Right when Dani thinks she’s hit a dead-end in her career, she unexpectedly inherits an enormous old house in a quaint college town. This gives her the perfect opportunity to pursue her true passion—cooking! So Dani opens Chef-to-Go, preparing delicious, ready-made meals for hungry students attending the nearby university, as well as providing personal chef services and catering events for the … local community. To help support her new business, she opens her home to a few students, renting them rooms and becoming almost like a big sister figure in their lives.
But just as Dani is relishing her sweet new life, the friend of one of her boarders is murdered, and Dani becomes one of the primary suspects! She’ll have to scramble to clear her name and save her business before the killer reappears—perhaps to silence the new chef forever.
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Tart Of Darkness
Chef-To-Go Mystery, Book #1
Denise Swanson
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Right when Dani thinks she’s hit a dead-end in her career, she unexpectedly inherits an enormous old house in a quaint college town. This gives her the perfect opportunity to pursue her true passion—cooking! So Dani opens Chef-to-Go, preparing delicious, ready-made meals for hungry students attending the nearby university, as well as providing personal chef services and catering events for the local community. To help support her new business, she opens her home to a few students, renting them rooms and becoming almost like a big sister figure in their lives.
But just as Dani is relishing her sweet new life, the friend of one of her boarders is murdered, and Dani becomes one of the primary suspects! She’ll have to scramble to clear her name and save her business before the killer reappears—perhaps to silence the new chef forever. (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. I really liked the relationship between Dani and Ivy. I liked the way that Ivy was a typical college student and was a little self absorbed. But she really likes Dani and is very willing to help Dani whenever she can. Dani is a good role model for Ivy and her friends and I enjoyed that. I also liked that there were a couple of generations in this book but they worked well together.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and those descriptions pulled me right into the story. The descriptions of the dishes that Dani was preparing throughout the book made me hungry. That is a good thing when reading a culinary cozy!
The mystery was well plotted and moved along at a nice pace. There were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through and I did not have any idea who the killer was. I found the fact that Dani did not put herself in any real danger while solving the mystery very refreshing.
I am not really sure that this book is a cozy in the strictest way. There is a little bit of harsher language and there was some mention of sexual tendencies. I did not find anything offensive in the least but I felt I should mention those things in my review.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted mystery. There was so much that I liked about this book and i am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, when it is released.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Sourcebooks Landmark, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
I enjoyed this first story in the Chef-to-Go mysteries! The main characters are interesting. There is a good relationship between the protagonist and her college age renters. All the cooking made my tummy growl, and the story premise is a great idea. I never caught on to who the killer was until the author reveal!
part new series, part spinoff from Scumble River. I really like this series and hope th next one comes out soon.
After months of staring at my Amazon pre-order status, waiting for it to changed to “shipped,” the day finally came! Denise Swanson’s Tart of Darkness, the debut novel of her Chef-to-Go Mysteries, was released, and my bookshelf thanks her for it.
Tart of Darkness is Swanson’s first foray into the culinary-side of the cozy mystery genre. Her character, Dani Sloan, feels like an old friend that I’ve been waiting to catch up with for years. Swanson is well-known for featuring attractive women who aren’t supermodel thin, which warms the reader’s heart and makes Dani all the more relatable. Charming and realistic in her curiosity, she sets out to solve the murder of a co-ed because she’s the prime suspect.
In many cozy mysteries, sometimes it’s hard to believe the circumstances leading someone to be involved in a murder investigation, but Swanson is a pro at creating situations where the amateur sleuth is forced to take matters in her own hands. I see so much of Devereaux Sinclair in Dani Sloan (the heroine from Swanson’s Dime Store Mysteries) and I could not have been happier. Dani is a well-adjusted 21st-century protagonist, using her cell phone and computer to do research. This praise might sound a bit odd, but you’d be surprised how often authors in this genre overlook the use of the internet in amateur investigations. Swanson is one of the few cozy mystery authors that references cell phones, foul language, and the real struggles of dating. Her work isn’t fluffed up or quaint, which is why I love it.
The supporting characters were also well developed for a debut novel. I was intrigued by the chapters written from Spencer Drake’s point of view. Much like one of Swanson’s male leads in the Dime Store Mysteries, he’s ex-law enforcement, so he brings many skills to the table when it comes to helping Dani with her problem and you can quickly see why she keeps him around. I am eager to read more about Ivy and her two friends, boarders in Dani’s home, as the series goes on. Swanson gave the reader enough to make their friendship with Dani plausible but still leaves more to be discovered in (what I hope are many, many) future novels.
For my readers who want to know who inspires me in the cozy mystery genre, look no further than Denise Swanson. Her engaging, realistic characters and tight-knit communities are the reason I got hooked on this genre in the first place.
Where this is the first book in a new series, once you’re done devouring it—oh my, I didn’t even mention the delicious recipes scattered throughout the book—I suggest getting your hands on Little Shop of Homicide, which kicks off Swanson’s masterpiece Dime Story series.
TART OF DARKNESS by Denise Swanson is the first book in the Chef-to-Go Mystery series. It’s a series that is centered around Danielle Sloan, who goes by Dani. In this first book, we learn about how she resigned from her HR job for Homestead Insurance Company and broke up with her boyfriend Dr. Kipp “Dr. McCreepy” Newson and is trying to figure out what to do with the rest of her life, which she knows is bound to show her demanding and absent father what a loser she is by foregoing her college education.
Dani finds out via a registered letter that a lifelong friend and fellow Alpha Signa Alpha sorority sister of her deceased Grandmother, Geraldine Cook, had left her a house close to the college in Normalton, IL in her will. The house had been mostly renovated for a B&B with a completely updated commercial kitchen. Dani decided that it was a sign for her to fulfill her lifelong dream – to cook and feed the world, well at least her small portion of it. She opens Chef-to-Go catering and fixes ready-made lunch meals. Plus instead of operating a B&B to total strangers, she opens up the renovated bedrooms suites to three college students – Ivy Drake, that lived across from her in her last place and who she felt like an older sister to, and her old roommates, Tippi Epstein and Starr Fleming – on the condition that they donate some of their time in helping with Chef-to-Go as well as paying rent.
All seems to be going great (other than she’s never told her father she’s not working at the insurance firm or in HR any longer) until right after her first catering job for Regina Bourne’s SummerPalooza the hostess was found dead. Detective Mikeloff shows up on Dani’s doorstep ready to railroad her for the murder. Seems he has a vendetta that he might settle by framing Dani. Dani relies on Spencer Drake, Ivy’s uncle, to help prove her innocence by helping her figure out who the real murderer is. Along the way, there is this high energy between Dani and Spencer, but both have vowed off dating because of just coming out of bad relationships.
Added along the way, Dani’s ex shows up demanding a book he had gifted to her while they were together that is still packed away from her recent move and her house was burglarized (which me never do find out who that villain was).
To me the book was well written and thought out. I enjoyed that I didn’t figure out whodunit until about the same time Dani figured it out. The one minus I had was with the electricity between Dani and Spencer I was hoping that some smidgen of relationship might have formed or at least been hinted to. I’m hoping that they will be in situations in the upcoming books in the series to quench the desire for them to get together.
TART OF DARKNESS is definitely a book that can be read as a standalone, but if you are like me, you will be on the watch for the next book in this series with great anticipation. I would recommend this book to anyone that loves mystery cozies or just a good book in general.
Tart of Darkness by Denise Swanson is the first book in Chef-to-Go Mysteries. Danielle “Dani” Sloan has quit her job at Homestead Insurance and given her cheating boyfriend the heave ho. While deciding what to do next, she been cooking for the college girls down the hall and vegging out on the couch watching cooking shows. Then a letter arrives stating she inherited a nearby Victorian mansion that has been remodeled for a bed and breakfast with a fabulous kitchen. This is the perfect opportunity for Dani to pursue her passion—cooking. She opens Chef-to-Go which provides catering for events, personal chef services and ready-to-go lunches for college students. Dani also ends up with three college student tenants (the ladies she cooked for in her old building). Dani is hired to cater spoiled rich girl Regina Bourne’s Summer Palooza. The event goes off without a hitch until a drunk guest sets fire to the dessert table and Regina has a hissy fit. Dani is surprised when Detective Mikeloff arrives at her home stating Regina was found dead by her pool surrounded by Dani’s desserts. The detective has it out for Dani. Dani needs to clear her name before she ends up as chef for the local penitentiary.
I like the premise of Tart of Darkness. It is set in a college town (provides a variety of victims) where Dani inherited a large Victorian home with a gourmet kitchen. I thought it was a clever idea to provide ready-to-go lunches for college students. Dani is a character who keeps trying to please her father and fails (has an inferiority complex). Additional characters are the three female college students living with Dani (Tippi, Starr and Ivy) along with Spencer Drake (Ivy’s uncle and love interest for Dani). The attraction between Dani and Spencer is “instant” (of course). Readers gets detailed descriptions of Spencer’s physique and what Spencer thinks about Dani’s attributes (repeated mentions of her heart shaped derriere). I wish the author had dialed back on the attraction (lust) between Dani and Spencer. The point of view switches between Dani and Spencer. I found it disjointed and it lacked an ease (clunky). The novel would have flowed better if it had been written from Dani’s POV or in the third person (my preference). Unlike most cozy mysteries, Tart of Darkness contains foul language. There is a cliché nasty detective and repetitiveness (especially of the phrase “ass hat”). The authors background in psychology is evident in Tart of Darkness with how Dani listens and dispenses advice (confirming response technique). There is a lot going on in Tart of Darkness (seems to be a common malady in cozy mysteries that I have read recently). I did not feel that the ex-boyfriend showing up looking for a book he gave to Dani was needed. The characters from Denise Swanson’s A Scumble River Mystery series and Welcome Back to Scumble River are mentioned (Wally, Skye) and Frannie Ryan is in the story (she wants to write about the murder—get her big break). The mystery was clever with a unique murder method. There are good clues that will aid readers in solving the crime. I give Tart of Darkness 3 out of 5 stars. Tart of Darkness will appeal to fans of Denise Swanson and cozy mysteries.
I love this series so much!
You can check out my booktube video review at https://youtu.be/8tXnmAtU-HQ
or read my review on my blog at https://lisasiefert.com/cozy-escape-book-club-chat-the-tart-of-darkness-by-denise-swanson-chef-to-go-mysteries/
I am really impressed with Tart of Darkness by Denise Swanson, the first book in the Chef-to-Go cozy mysteries. For an author who has been writing cozies for over 20 years, Swanson was able to keep the technology fresh and up to date, which is not always the case with authors who have been writing for years. They often seem to get stuck in an earlier era where newer technologies are not even present in their books. So kudos to Swanson!
And having Dani’s sidekicks be three college students was another stroke of genius. Dani is in that in-between age of not quite 30, but still more conservative than a 21 year old, so having some younger women in the story adds a fun and fresh perspective to the book.
Also having three different avenues of business (daily lunches to go, personal chef, and caterer) Swanson set the series up to have lots of different places and ways for future murders to occur. I’m looking forward to seeing what Swanson comes up with next.
Besides the positive points mentioned above, Swanson also has very developed characters for a first book in a series, and it was fun to see some of the characters from her Scumble River Mysteries showing up in the Chef-to-Go series. I love when authors do crossovers.
Add in delicious food and drinks, detailed descriptions of the college town, and lots of red herrings to keep the reader guessing, and you have a series that is sure to be a hit with cozy mystery readers.
Cute listen.
Another fine entry into the world of cozy mysteries, Tart of Darkness was an enjoyable read from page one right through to the delectably satisfying ending. By some twist of fate I read the second book in the series first, but I couldn’t wait to jump backward in time to read the series debut. Definitely a series I will follow, and the culinary descriptions are (ahem) to die for . . .
Dani has left behind a career that was turning her into a person she didn’t know or like. A person willing to compromise her principles. After compromising her principles for the last time Dani moves into an apartment building filled with young college women. While she attempts to find a new career she tries out new recipes on her neighbors and finds herself taking on the role of big sister. The unexpected inheritance of a mansion provides the perfect opportunity for her to open her own business and put her cooking passion to good use. Chef-to-Go provides ready-made lunches to local college students, catering, and personal chef services. After experiencing some trouble at their old residence, three of her former neighbors move in, renting rooms and providing time to Dani’s business.
When life seems to be going in the right direction a tragedy throws the household in turmoil. A client and friend of one of Dani’s boarders is murdered and Dani becomes one of the prime suspects. Dani must work hard to clear her name and save the future of her business.
I am a huge Denise Swanson fan, and I hoped I would like this book when I pre-ordered it. I was not disappointed. We are introduced to some new characters and revisit some characters we’ve met before. The new characters are developed well and we quickly get to know them. The new setting is not too far from Scrumble River, which gives it a familiar Midwest feel. Having lived in a Midwest college town myself, I can relate to the milieu of the town. This story is filled with several colorful suspects who each have their own stories. The plot is very engaging and I found myself not wanting to put the book down. I like this book very much and will be recommending it.
Grab chocolate or something decadent before you sit with this book…..because you will be oohing the food and your stomach will demand treats. I have read many of the author’s other series…this brand new series looked yummy and mysterious!
Loved the cast of characters from the first and Dani came acriss as smart, talented, and with a lot of common sense. Dani is also one heck of a cook and the idea of students picking up food to go at her “new” home was genius.
You have a university in the background with a mix of students enjoying or struggling with tuition, fitting in, and finding first love.
Dani meets Spenser, uncle of Ivy, and together with the girls boarding with her, they are off to solve a murder.
The murder is not taken lightly and the plot is solid with several suspects and even the suspects are shown as more than one sided evil people. Follow the clues but expect to be fooled as evidence keeps moving in different directions.
A nice mystery with fun, scares, and food!! I ate several treats while enjoying this book and I do hope she continues this new series!
I love Denise Swanson and am very happy she has started another fun series.
Denise Swanson does not disappoint! As a fan of other books she has written, I had the opportunity to read a Tart of Darkness which is part of a new series.
The main character of Dani is starting a new life after unexpectedly inheriting a house from her deceased grandma’s best friend. She decides to start a chef-to-go business preparing ready-made meals for local college students and also providing personal chef and catering services. To help fund the new business, she opens the house up to a few college boarders who she becomes a big sister figure to. A friend of one of the boarders is found murder and somehow Dani becomes suspect #1.
The author has a way with writing her characters. You immediately like Dani and her boarders, so you can’t help being engaged in the mystery that unfolds. There is also quite a bit of humor and a bit of romance to appeal to a wide audience. I cannot wait to read more in this new series!