A fundraising party goes south in a delightful cozy mystery from the USA Today bestselling author of Southern Discomfort and the Java Jive novels Quinn Bellandini is ready to get back to running her grandfather’s B&B in Savannah, Georgia, with her sister, Delilah—but first, she has to coordinate a fundraising event at the house of local philanthropists, with the help of her boyfriend, … the help of her boyfriend, Tucker Heyward. Everything is running smoothly until Quinn’s friend, Pepper Fox, frantically calls her with the horrifying news that the lady of the house was found dead. Pepper’s brother, who was working as a caterer, is soon charged with her murder.
Pepper knows her brother didn’t commit the crime and asks Quinn, now a veteran detective with two solved murders under her belt, to prove his innocence. Quinn can’t bear to see her friend upset and enlists Delilah and Tucker to help investigate.
The invite list quickly turns into the suspect list as tensions mount and old feuds are brought to light. Could Quinn have hired the only catering company in Georgia that throws in a murder on the side?
Discover all of Caroline Fardig’s gripping Southern B&B mysteries:
SOUTHERN DISCOMFORT | SOUTHERN HARM | SOUTHERN DOUBLE CROSS
And don’t miss Caroline Fardig’s thrilling Java Jive mysteries, which can be read together or separately:
DEATH BEFORE DECAF | MUG SHOT | A WHOLE LATTE MURDER | BREW OR DIE | MURDER OVER MOCHAS
more
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
We catch up with Quinn just as she is pulling together a charity fundraiser which was running smoothly until the cops showed up. The owner of the house where the event was. being held has been found murdered. Her friend Pepper is frantic since her brother found the body when he shouldn’t have been in the house at all. Once the secrets start coming my out they don’t stop as we get taken on a ride from clue to clue. Makes for a fun entertaining read with some interesting characters. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
Southern Double Cross
Southern B & B Mystery, Book #3
Caroline Fardig
5 Stars
Synopsis:
A fundraising party goes south in a delightful cozy mystery from the USA Today bestselling author of Southern Discomfort and the Java Jive novels
Quinn Bellandini is ready to get back to running her grandfather’s B&B in Savannah, Georgia, with her sister, Delilah—but first, she has to coordinate a fundraising event at the house of local philanthropists, with the help of her boyfriend, Tucker Heyward. Everything is running smoothly until Quinn’s friend, Pepper Fox, frantically calls her with the horrifying news that the lady of the house was found dead. Pepper’s brother, who was working as a caterer, is soon charged with her murder.
Pepper knows her brother didn’t commit the crime and asks Quinn, now a veteran detective with two solved murders under her belt, to prove his innocence. Quinn can’t bear to see her friend upset and enlists Delilah and Tucker to help investigate.
The invite list quickly turns into the suspect list as tensions mount and old feuds are brought to light. Could Quinn have hired the only catering company in Georgia that throws in a murder on the side?
Don’t miss Caroline Fardig’s “wildly entertaining”* Java Jive mysteries, which can be read together or separately:
DEATH BEFORE DECAF | MUG SHOT | A WHOLE LATTE MURDER | BREW OR DIE | MURDER OVER MOCHAS
*Suspense Magazine (Goodreads)
Review:
The writing style flows smoothly and it defines the characters very clearly by their actions and words. And there was a lot of action taking place in this book and a lot of sleuthing. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and I felt like I was right there, watching all of the action taking place.
The characters are well developed and well defined. I really enjoy the way that Quinn and Delilah interact and how much they love each other. They are as close as two sisters could be, even though they are very different. We got to spend a little more time with their friend, Pepper, which added some depth to the story.
The mystery had a lot of clues to sift through and suspects to consider. The girls like to take chances when solving a mystery, especially Delilah, and it is no wonder that Quinn’s boyfriend, Tucker, is not too happy.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. The whole series is great and definitely worth reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Random House Publishing Group-Alibi, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
Southern Double Cross” is the 3rd instalment in the ”Southern B&B Mystery” series by Caroline Fardig. I read a novella by Caroline in Year-Round Trouble Anthology and enjoyed it so thought I would give this a try. I found the story to be very entertaining and have purchased the previous books in the series.
Even though this is the first book I have read in the series I was able to follow along easily so it can be read as a stand alone. I really enjoyed it and practically read in one sitting and have since purchased the other books in the series.
The protagonist Quinn and her sister Delilah have a great relationship, and I liked how they came together to help their friends brother. The side characters are well rounded and seem real as I could relate to almost all of them . The town of Savannah Georgia is somewhere I have always wanted to visit, so I found the setting interesting.
There are plenty of twists and turns in this story, and I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on who the murderer was right to the very end. The story moves at a steady pace, and I had a hard time putting it down.
I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Random House and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I have enjoyed reading this new series by Caroline Fardig and this latest installment was very entertaining. I love that this series is centered around sisters. They have a great sibling relationship that plays out very naturally. Having a sister that is very close in age allows me to relate to these characters and become engaged and invested in the story. Once again, Quinn is in the wrong place at the right time and there is another dead body. This time she is called upon to help the brother of her best friend Pepper who is wrongly accused of murder. I like the tension between Quinn and Tucker about the danger of her sleuthing. She is actually the more level headed of the two sisters but I like that Tucker tries not to lay down an ultimatum that would ruin their relationship.
The mystery was well written and there were plenty of suspects to choose from in trying to identify the murderer. The victim was not well-liked and had plenty of frenemies with viable motives. The author does a nice job of laying down red herrings to try and misdirect the reader, and in the case of this reader, she succeeded. I did not realize the killer’s identity until the reveal.
I won’t spoil anything in the books but will say that should this be the last book in this series (and I don’t have any information that it is) I think the author tied things up nicely.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher, Alibi, through Netgalley.
This is such a fun cozy mystery ! This story is about the murder of one of Savannah, Georgia’s upper class matrons. Quinn Belladini’s friend and band mate Pepper Fox is beside herself when her brother Parker is accused of the killing. Pepper pressures Quinn and her sister Delilah into helping clear Parker’s name.
I really enjoyed this story and the characters. Despite this being the third installment in the Southern B & B series, I had no issues jumping right in. The sisters, along with Pepper, are a pretty good investigative team, They have a knack for tracking down the suspects and getting good information in creative ways.
I also liked that despite the police detectives warning the Belladini sisters off investigating, instead of doubting their information, the detectives seem to appreciate the women’s’s efforts. I would highly recommend this story to anyone looking for a good cozy mystery.
I received an advance copy of this story from#NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for my honest opinion.
Great book
I loved the first book in this series, Southern Discomfort, and it was such a long wait until book 2, Southern Harm, was released. I was super excited to see that book 3 was coming out so soon after I spent time with the Bellandini sisters. Southern Double Cross has Quinn and Delilah working to clear their friend Pepper’s brother Parker after a wealthy woman is murdered at a fundraiser. There are so many things I love about this series. The characters are just wonderful. I am a huge fan of Quinn – she is smart and loyal. Delilah is the perfect balance for Quinn. The B&B that they help their Papa Sal run is like a character in itself.
Southern Double Cross had so many red herrings, I didn’t know which way to look. With clues all over the place and several viable suspects, I wasn’t sure how Quinn and Delilah (and Tucker) were ever going to figure this one out. The mystery was absolutely delightful. So well-written and just a joy to read. Each book in the series is better than the last, though I don’t know how that’s possible. 🙂 I am crossing my fingers and toes that there will be more in this series! I’m not ready to let the Bellandini sisters go. This series is on my auto-buy list.
I received an ebook copy from NetGalley to read for a blog tour. My review is voluntarily and is my honest opinion.
Southern Double Cross by Caroline Fardig is a fabulously written mystery with southern charm and the happiest of endings.
Who killed Magnolia?
Quinn is the younger, polite, full of southern charm sister. She is also our main character and point of view. Delilah is the older, outspoken, not afraid to do the unthinkable sister. Yet they both love each other. Delilah loves the challenge of investigating while Quinn gets butterflies in her stomach when trying to find a murderer.
The sisters’ investigation technique is checking in with people that won’t speak to the police and sharing gossip while spinning theories. It sounds funny, but it works for them. I like Quinn and Delilah. The way they both are like opposites is cool. I enjoy their occasional bickering.
The Mystery
Magnolia Stiles is murdered at her home during a fundraiser while a robbery is also in the works. The thing is that Mags doesn’t have many real friends, but she has lots of frenemies. She isn’t the nicest person. Mags believes in keeping her frenemies close. Would someone who knows her kill her, or did she walk in on one of the robbers? This is the question that Quinn and Delilah keep asking themselves.
Five Stars
I love the way that the author can mix the differences in the sister sleuths with the southern charm and mystery aspect. The ending was superb. I didn’t figure out who did it, but it was fun getting to the conclusion. So, five stars for Southern Double Cross by Caroline Fardig. I recommend this book to all cozy mystery lovers.
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 Southern Double Cross by Caroline Fardig.
This Guest Review is for Baroness’ Book Trove.
Until the next time,
~Jen
If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.
SOUTHERN DOUBLE CROSS by Caroline Fardig
The Third Southern B&B Mystery
Quinn Bellandini is stressed out. She’s put a lot of effort into the fundraiser for the women and children’s shelter and wants the event to go smoothly. Things start well enough, aside from minor complaints and one disastrous run in between the hostess and a waiter with raspberry galettes. But when her friend Pepper calls her to come quick it’s more than raspberry stains on Magnolia Stiles dress. Pepper’s brother found her murdered body…while he was stealing. Now the elite in charge kick Quinn off the committee since she hired the help, and Pepper demands she investigate and get her brother out of jail!
There are a lot of unpleasant people in Savannah, Georgia. At least among the characters found on the pages of the third Southern B&B Mystery. There are plenty of catty women, from the social elite to “the help”. Heck, Quinn’s boyfriend’s mother is telling all the rich young things that Tucker dumped her and is available. Even Pepper, Quinn’s bandmate and friend, is a nasty demanding shrew. She’s lucky Quinn is a goodie two shoes helper because I’d tell her to shove it and let her thieving brother rot in jail!
I like the methods in which Quinn and her sister, Delilah, run their investigation. What I don’t like is that they now seem to consider themselves professionals and don’t bother giving the police pertinent information they discover until the very end. This even after someone they spoke with was assaulted and vandalism was committed against them. Tucker’s anger over Quinn’s involvement and the ensuing fights also became tiresome. I appreciate Uncle Frank’s role, and especially loved the part he played in the ending.
SOUTHERN DOUBLE CROSS is a story about friends, enemies, and betrayal. It’s a clever mystery wrapped in Southern manners and the insidious way those manners can hide the sordid underbelly of truth.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
Southern Double Cross is the third book in Caroline Fardig’s Southern B&B mystery series. Quinn Bellandini is serving on the fundraising committee to support homeless mothers and their children. Their big spring fundraiser is a large garden party for supporters being held at the plantation home of Magnolia and Duke Stiles. Quinn has several things to deal with—the music is too loud, the waiters inefficient, and the drinks too watery, plus local rich girls taking aim at her boyfriend, Tucker Heyward. What she didn’t expect to deal with was theft and the murder of their hostess.
When her bandmate Pepper Fox’s brother Parker is arrested on suspicion of the crimes, Pepper begs Quinn to help find evidence that her brother is innocent. Quinn’s sister Delilah is thrilled to be involved in another investigation. While drawn deeper into the mystery, they are faced with threats, sniping debutants, and seedy stakeouts. As these ramp up, Tucker becomes more worried and tries to get Quinn to stop. However, Quinn feels obligated to help Pepper clear Parker.
This is yet another well woven mystery by Ms.Fardig. Great characters, a lovely Savannah setting, and an unexpected conclusion make this a must read. I did enjoy this book and I do recommend it!
This is the first book in the series I’ve read but there was plenty of backstory to help me understand and follow along. The story was twisty and interesting with humor and natural dialog. I enjoyed meeting the characters, quirky and snooty alike, and the peak at their different lifestyles. Oh, and Uncle Frank, the ghost. I was hooked right to the end and will have to circle back to book one. I highly recommend this book to anyone who like cozy mysteries set in the South.
I received an advance copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.
I enjoyed the previous mysteries in this delightful series and this one didn’t disappoint me. Quinn is on the case, again along with her sister Delilah and her best friend Pepper. Not only does Quinn help run the family B&B, she is helping put on a fabulous fund raiser at a local Southern mansion owned by Duke and Magnolia Stiles. They are loaded and this event, if all goes well, will bring in much needed funds for the women’s and children’s shelter. One major fly in the ointment? Magnolia is not a nice person and things turn deadly when her very dead body is discovered in her bedroom. If that wasn’t enough, the list of suspects is as long as your arm and, topping the list is Pepper’s brother. They had a couple of run ins during the fund raiser and Pepper turns to Quinn and Delilah for help. Given that the sisters have dabbled in homicidal investigations before, it’s a no brainer and so the sleuthing begins.
I like the relationship between the characters – sisters, best friends, boyfriend-girlfriend, family in general – it all works and the characters have plenty of depth. The mystery itself is complex enough with its twists, turns and red herrings, that I picked the wrong person and was surprised at the end. For me that is what I call a satisfying read. I hope there will be more than just three in this series but, if not, I’ve enjoyed my reading time with Quinn and her friends and family.
Southern Double Cross is a delightful, enjoyable mystery that is hard to put down until you have finished reading the last page.
Quinn is helping with a fundraiser at the home of Magnolia Stiles, a philanthropist and a not so nice one at that. Her boyfriend, Tucker, is on hand to help, and she definitely needs it when dealing with Magnolia. If that wasn’t enough, her boyfriend’s mother is telling everyone they have broken up. She is ready for this evening to be done. What she isn’t expecting is for Magnolia to be found dead, or her best friend’s brother to be charged with the crime.
Quinn thought she was done with finding bodies and being involved with murder, but she can’t let this one go. She has to help her friend, Pepper, prove her brother’s innocence. She never expected there to be so many suspects or so many secrets to come to light.
I fell in love with the storyline, the setting, and the characters. When I love those three things, I know I’m going to love the book. I was right about this one!!!! The storyline was full of twists and turns and kept me guessing throughout the book.
Who wouldn’t love the setting of Savannah, GA. I grew up in Charleston, SC, so anything that takes place in either of those places, are dear to my heart. The author writes so descriptively that I felt like I was a part of the story itself.
I, myself, enjoy quirky characters. They make me remember the book, and this one was full of those kind of characters, even the murder victim herself. Who couldn’t love Quinn’s family?
The book just kept getting better with every page I read. To make it even better, there were recipes at the end as well. If you are looking for a great little cozy mystery, give this book and the others in the series a try.
What an interesting group of people. I love all the friends and frenemies. I would hate to be Magnolia, but perhaps she brought a lot of grief on to herself. It’s funny with mature, in age anyway, ladies act like they are in high school. You may be shaking your head at them at times. Or giggling. You can certainly find out who your true friends are when place in certain circumstances. I would hope my friends would be like Quinn and D. I wouldn’t mind having an Uncle Frank hanging around to help me out at times. I enjoyed both the story line and the characters. I look forward to hanging with them again. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.
When Quinn Bellandini is forced to tell the police that it was Parker who actually found the dead body, she knows she has to investigate to prove that he’s innocent of the murder. The police are simply too happy to build their case against him to bother looking for other suspects. So as she’s done before, she joins forces with her sister Delilah to get to the bottom of things. With help from their deceased Uncle Frank, the sisters set out to prove their friend innocent.
Fardig writes a clever tale with puzzling twists; a fast paced adventure that I finished in one sitting! Her characters are interesting and quirky, making this B&B mystery a really great read. Unexpected answers to shrewdly asked questions and diligent investigation lead the sister duo to the solution . . . but it wasn’t the solution I was expecting! That’s the most enjoyable part of reading mysteries for me, the race to find the answers before the sleuths do. And it’s that much more fun when the guilty party is not who I thought it was!
Southern Double Cross is the third entry in Fardig’s Southern B&B series, and while it can definitely stand alone, you’ll want to catch up on Quinn and Delilah’s previous escapades too.
[Many thanks to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read an Advance Reader Copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.]
Quinn Bellandini gets caught up in another murder mystery. This time she needs to find the murderer to get her friend, Pepper’s brother out from under a murder charge. Southern Double Cross by Caroline Fardig is a fun mystery, yet has suspenseful moments to up the thrill level. Quinn’s sister, Delilah, her friend Pepper and her boyfriend Tucker Heyward are along for the adventure. I love how this story ends!
Southern Double Cross earns 5/5 Blunt Objet d’art…Entertaining Fun!
Quinn is stressing a bit hoping for a successful fundraiser for the Chatham Crescent Women and Children’s Shelter at the ‘to the nines” event held at the gorgeous antebellum estate owned by Duke and Magnolia Stiles. An uncooperative waiter, argument between Magnolia and another cantankerous Southern Belle, complaints about the band, rumors spread by her boyfriend’s mother, and a kitchen mishap and tantrum make the event challenging, but it seems still to be enjoyed by all. Well, not everyone since Magnolia Stiles has been found dead! It gets worse when Quinn’s best friend’s brother, who literally had a run in with the victim. Her berating him for his clumsy manner, retribution against the caterer, and the subsequent stink eye was witnessed by the kitchen staff. So his not following the strict instructions about boundaries and being the one to find the body, puts him at the top of the suspect list. But Quinn is pressured to help exonerate him uncovering motive, opportunity, and means for more than just a disgruntled waiter.
Brilliant! I am a fan of Caroline Fardig’s very engaging suspense and thriller Ellie Matthews series, so I’m not surprised she penned a delightful cozy that checks off all the boxes for an entertaining read. Great start with a helpful intro to the main and supporting characters and personal connections, then adding to some motive-worthy conflicts, a few candidates emerge as karma’s next victim. But no need to wait, the murder is revealed right away…good choice Karma! The mystery challenged my inner Miss Marple with a large pool of suspects; motives were realistic with jealousy, greed, and a few secrets best kept secret were compelling. Along with an extensive investigation, the drama takes a side trip into family issues, the B&B, and dating. But, what I enjoyed the most are the characters like Quinn, delightful with realistic confidence, fears, and jealousy, and her relationship was her sister “D” is positive with just the right bit of snark thrown in for realism…loved it! BONUS! My favorite words…recipes included! Caroline Fardig has given readers a marvelous treat of easy-to-follow recipes straight from the B&B’s breakfast table (Pear and Cinnamon Scones, Orange Blossom Scones). And watch out who you bump into! You don’t want to waste any of this delicious treat (Raspberry Galettes). Yum!
From Random House/Alibi comes the latest in the “A Southern B&B Mystery” series from Caroline Fardig.
I like Quinn a lot, she’s cautious, polite, and slightly afraid to speak her mind but she still has courage. She is the ultimate southern lady. I love her sister Delilah, she is spunky, not scared to tell people what she thinks! I love cozies that have a B&B base and this book delivers. The inn sounds like it would be fun to stay in, the food sounds wonderful.
The victim isn’t necessarily a nice person, but as the story moves along, readers will find that they may feel sympathy for her choices in life. Suspects seem to drop at our detectives’ feet almost daily with more than enough to confuse Quinn, Pepper, and her sister, and keep them on their toes. The killer is not what you would expect but it is easy to believe. Just when you think the story is over, the group is confronted with the truth at the B&B. Giving readers an entirely new perspective on the murder.
Readers will enjoy the back and forth between Quinn, her sister, friends, family, and Tucker. Southern Double Cross is a page-turner, an intriguing mystery, it takes place in a fabulous B&B filled with fun guests and mouth-watering descriptions of breakfast that will leave readers hungry for more. I am happy to recommend this book and series.
This is the third book in the Southern B&B Mystery series, and though I somehow missed the reading the second book, I had no trouble following this one. I think it could easily be read as a stand-alone for anyone who hasn’t read either of the previous books. I really enjoy reading about Quinn and her sister Delilah. They get along well and really complement one another while investigating mysteries and just in life. Quinn’s boyfriend Tucker is a Southern gentleman who both worries about and supports her. This was a very entertaining story, and I found myself surprised when the culprit was revealed. The solution to the mystery was satisfying and made sense. The conclusion of the book was also surprising and satisfying, in a very sweet way, though it gave me a sense that this would be the final book in the series. I hope that isn’t true, because I’ve really come to enjoy reading about Quinn and Delilah, their Papa Sal, their Uncle Frank, and Tucker.
I received an advance copy of this book. This review contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
SOUTHERN DOUBLE CROSS by Caroline Fardig is the third book in the Southern B&B cozy mystery series. The story takes place in Savannah, Georgia and features a wonderful array of characters including Quinn Bellandini and her sister Delilah who help their grandfather run his B&B. Quinn is coordinating a fundraising event when someone is found dead. The brother of one of the Bellandini’s good friends is charged with her murder. Obviously, Quinn and Delilah with help from several others work to prove his innocence.
While this is the third book in the series, it is the first book that I have read by this author. It worked for me as a stand-alone novel, but the first two books would likely add more background and show character growth over time. I rated this one 3.5 stars and rounded it down to 3 stars. There is a nice mix of characters and personalities in the book and the author even provided a character list at the beginning of the novel to help readers keep them straight. Additionally, there are a few recipes at the end of the book for items that are mentioned in the story.
Most of the characters felt well-rounded and the relationships between them did not feel contrived. However, there was one of the characters that I felt and acted somewhat inconsistently. Additionally, I did not feel strongly about the brother that was charged with the murder. Nonetheless, there were plenty of red herrings and plot twists to keep a reader interested and there were several themes running through this novel including murder, southern elite stereotypes, family dynamics, friendship, and there was even a ghost that played a minor part in the story.
Overall, the plot was appealing and entertaining. The prose was well-written and engrossing. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, then this author may be one you will enjoy.
Thanks to Random House Publishing Group – Alibi and Caroline Fardig for a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.