who could’ve committed this dastardly deed! Was it a visitor to the fair? Was it a town resident?? Was it a family member??? Love is in the air, as well, and it looks as if Bailey and Tito aren’t the only couple who’ll be headed down the aisle soon!
Pressing the Issue is the 6th book in Daryl Wood Gerber’s Cookbook Nook series, and I really enjoy the “themes” of this series, and that each book is so different from the last. Nicely written, kept me guessing as to the who and why, and lots of fun recipes and book recommendations included! A+
PRESSING THE ISSUE from the Cookbook Nook Mystery series takes place in Crystal Cove. The story is written around the Renaissance Fair that they hold there annually, the planners (like the murder victim Nick) and vendors of the fair (like local Flora with her Mistress of Fairy Gardens booth and those that travel in for the event like Melody and Sean who have the pottery booth) and the colorful local residents.
They are definitely a colorful bunch! There’s Jenna Hart and boyfriend, Rhetta, owner of the local sporting goods store as well as Jenna’s feisty recue cat Tigger. Then there’s Bailey and her fiancé Tito whose wedding is put on hold when their wedding venue is the location of its owner’s untimely death. Lola is Bailey’s Mom and she is engaged to Jenna’s Dad. Aunt Vera, who owns the Cookbook Nook that Jenna manages, reads palms and tarot cards. Alan (the murder victim’s brother and who has face blindness) and Hannah who both have an attraction to each other but are scared to act on it until given a push. As well as, Cinnamon the local sheriff who may be tough as nails, but is also in love so maybe slightly distracted.
PRESSING THE ISSUE is an exciting read that will keep you on your toes trying to figure out whodunit up to the very end. Jenna continually puts herself in the middle and often times in danger trying to help the police figure it out. She just wants the answers so that the town can heal and the wedding go forward with good “vibes”.
I would recommend PRESSING THE ISSUE, to anyone that loves a great cozy mystery! You won’t be disappointed because Daryl Wood Gerber deliveries a wonderful mystery that is entertaining and fun to read.
Daryl Wood Gerber is back with her sixth book in her Cookbook Nook Mystery Series. We are privileged with the research of Ms. Gerber into Renaissance Fairs as well as the foods served at these events. The annual Crystal Cove Renaissance Fair is gearing up and Jenna and Bailey are preparing the Cookbook Nook for this event. Bailey is keyed up about her wedding to Tito Martinez, that is scheduled in two weeks at Baldini Vineyards. After Bailey’s first venue fell through Jenna contacted Nick Baldini, a regular customer of the Cookbook Nook. Nick is also the main person in charge of the Renaissance Fair. Bailey’s nerves have been instigated by her mother who is getting vibes that something bad is going to happen. Jenna as always tries to reassure Bailey it will all work out. Many of the other businesses in Crystal Cove are also participating in the Renaissance Fair and have their own booths. Everything seems to be a success until Bailey and Jenna go to Baldini’s Vineyard for last minute wedding planning. It is then the answer to the bad vibes is discovered. Jenna’s tendency is perked to investigate into the situation and the story begins.