This was a great story. I really enjoyed the mystery. I have followed this series almost from the beginning. I love Sophia as much as I dislike Nina. But this is an amazing series. Highly recommend this to all cozy mystery lovers.

Krista Davis' latest book in the Domestic Diva series is The Diva Cooks Up a Storm. Sophie plans for a beach vacation seem like they will be sidelined by a hurricane, but she has a pop up dinner party to look forward to attending. The following morning things take a drastic turn when one of the attendees ends up dead. This same man had recently asked Sophie to help him check his food for poisons. Now amid the aftermath of a storm, Sophie and her friends team up to solve the mystery. I loved this southern themed mystery. The idea of a neighborhood cookout following a storm is all so true. I think everyone has an annoying (bossy, almost perfect) Natasha in their life. I look forward to going back to read some of the previous books in this series.

This is not the best of the Diva mysteries but it is entertaining. Sophie once again helped solve a murder. With her group of friends and some help from her ex boyfriend policeman, she has become quite good at it. Natasha is as annoying as ever, setting her sights on a distinguished older man. Crooked lawyers, jealous wives and a con artist handyman are suspect as a mini crime wave occurs with a storm brewing. I love this series and it gets better with each book. This is another well written mystery that includes the usual comradery, lots of viable suspects and of course being a Diva book plenty of good food and recipes.

I like this series, but after 11 books the author is using stock characters (the bimbo younger trophy wife, the lusting older husbands, cold shouldering, snobby wives, etc.) and elements we've seen numerous times in the series. Maybe Sophie and her pal should have gone on vacation to give us long time readers something new.

On the positive side, I did find the murder to be a bit more complicated and twisty than I expected. I usually dislike when an authors puts little blurbs at the start of chapters, but the advice bits used in this series really do fit the characters who give them. You can always tell a Sophie vs. Natasha helpful hint answer.

The usual secondary characters have a really small role in this one in favor of the characters brought in to provide a victim and suspects. I was happy to see less of Natasha who is a one note character.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 stars

Princess Fuzzypants here: I do like Sophie. I like the way she is owned by a kitty (and a dog). I like the way she organizes things in a very mannerly but elegant way. I even like the way she sleuths. I have issues at times with heroines who go half-cocked and put themselves and everyone around them in peril in silly ways. Sophie uses her brain and shares her ideas and knowledge with the people who need to know. She does not throw herself into dangerous situation and when she is in danger, she wises attempts to mitigate the danger not propel herself headlong into it. It makes her a believable and likeable character.
It doesn’t hurt that the book revolves around a couple of cracking good mysteries. Three suspicious deaths might be three connected murders but how do they connect and who is responsible for them. It all starts when a neighbour dies from inhaling bug spray. The wife, and the ex-wife and the son are the first suspects but Sophie, despite the evidence that seems to point in their directions at different times, is convinced the answer lies elsewhere. There are red herrings all over the place so the reader can be excused for thinking it is someone else than the true murderer. I was leaning in the right direction for the wrong reasons. It twisted and turned at the end so it was a surprise. I do enjoy when a mystery can tie me in knots.
But mostly I do like the characters. There are a couple of obligatory “divas” who make life difficult for everyone else. I did enjoy the redemption of a couple of characters who appeared to be wicked but turned out to be good people. There is lots of potential for furthering the stories.
I give it five purrs and two paws up.

This was only the second Diva book that I've read but I absolutely loved it! Krista Davis has an amazing way to weave a really interesting mystery with some history and lots of great characters who could be suspects. Even though I had only read one other book, it didn't take me long to get to know the characters so this could totally be read as a stand alone if anyone wanted to. Although the person who dies would be a bit of a spoiler if you decide to go back and read the other books. I'm still going to read those books since I don't know how many of them this person is in and that doesn't really bother me since they were fairly minor. I did remember the name from the Halloween book though.

When a neighbor of Sophie's is afraid he's being poisoned and then he ends up dead, Sophie has to wonder if his trophy wife really did do this as everyone else in town seems to think. She ended up spending time with this wife and really felt like the woman couldn't have killed her husband. Sophie all but told the woman she'd look into things, hopefully without getting herself killed. When another body is found by Sophie and Nina, everyone gets a little more nervous.

I loved how even though Sophie has a bestie named Nina, that she's not the only one that tries to solve mysteries with her. Sophie actually had a nice group of friends even including her ex-husband to sit around the dinner table with and discuss the possibilities of who did what. I like that they have a friendly relationship and even share custody of the dog, Daisy. I honestly don't remember a lot about the regulars from the Halloween book but I really do like the character of Francie who seemed to be the oldest of the friends and the voice of reason. And I of course didn't forget about Natasha who really thinks she's a diva and a sort of friendly rival with Sophie and the event planning. Natasha was good for some great comedy relief!

There were plenty of suspects and I'm really glad that some of them didn't end up as the killer. I really never guessed it but I had suspicions about someone all along although I wasn't sure why. The show down was delightfully unusual too. As it turned out, two people were actually after Sophie and they were caught. The actual book ending was a lot of fun, friends and neighbors gathered around and another couple of friends made a little love connection! You'll just have to read it and find out. I am eventually going to get through all these books but I just couldn't resist the chance to read this ARC provided by the publisher and NetGalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own (disclaimer)

Thank you NetGalley for my ARC. This is the 1st book of this series I have read. The mystery part was not that challenging but I liked the characters and the food descriptions.

This was my first book of this series, and I admit to some confusion in sorting out the numerous characters and their histories. There must have been an assumption that this was common knowledge as there were few descriptions of age or other characteristics other than the trophy wife. I soon, however, was locked in to this sparkling mystery and could barely put it down. I am going to go back and get the series so I can enjoy all the back stories. I highly recommend 'The Diva Cooks up a Storm!'

This is another great book in the Domestic Diva series. I enjoyed the trendy party setting and Sophie was as clever as always when solving the mystery. This book was a great quick read and I highly recommend it and the whole series

I really enjoy Krista Davis' Diva series so a new instalment is always a treat. The mystery itself was ok (I found that there were almost too many pieces to the puzzle / side mysteries) but, as always, the food descriptions were delicious and Davis does a great job creating fun, food related, events for the characters to attend (this one contained an underground dinner club). I'll be on the lookout for the next instalment!

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Sophie and Nina had planned a mini vacay to the beach, but an impending hurricane has changed their plans. A pop-up dinner party is just what they need. An event planned by someone else where they can sit back and enjoy the food with their friends. But not everyone is enjoying the event, Hollis Haberman and his young new wife are in attendance as are his ex-wife and their son. Most of the town has shunned the new bride while remaining friendly with the ex.

The next morning the storm is coming closer to Old Town so Sophie heads out for a quick walk but finds Hollis Haberman having some kind of attack in front of his house. EMTs are called and he is rushed to the hospital but he doesn’t survive. It is an unusual death. He has asked for Sophie’s help because he thought he was been poisoned and the police seem to concur but they’re not sure how. Could it have been in the food at the party? or has it built up over time? His young bride is so upset and she is sure she is going to be arrested. Sophie agrees to look into the case herself hoping she doesn’t end up in a storm of trouble herself.

I really enjoy these characters, even Natasha. I love the way they come together when someone is in need or when they get together to celebrate. A heavy storm hits Old Town leaving the community without electricity. What does this gang do? The organize a street party so people can cook up or grill the food that would have been ruined by the lack of power to keep it cold. The party also gives the crew to do a little covert investigating. Friendship really blooms within the pages.

Poison is a common method of murder in cozy mysteries, but this time the author gives it a unique twist and they added some distinct turns that really opened up the pool of suspects. She kept me guessing right up to her grand reveal. I love when a story diverts my thinking so much that I and the protagonist have our “aha moment” together.

The author packs so much into these pages. The pacing and plotting are excellent. The characters are very real and most are very down to earth. The story contains the exact right amount of humor in relation to the drama. Krista Davis is a skilled storyteller with the perfect recipe for her cozy mysteries.

I highly recommend this entire series, but if you are new to it, don’t worry, there is plenty of background provided to dive right into this one. Then you can go back and start at the beginning to see all the world building and character development.

The Diva Cooks Up a Storm by Krista Davis is the eleventh installment in A Domestic Diva Mystery series. Sophie Winston enjoyed dining at an underground restaurant with her friends the night before. She is out walking Daisy when Hollis Haberman staggers from his house and collapses in the street. He is struggling to breeze. The police check on his new wife, Kelsey and she is coughing. Later that day, Wolf Fleischman, Criminal Investigator for Alexandria Police Department, informs her that Hollis did not make it. Kelsey is at the top of the suspect list and asks for Sophie to help clear her name. Since approaching storms have called off her beach vacation, Sophie does have time on her hands. Sophie needs to figure out who disliked Hollis Haberman enough to do him in. Then a second person connected to Hollis ends up dead. Can Sophie zero in on the killer before he strikes again?

The Diva Cooks Up a Storm is well-written and has a steady pace. Sophie is an engaging main character and there are equally delightful secondary characters. If you are new to the series, you would have a hard time starting with The Diva Cooks Up a Storm. The author introduces a number of people in the beginning and it can be confusing to keep track of them along with their relationships. The author crafted a multi-layered mystery with twists that will surprise many readers. I enjoyed solving this challenging mystery. The underground or pop-up restaurant concept is unique, and I have not encountered it in a book previously. There are many charming cozy moments in the story that include cooking, a library book sale, neighbors helping each other, an impromptu food gathering in the neighborhood, close friends, romance, and cute animals. Recipes are included at the end of the book. At the beginning of each chapter are advice letters with answers provided by Sophie and Natasha. While Natasha’s advice made me chuckle at times, I would not follow her counsel (Sophie is more reliable). The Diva Cooks Up a Storm is an appealing story that will delight cozy mystery readers. I am giving The Diva Cooks Up a Storm 4.5 out of 5 stars.

This is a great book; this is the first book in the Domestic Diva Mystery series written by Krista Davis.This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

Sophie and her best friend Nina are excited to spend their vacation on the beach but before they can leave they attend the trend of an underground dinner. The next day one of the diners is found dead. What or who had it in for him?

I absolutely adore this series. Sophie is your quintessential girl next door that everyone wants to be around. She not only can cook yummy dishes she also has a knack for solving the latest murder around town. Her ex-husband lives down the street and they share custody of Daisy, the most lovable dog ever and get this, Sophie and Mars get along. At times it makes you wonder if a certain someone was out of the picture would they get back together.

When you read a Diva book not only are you solving murders you are also learning so much about decorating, baking, cooking and general etiquette. I find that so very fun. It's like reading Ann Landers all over again.

While each book can be read as a stand alone I suggest to get the full experience you read them in order. So far there are eleven books:
1. The Diva Runs Out of Thyme
2. The Diva Takes the Cake
3. The Diva Paints the Town
4. The Diva Cooks a Goose
5. The Diva Haunts the House
6. The Diva Digs Up the Dirt
7. The Diva Frosts a Cupcake
8. The Diva Wraps it Up
9. The Diva Steals a Chocolate Kiss
10. The Diva Serves High Tea
11. The Diva Cooks Up a Storm

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing a complimentary copy of The Diva Cooks up a Storm by Krista Davis in exchange for an honest review. This was my first time reading a book in this series, and hopefully not my last

In this outing, Sophie Winston, the primary cooking diva and amatuer sleuth in this series, deals with murder and mayhem in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia all the while whipping up meals in attractive and yet casual settings. We are treated to several dinner parties, some planned and some impromptu that feature good friends, conversation and some delicious sounding food. An added bonus are the recipes at the end of the book that beckon to be prepared.

Of course, the book wouldn’t be a mystery without a murder or, in this case, two, to intrigue the reader and pull Sophie into trying to solve “who done it.” The clues are sprinkled liberally throughout the book, as the author first points to one and then the other as the likely murderer.

Throughout it all there is a cast of characters that make you want to visit Alexandria and maybe even look for real estate in the Old Town section of the city where evening walks can be enjoyed as you stroll to any of several local eateries for dinner or a snack. Although we only catch glimpses of our first victim, we develop a fondness for him that helps us pull for Sophie to solve who could have wanted to end his life. The second victim we don’t know as well, but his murder serves to help propel the plot.

The potential murderers are also likeable for the most part, especially when seen through Sophie’s eyes. Perhaps she has a gift for seeing the best in people, even those who, like her competitive diva frenemy, Natasha, have some less than loveable traits. Because more information might lead to inadvertent spoilers, I’ll stop there and say read it yourself to see how you feel about the book’s inhabitants.

It makes an easy, light read and, although it might have been slightly easier to keep some of the characters straight if I had read at least some of the earlier books, the mystery is self-contained and I didn’t feel I was missing anything. If you enjoy reading series, then it might be beneficial to read this one from the first book on, but my belief is it’s not necessary.

This is one of my favorite series. This the 11th in the series was a excellent addition to the series. I always look forward to returning to the series and this did not disappoint. Krista Davis is one of my favorite authors.
In this next in series Nina and Sophie’s plans for a beach vacation are cancelled when a storm heads to Old Town. A neighbor soon dies under mysterious circumstances. As Sophie jumps into the investigation using her skills of perception to clear the young widow, she soon helps solve another murder in Old Town. She is a skilled sleuth and I always enjoy how the clues are put together to the revel of the suspect. The town and supporting charcters are always described to perfection.

I love this series . Krista Davis is one of my favorite authors and I adore all of her series. Her writing captures this readers imagination and that is what makes her books so enjoyable. I can’t wait for the 12th book. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the ARC which does not influence my personal opinion for review. A excellent read.

The Diva Cooks up a Storm by Krista Davis is the 11th book in A Domestic Diva Mystery series, and another great addition. Sophie Winston and the gang are back and they are dealing with a neighbors death, and power outages. I love this series, I love both of Ms. Davis series! I recommend you read this book in order if you can. My only complaint is Alex, he is so blah... I miss the chemistry Sophie had with Wolf...sigh. I strongly recommend this book/series.

I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This is the 11th book in the Domestic Diva mystery series, and I think it might be my favorite one yet. Sophie Winston and all her friends are back, and they're solving an unusual crime that started at an underground supper club in Old Town Alexandria.

Her neighbor Hollis brings his new wife to the party and his old friends aren't happy. She doesn't fit in with his "crowd", and when he's found dead everyone points the finger at her, certain she's the murderer. Sophie doesn't agree and she and Mars, Nina and the rest of the group set out to find the culprit.

The plot is well-written and interesting, and as always the writing is great. I love the competing advice columns from Sophie and Natasha at the beginning of the chapters!

I highly recommend this book. Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

In this latest edition of the domestic diva series, Sophie attends a underground dinner party, where the chef is unknown. Things go south when Hollis Haberman shows up with his new wife while his ex wife and son are at the dinner. Hollis is found dead shortly after the dinner. Hollis had confided in Sophie earlier that he thought he was being poisoned. Sophie of course makes it her mission to find out what happened. There are numerous suspects, including Hollis current and ex wife. Sophie and her friends try to help clear Hollis wife name since she is the prime suspect

I love all the characters in this series. Reading about them is like catching up with old friends. There were many twists and secrets and it made the book more interesting. This is always a fun series to read and I thoroughly enjoy reading anything by Krista Davis. Can't wait to read more .

I have long said that Krista Davis might be the reason I am into cozies. Her book The Diva Haunts the House was my first ever cozy. In The Diva Cooks Up A Storm we get reaquented with Sophie, Nina, Mars, Francie, Alex and Natasha. I am so happy that Kensington picked up this series which is surprising it was even ever in jeopardy because I thought it always sold really well. Any who Sophie is on the case to uncover the killer who poisoned her neighbor Hollis. Of course the whole town is looking at his new trophy wife but let me tell you, you are not ready for the past of this trophy wife! It is brutal but refreshing in a cozy.
Something that I love about this series is the humor. Sophie is always light hearted and makes me giggle. This book on the other hand made me laugh out loud. There is a scene at a BBQ that had me in stitches. I have forgotten how this series really makes me happy and feel comfortable and forget the cares of the world. Krista Davis is just that gifted author who gets me!

Synopsis: When a trendy, underground dinner club leaves some guests six-feet-under the table, entertaining professional and amateur sleuth Sophie Winston hopes she has all the right ingredients to put a murderer on ice in New York Times bestselling author Krista Davis’s new Domestic Diva mystery . . .
Domestic diva Sophie Winston can whip up an elaborate event in her sleep, but as the hippest hostess she rarely gets to enjoy the full guest treatment. Which is why her best friend Nina Reid Norwood loops her in to the latest culinary craze: a pop-up gourmet dinner party. The celebrity chef, the epicurean menu, and the high-profile attendees are all a surprise, turning the decadent dining experience into the hottest ticket in Old Town. But Sophie’s just pleased as punch that she finally has an opportunity to join her fellow foodies in some fun.
The posh party proves to be a recipe for disaster when Hollis Haberman sours spirits by bringing his own hot new dish—his young trophy wife. With Hollis’s son and ex-wife in attendance, there may be more heat at the table than in the kitchen. But by aperitifs, Sophie discovers Hollis swallowing his last bits of air, and she must scramble to stop a killer before the swanky supper becomes anyone else’s last meal.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley and chose to write a review based solely on my thoughts.