Southern Sass and Killer Cravings by Kate Young is the first book in the new Marygene Brown series. This series puts a bit of a paranormal twist on cozy mysteries with the main character having the ability to speak with the ghost of her mother.

Marygene Brown was from Peach Cove Island off the Georgia coast where her family has run the Peach Diner for generations. Marygene had left Peach Cove Island when she married but now after her divorce and her mother’s passing Marygene has returned to help her sister run the family business.

Shortly after Marygene has returned and begun to work in the diner with her sister she gets a visit from the ghost of her mother with a warning to not open the diner the next day or someone would die. Well, of course Marygene thinks the whole thing was crazy and when the diner is opened a regular drops dead at the counter. When it’s found to be a poisoning Marygene’s sister is suspect number one so Marygene must find the real killer.

Southern Sass and Killer Cravings was a great title for the opener to this new series as it describes what a reader will find pretty well. Being set down in the south the characters do have not only southern charm but a lot of sass too. And set in a diner there’s always plenty of food to crave too while you search out a killer along with Marygene. With a fun start I’ll definitely be on the lookout for book two.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

Marygene hasn't been involved in the family business - or sleuthing - but she finds herself quite at home in the diner and enjoying the neighborhood, small town feel more than she remembered. She is sure her sister, Jena Lynn, couldn't possibly murder somebody and she is determined to prove it. At every turn, though, there are more complications and twists. Now Marygene has to decide who she can really trust. At least Mama's there to help her along.

This was an enjoyable read with great characters, a town that comes together, and a mystery that takes some work to figure out. Mama's spirit is especially fun and timely - well, most of the time.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.

Marygene Brown leaves her abusive husband and returns home to her family home and diner on the small island of Peach Cove, Georgia. Soon after her return, a customer, Joseph Ledbetter, dies right there in the restaurant that Marygene and her sister Jena Lynn are again running together. Jena Lynn becomes the prime suspect in Joseph’s murder, and Marygene is afraid the lead investigator isn’t looking any further than her sister. To clear her sister’s name and the diner’s reputation, Marygene launches her own investigation, but she isn’t truly alone. She is getting a little help from the spirit of her deceased mother!

This entertaining book begins a new series that has the potential to be excellent. The complicated dynamics between the characters, both in the past and present, add depth to the story and make the characters seem more realistic. Even the “good” characters have flaws, which is more believable than everyone being all good or all bad. Marygene’s abusive ex is the exception, since it’s hard to find his good points. I like that even though Marygene and her sister have had a strained relationship, their love for each other is obvious and they are there for each other in times of need.

Marygene goes in head first into the investigation while navigating less than perfect relationships with her sister, father, and late mother. Even though she is still getting over the traumas experienced in her marriage, Marygene puts all the obstacles aside to try to help her sister. Further complicating things are Calhoun, a determined investigative reporter who Marygene isn’t sure she can trust, and her high school boyfriend, Alex, one of the local sheriff’s deputies. Both Calhoun and Alex make it clear they are interested in Marygene and she seems open to the possibility. This seems to be a little soon for someone who went through everything Marygene did in her marriage. The paranormal element is well-done as Marygene looks to her mom for advice on the investigation and tries to repair their relationship which was damaged before her mom’s death.

The investigation itself becomes more interesting as the story goes on. I enjoy seeing Marygene discover several motives and suspects for the murder of Joseph Ledbetter that have nothing to do with her sister or their diner. Although I think it’s a little too soon for Marygene to be thinking about a new romance, I like seeing her work with both Calhoun and Alex to solve the crime. Everything is explained by the end of the book and I enjoy the positive note on which the book ends. For those who want to try to recreate some of the delicious sounding dishes described in the story, several recipes are included at the end. Fans of Diane Mott Davidson will want to try this new series that has a little more depth than the typical cozy.

~ Christine

In this first mystery, Kate Young takes the outline of familiar plotlines and juices them up with a deft hand and light touch making them fresh and her own. Marygene Brown returns to her home island near Savannah after her divorce. Plans are for her to work with her sister in their diner, but things don't work out according to plan. A customer dies in the diner and her sister becomes the prime suspect in his murder. Marygene rounds up a small cadre of friends to help her investigate. Of course, she wasn't expecting visits from her deceased mother claiming to want to help either. An impressive debut that left me wanting more.

In this first is a series set in small town Georgia, Marygene has returned to Peach Cove to run the diner with her sister. When Jena Lynn becomes the prime suspect in a murder case, Marygene can’t sit idly by. Her attempts to investigate provide insights into complex family relationships, a painful past, and a hint at better days to come. The whodunnit side of the plot had a fair share of twists, with her mother’s ghost making an appearance at both convenient and inconvenient times. The paranormal aspect of the story was for the most part nicely done, however I would have preferred if the resolution of the story had been more down to earth, more realistic. That said, it was a pleasant read overall.

Marygene is moving back home after she ended an abusive marriage. She's moving to Peach Cove Island where she co-owns a restaurant with her sister. The restaurant has been in the family for several generations. She still owned her former mother's house. There is a murder in the restaurant, and her sister jena is arrested. Marygene starts seeing apparitions of her dead mother when things get complicated. She's not sure if she's dreaming or going crazy. Marygene"s father is the chief of police, and her former boyfriend is one of his deputies. Marygene sets off to prove her sister's innocence, while her father and former boyfriend strive to keep her protected. There are recipes in the back of the book that are in the story, and I had to laugh when I found that the beer in the story actually exists. It's used in a cake recipe. I really enjoyed this story. It felt like the heroine in the story could be a friend. It kept me guessing until the end. I read it in one sitting. I imagine there will be more Peach Cove stories, and I look forward to reading them.

This was my first book by the author and as a fan of Cozy Mysteries I found it delightful! The author has written beautifully of Southern Culture with humor and quirky personalities brought to life for the reader . I love this book and highly recommend it for all that love mysteries.
Thank you to Net Galley and to the publisher. My opinion is my own.

Georgia's Peach Cove Island is the childhood home to Marygene Brown who is moved back home with her sister recovering from an abusive relationship. Her mother has recently passed away, leaving the family diner to Marygene and her sister Jenna Lynn. Jenna Lynn has been holding the diner together on her own but she needs Marygene to help out . The Sisters have a friendly relationship and look out for one another.

When a older diner patrons suddenly dies at the counter Marygene is the one closest to the body. But Jenna Lynn is arrested after its found the man was poisoned. Now their diner is closed and they may soon be out of business for good. Marygene must step up to prove her sister’s innocence and save their family legacy. Marygene is soon hot on the trail of a killer with help from her friends and a local reporter.. Her Mom makes appearances to her to help with the clues along the way.
The sleuth kept me guessing and I did not guess the conclusion. l love the Southern culture and appearances of their Mother at just the right time. This is such a fun read that kept me turning pages into the night.. I look forward to the next in series.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Everything is not peachy on Peach Cove Island. Marygene Brown has left her abusive marriage behind and returned home just in time to witness one of the customers at her family’s Peach Diner keel over dead. When it is determined the man was poisoned, Marygene’s sister Jena Lynn is arrested and the diner is closed. Knowing she has no choice, Marygene sets out to find the real killer to save her sister and reopen the family legacy. She gets an unusual assist from her Mama, who just happens to be dead! All while the sheriff tells her to butt out ‘cuz he’s got it covered. Well, he and that detective from Atlanta brought into the case by the victim’s son.

There is so much I loved about this story!

The author introduces us to Marygene, a survivor of domestic violence. I felt she dealt with the issue realistically while keeping within cozy mystery parameters. Marygene makes a huge step, filing for divorce and moving home, while her husband still tries to keep her under his thumb. She arrives back on Peach Cove Island with the process started, knowing it isn’t going to be easy.

I was impressed with the character growth of the core characters over the course of the story, realizing this is the first book in the series, the author has left plenty of room for growth. The family dynamic is unique and fluid. When her mother passed the family home was left to Marygene, and the Peach Diner was left to both daughters. With Marygene stuck in her marriage, Jena Lynn has been running the diner with their brother handling the kitchen. Marygene also just recently found out that Sheriff Eddie Carter is her biological father. Her return means rebuilding and defining relationships.

The murder takes place early in the story giving Marygene something else to focus on. It also gives her a way to reconnect with family and friends and gives her the opportunity to connect with those who had reason to want Mr. Ledbetter six feet under.

The mystery was cleverly plotted and the addition of Mama’s ghost was fantastic!! Friend and waitress Betsy also assists Marygene in her investigation. (Betsy is a hoot and a half!) There were more suspects than I at first imagined and plenty of twists. A lot is happening on this island. Marygene does her best to piece everything together, even putting herself in the line of fire. More than once she had me holding my breath.

Kate Young has what I would call a comfortable writing style. The dialogue is free flowing full of just the right amount of Southern Sass. I am not a fan of curse words in a cozy mystery but it fits within this dialogue and was rare. Her descriptive style sets the time and the scene without ever going over the top. The characters are easily visualized along with everything that is taking place.

Like a true cozy mystery, this book has its fair share of humor and just a touch of romance. Marygene is just out of a bad relationship and not ready to jump into another, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any men on the horizon. I hope with all the woman has been through the author takes things slowly and gives out protagonist the time she needs to heal and trust. Jena Lynn romantic relationship has a fun milestone.

Full of Southern charm and a grand mystery along with delectable recipes that may give you some Killer Cravings this series is off to a wonderful start! I can’t wait for book two!!

I liked Marygene and found her various relationships interesting. The one thing I didn't care for was the inclusion of Mama, a ghost. Usually I can overlook a ghost as being part of one's imagination and mental process. This time the ghost was too actively involved. I may read the next one as I do care for the characters. Hopefully, Mama has left the building.

This story is set in Peach Cove Island, Georgia. Living in Georgia, I really enjoy books set here. Marygene is returning to her family on the island after an abusive marriage. She joins her sister Jena Lynn and half brother Sam in running the family diner. But when a proponent of island “improvement” dies in their diner, all become suspects.

I enjoyed the characters in this book and hope to see more of them in the future.

Marygene returns home to Peach Cove, GA to escape an abusive marriage and to work at the family diner, The Peach Diner. She is home for about 24 hours when a long time resident dies while eating at the restaurant. Her sister Jenna Lynn is arrested for the murder after it is found out that he died of some sort of poison. Since Jenna was the one that cooked the food she is the one that is immediately blamed. This was a quick and enjoyable read. It does contain adult situations and language that you do not find in most cozy mysteries. I am defiantly looking forward to the next book.

Southern Fried Cozy Mystery
This story is a great cozy mystery that takes place on a Georgia coastal island. It is filled with southern pride, hospitality and cooking. The crime and mystery portion of the story is just aces. The story revolves around a diner but it is not the over-the-top foodie that many stories are. There is a nice recipe section at the end. I received this Arc book from Net Galley for free and this is my honest review.

Southern Sass and Killer Cravings is the first of a new series. Wow. What a great new series. This book grabbed my attention from the very beginning and Marygene is a great character. She has moved back home to Peach Cove to get her life back together. She has left an abusive relationship and is waiting for the divorce to go thru. As she arrives in town and goes directly to the family diner her Prius is repossessed by her abusive soon to be ex-husband. Marygene does not care she just wants to get on with her life. Her Mother died a couple of years ago and was left the house and the diner is split between her and her sister Jena Lynn. She wants to mend fences with her family and friends as Peter her soon to be ex kept her isolated from everyone. Marygene awakes that first full day with her Mama (mind you she is dead) telling her to get up and to not open the diner as there is going to be a murder there. What her Mama is dead. Guess Mama has to stick around to atone for some things and to help out Marygene. Mr Ledbetter dies in the diner and as he is dying he hands Marygene a piece of paper and says to trust no one. Mr Ledbetter's son Carl brings in a detective from Atlanta to oversee the case as the Sheriff is Marygene's Father. Carl also uses his influence to get all the tests etc moved up and Jena Lynn is arrested for murder as the frosting on the cake for his birthday had rat poisoning in it. Marygene knows there is no way Jena Lynn did this and she is going to prove her innocence along with her Mama's help whether Marygene wants it or not. Marygene is the result of an affair her Mama had with Eddie (Mama calls him Edward) and their relationship seems very complicated. I definitely had my suspicions on who the murderer was but then another clue had everyone looking in another direction. This is a great start to a new series and I will definitely be looking forward to the next in this series.

Southern Sass and Killer Cravings
Author: Kate Young
Publisher: Kensington Books
Publication Date: May 28, 2019
4 Stars

Marygene has just gotten out of an abusive marriage and decides to return to her hometown, Peach Cove Island. While excited to be going home, Marygene is filled with trepidation and guilt at fragmented relationships she abandoned when she left Peach Cove. The first relationship she tries to repair is with her sister Jena, as the two of them will be running their family business, the Peach Diner. Eager to make amends, but not step on toes, Marygene helps out at the diner however she can. On her second day there though, tragedy strikes. One of the regulars drops dead. After his death is ruled a homicide by poisoning, Jena is taken into custody as she was the one who made the cake that he ate right before he died. Marygene knows she can’t sit by and let her sister be tried for a murder she didn’t commit. So, she goes poking around town trying to figure out who the real killer is. Her strained relationships with her dad, old friends, high school sweetheart, and even her deceased mother only seem to complicate her investigation. It isn’t long, however, before she is digging up secrets and putting herself in danger.

Southern Sass and Killer Cravings is the tantalizing first book in the Marygene Brown mystery series. The author has thought up a marvelous storyline and has told it well. The author provides us with many possible suspects and motives, and throws us clues and curveballs to keep us guessing. Even once the murderer becomes apparent, the suspense continues to build as we wait to see how it all unfolds. I can easily see this book being made into a movie.

This book is filled with many varied and engaging characters. Marygene has a lot of complicated, intense relationships that could make this story very heavy. However, the story is counterbalanced by the fun-loving and light-hearted Betsy.

I thought the author did an excellent job of dealing with the issue of domestic abuse in the context of a cozy mystery. She doesn’t soften the seriousness and tremendous impact of abuse, but she winds up the story with encouragement for survivors.

I can wholeheartedly recommend this book to cozy mystery lovers. Those that particularly enjoy cooking mysteries will be happy with all the delectable dishes described in the story. Many of the recipes are included at the end of the book. Marygene‘s berry crumb bars sounded especially good to me.

I can’t wait for the opportunity to return to Peach Cove.

Thanks to Net Galley and Kensington Books for an ARC of this book. #NetGalley #SouthernSassAndKillerCravings

Southern Sass and Killer Cravings by Kate Young is the 1st book in the Marygene Brown series, and my first book by this author. Marygene leaves Atlanta behind and goes home to Peach Cove Island to help her sister Jena Lynn run the family business, Peach Diner. When an old man dies in the diner, Marygene is determined to find the real killer, and save her sister and the diner. Marygene's mother passed away two years ago, but Marygene keeps seeing her mom's ghost. I really enjoyed this book, and am looking forward to the next book in the series. This book has fun with well developed characters, and a fun plot. I recommend this book to cozy mystery book lovers, like me.

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.

Southern Sass and Killer Cravings by Kate Young is the beginning of the Marygene Brown Mystery series. Marygene Brown is returning home to Peach Cove, Georgia after the end of her abusive marriage. She is looking forward to working at The Peach Diner with her sister Jena Lynn that was started by her grandmother. Marygene has a knack for knowing what is missing from a recipe or that something special needed to enhance a dish. On her second day at the diner, longtime Joseph Ledbetter collapses and dies. Mr. Ledbetter’s son, Carl uses his connections to bring in Detective Davis Thornton from Atlanta PD to head up the investigation. It turns out that Mr. Ledbetter was poisoned, and all evidence points to Jena Lynn who is quickly arrested, and their diner is closed. To save Jena Lynn and their family diner, Marygene needs to find the killer. She gets help from her friend, Betsy and, surprisingly, her deceased mother’s spirit. Someone, though, is not happy with Marygene’s digging into the case and attempts to warn her off (not that Marygene can be dissuaded). As everyone knows, there are no secrets in a small town. Marygene needs to uncover which one led to Mr. Ledbetter’s demise before the killer makes Marygene his next victim.

Southern Sass and Killer Cravings is set on a small island off the Georgia coast called Peach Cove. The Peach Diner was started by Marygene’s grandmother, Nanny after her husband gambled and drank away their money. Marygene has a natural talent for cooking and baking. She knows what is needed to elevate a dish and how to fix a wonky recipe. I thought Southern Sass and Killer Cravings was nicely written and it moved along at a steady pace. I liked the author’s conversational writing style which made the story easy to read. Southern manners and hospitality are the code in the South. Southern women are polite and always have sweet tea ready for guests (even if they are unwelcome). I liked that Marygene is a friendly yet flawed character (realistic) who has gotten herself out of a bad marriage. She has made mistakes and knows that she needs to make amends (to family and friends). There are an assortment of characters in the story that include Marygene’s sister, her half-brother, biological father, shop owners, residents, a reporter, and land developers. Betsy Myers, Marygene’s best friend, is over-the-top and boisterous (she is quite a characters). With Carl Ledbetter’s father dead, he is ready to let developers buy the land he inherited for high rise condos and a resort. Other residents do not want this type of development which leads to animated debates. There is plenty of action throughout the story, but I could have done without the repetition of case details. The mystery was mixed for me. The method of murder and the killer’s identity are easily discerned by avid cozy mystery readers. It was interesting, though, following the investigation to learn more about the victim and why he was killed. There are two potential love interests for Marygene. Personally, I thought it was too soon for Marygene to move on after her abusive marriage (she still had bruises on her neck). There is mild foul language in Southern Sass and Killer Cravings and references to the abusive Marygene suffered. My favorite phrase from the book is “the past always has a way of coming back and biting you in the keister” (so true). There are recipes from The Peach Diner included at the end. Southern Sass and Killer Cravings is a humorous cozy mystery that is perfect to read on the front porch in a cozy rocking chair with sweet peach tea on a table nearby. Southern Sass and Killer Cravings has Southern hospitality, friendship, sweet tea, gossip, tasty treats, a dead man, secrets, an island spirit and a new amateur sleuth.

3.5 stars

Southern Sass & Killer Cravings is what I would call a grittier cozy… it touches on some tough (potentially trigger) issues and uses some saltier language than I’m used to in cozy mysteries.

Marygene’s family is a bit of a hot mess, not the least of which is her recently-departed Mama who pops in and out to help Marygene and try to make amends for their less than stellar relationship. Yet – Mama included – they stick together when one of their own needs help and in this case both Marygene and her sister Jena Lynn need a passel of it.

The bodies keep piling up, and the plot kept me guessing until the whodunnit (and why) reveal. It’s a case with lots of twists and turns and plausible suspects – a town full of people who seem trustworthy but still may have had solid motive to kill. Marygene isn’t sure who she can trust & neither was I. Add to that, a couple of potential love interests (which Marygene approaches cautiously and slowly, given that she still has literal bruises from her ex) and readers are kept busy trying to decide who needs a purse whomping from Mama.

Bottom Line: Full of quirky small town southern charm and mouthwatering recipes, Southern Sass & Killer Cravings is an edgy cozy with a heroine who will draw readers’ sympathy for her struggles and admiration for her will to overcome them. The crude language and frequent cursing may turn away some typical cozy readers, but the bones of the story, the characters, the humor, and the well-crafted plot are enjoyable if you get past the language choices. I also appreciated the author’s thoughtful and candid portrayal of domestic abuse survivors and the subsequent hope and courage she offers to readers in similar situations.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

I love cozy mysteries. So, when I found out one of my favorite paranormal authors had a cozy mystery coming out, I jumped at the chance to read it. And once again Kate Young has a terrific first book in a series that I want to have lots more books!

This book has all the basic elements you need for a good cozy mystery. A shocking murder quickly solved by a short-sighted detective who, of course, arrests the wrong person. As well as the family and friends of Jena Lynn who know there is no way she would have done this crime. The side investigation is led by her sister Marygene, with a little help from the spirit of their dead Mama! Throughout the book I found myself often laughing at the crazy things that were said or done but also appreciating the bonds of love, friendship and family that are so obviously displayed by the characters that fill this book.

Its the addition of the ghost, as well as the well-written characters that ring true to life as you read them that make this cozy mystery great. If you like cozy mysteries that make you laugh and make you appreciate all the special kinds of crazy you have in your own family, this is the book for you.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Southern Sass and Killer Cravings is the first book in the Marygene Brown series.

Marygene Brown has gotten the courage to leave her abusive marriage and has returned to Peach Cove Island
and will help her half-sister, Jena, and her half-brother, Sam run the Peach Diner, the diner that has been in the family for generations. Marygene arrives to find the Peach Cove in an uproar over developers that have descended on the island hoping to buy up property and build condos and turn the island into a mega tourist attraction. Most residents are happy with their way of life and the modest tour attraction they have had for years.

On the evening of her return, Marygene deceased mother contacts her and tells her to shut the diner the next day as somebody will die in the diner. The next morning, shortly after arriving for work, a regular customer, Mr. Ledbetter, collapses and dies. When it is learned that he died from poisoning Jena is arrested and led away in handcuffs and the diner is shut down. Marygene. With the help of Betsy, they set out to find the killer so they can save Jena from prison and save their source of income, the Peach Diner. This investigation will cause her to have to work with Sheriff Eddie Carter, her biological father with whom she has not been close.

The story is well written and very interesting, as are the characters. There are plenty of twists and turns and red herring to keep the reader guessing.

There are recipes from the Peach Diner also included in the book.

I will be watching for the next book in the series.

Welcome to Peach Cove, Georgia. Located on an island, it's a small community full of character. Foe three generations the Brown women have run the Peach Dinner, founded by their grandmother. Now, after the death of their mother, MaryGene has come back to help her sister, Jena Lynn, run it. They co-own it but MaryGene has been living in Atlanta, stuck in an abusive marriage, a marriage that seriously damaged her relationship with her mother and her sister. Finally seeing the truth about her situation, MaryGene has returned to the island and her mother's house, ready to begin a new chapter and finalize her divorce. Things sure get off to an explosive start when her soon to be ex has her car repossessed - with all of her belongings in it! From there she tries to settle herself in her mother's house and the first thing she has to deal with? Her mother's ghost making an appearance telling her that she and her sister must not go to the diner the next day, to close down for the day. MaryGene should listen to her mother. One of their patrons, Mr. Ledbetter, suddenly drops dead at the counter, victim of poison. Too bad the baker is Jena Lynn is not only the prime suspect, she is arrested and the diner is shut down. Considering that there is no doubt that her sister is innocent and the diner is their whole life and only income, MaryGene is instantly focused on finding out who killed Mr. Ledbetter. With the help of her best friend, Betsy and advice from her mother's ghost, MaryGene is determined that the killer won't get away with the crime.
This was a fast paced read, perfect for an afternoon escape to a lovely Southern setting, full of good people and good food. I had no hesitation adding this new series to my TBR series list.