Val Deniston is back at it again. When her grandpa's tenant, Suzette Cripps mysteriously is killed by a hit-and-run car, Val undoes her apron strings and picks up her detective instincts again to help solve it. Along with her grandpa who takes on the new position of ghost hunter, along with his previous roles as a private investigator and cooking journalist for the local newspaper, they set off to get to the bottom of who, what, where and why Suzette was murdered.

A charming novel to get you right into the upcoming autumn and Halloween spirit with a lighthearted mystery to help solve. As an added bonus, some delicious recipes are shared at the end. If you're looking for a light murder mystery story, the Val Deniston series are the ones to delve into.

I kept looking forward to picking up this book to continue going on the adventure right along with the no-nonsense, but amiable Val and her fun-loving grandpa. It helped me take a break from reality as the story was thoroughly entertaining with its quirky characters in a lovely setting. Although the mystery was almost obvious toward the last quarter of the story, you still were left to be unsure as new revelations come to play. The way Val eventually figured out who the murder was seemed a bit too far-fetched, but it didn’t deter from enjoying the story.

Food and books, what a great way to spend Halloween.
Crypt Suzette by Maya Corrigan is marvelously written story with mystery, family, friendship, a hint of love and lots of food. And would make a fabulous Halloween read if you are looking for one.

Val Deniston
Val is our sleuth and main character. She is very inquisitive, yet, friendly and she has a knack for cooking, Val runs a café at the fitness center and does catering on the side. I like that Val isn’t willing to let something go easily. She tries to get to the bottom of things with her Granddad’s assistance, of course. I also like that she takes care of her Granddad in a very respectful way.

Suzette
Suzette is a beautiful young woman, and sadly, she is the victim. She is living with Val and her Granddad until she saves enough money for an apartment. Suzette didn’t have a great life as her father left when she was young, and her mother had issues with Suzette.

However, Suzette was a hard worker, and she had dreams of being a writer which she was working at achieving. She was also an advocate for those who were wrong. I like Suzette and could see us being friends.

Mystery
I enjoyed the way that Val and her Granddad worked together to find out who killed Suzette. The clues were hidden very well and I didn’t pick up on them at first. However, I did guess who did it, and my guess was correct.

4 Stars for Crypt Suzette by Maya Corrigan
My rating for Crypt Suzette by Maya Corrigan is four stars. I truly enjoyed reading about Val and her Granddad’s adventures and look forward to the next installment. There are a few recipes, including one for Crypt Suzettes.

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 Crypt Suzette by Maya Corrigan.

Anyways, until next time,
Karen the Baroness
Happy Reading

If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.

Crypt Suzette is book six in the Five-Ingredient Mystery Series, I haven't read the previous book and though it would have been advantageous to have read them you can still read this book easily as a stand alone.

Val Deniston lives with her her Granddad Don Myer, both are involved with cooking in their own way and they both also get involved with some sleuthing on the side. Val has solved several cases in previous books, and she seems to be quite adapt a proving who the guilty party are, and it would appear she has no problem in doing so in this book. 

Set around my favourite holiday - Halloween, I was drawn to this book by the cover and the story.  We don't get to know much about Suzette as she is killed fairly early on in book, whilst I was disappointed as to have not known her  character we get to know her after death as Val is convinced that she her death was not an accident and Suzette's past is revealed. 

The story flowed at a nice pace, was a good clean cozy mystery and I had no idea who the culprit was until it was all revealed!

At the end Maya Corrigan has provided us with some truly amazingly mouthwatering 5 ingredient recipes that I can't wait to try!

5 stars

Crypt Suzette is the sixth installment in the A Five-Ingredient mystery series set on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay and featuring cafe owner and caterer, Val Deniston and her grandfather Don aka the Codger Cook. Halloween is around the corner and Val has been asked to cater a costume party for the opening of the new bookstore, Title Wave owned by an old friend of Don.

Suzette Cripps is a local college student renting a room from Don and Val, while very friendly she is also very secretive and neither know much about the girls past. Suzette and her writing club friends attend the party and Suzette is overjoyed to be awarded the best costume. Unfortunately, her joy is short lived as the next morning she's run down and left for dead while out for a jog. Suzette and Don aren't sure if her death was an accident or murder, but the clues left in the manuscript she was writing lead the two to suspect the later.

A fast paced plot from the first page featuring series regulars and the introduction of Dorothy and her son Bram, owners of the Title Wave, may mean romance is in the future for both Val and Don. Plenty of suspects will leave you guessing whodunit. A great addition to the series.

I received an advanced copy of Crypt Suzette from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am happy to offer my honest opinion.

First I would like to thank Netgalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I have enjoyed every book in this series and I think the series just gets better with each new story. It may be because I feel like I know the characters better now, but either way this is a series that every cozy mystery lover should read.

It is Halloween and Val's catering business is getting very busy. Her Grandfather, The Codger Cook is working on his new sideline as well, PI/ Ghostbuster. Between the 2 of them they uncover 2 mysteries and make these books such a treat.

I eagerly await the next book in this series, I can't wait to see what Val's grandfather gets up to next, and I am interested to see where the next potential love interest goes.

CRYPT SUZETTE is the sixth book in Maya Corrigan’s “Five- Ingredient” cozy mystery series. Although this book is part of a series, it was the first I’ve read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Val Deniston is a 30-something chef living with her grandad. Val is catering the new bookstore’s Halloween event when tragedy strikes. I always like it when an author makes the reason that the amateur sleuth gets involved in a murder investigation seem believable. For Val the victim, Suzette Cripps, was renting a room in Val’s granddad’s house. Maya Corrigan does a good job of making the reader care about the victim in the short time before she meets her unfortunate end.

Both Val and her grandad are interesting and realistic characters who work well together in trying to solve the murder mystery and the mystery troubling local thefts. The bookshop is a fun setting, despite all the murder and mayhem. In order to figure out who the murderer is, Val must figure out who Suzette really was and what led up to her death. The supporting characters and potential suspects in CRYPT SUZETTE add a lot to this story and several of the men are an assortment of suave, sinister, and sympathetic – leaving Val to sort out which are which. I enjoyed being able to fully immerse myself in the investigation as I read along.

CRYPT SUZETTE is a fun assortment of tricks, treats and terror for mystery readers. Maya Corrigan balances the mystery elements with the charm of small-town life. Although this story has all the beloved cozy mystery trappings, the element of danger builds as the truth about the murderer’s motive is gradually revealed. I like that Maya Corrigan leaves the door open to romance in future books. I look forward to reading Maya Corrigan’s next “Five- Ingredient” mystery.

"Crypt Suzette" is the perfect introduction to the fall season ! I adore the name and the beautiful cover.
This is the sixth book in the "Five Ingredient Mystery series."
Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the ARC for review. My opinions are my own. I highly recommend this series.
This is my favorite of the series as I love fall themed cozy mysteries.
This is the perfect read for a early fall afternoon with a spiced tea and a blanket!

Its Halloween season in Bayport on the Chesapeake Bay . Our protagonist, Val and her beloved Grandpa Don are excited about the festivities and looking forward to the haunted house and all the decorations in town . Grandpa is not your average senior as he has many endeavors that keep him busy even hunting for ghosts. Val and Don have a wonderful relationship and share a home. They have rented out a room to a mysterious quiet young college student who refuses to speak of her past. She seems haunted so they leave her alone and do not press her for information about herself. When the girl is killed by a hit and run Val has suspicions that it was murder. Soon clues abound and Val knows she had solid intuition and her suspicions soon prove right.

This is such a well crafted multi layered sleuth that I was unable to figure it out . I loved the conclusion and how the author built layers of clues upon clues. Each aspect of this cozy mystery was done to perfection ! I loved the Halloween theme, the mysterious sleuth and the charming charcters. I am so looking forward to the next in series ! This is a fun series that I highly recommend.

Five-Ingredient recipes are included . They are delicious and I cannot wait to make them all. Well done to the author and thank you for a terrific mystery !

Crypt Suzette by Maya Corrigan is the 6th book in A Five-Ingredient MysterySeries, and a very enjoyable read. Val Deniston lives with her grandpa, where he rents a room to a college student Suzette. When Suzette is killed in a hit and run, Val and Grandpa are on the case. There are twists and turns around every corner. Just when I thought I figured out who the murderer was, I'm proved wrong. I found this book to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. I especially enjoyed Val and Grandpa relationship. If you love cozy mysteries, I strongly recommend this book and series.

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

The 5-ingredient series keeps getting better and the characters are improving and adding to the reading enjoyment!

There have been two changes in town, Val and her grandfather have a lodger in the form of a local student (Suzette Cripps) and a new book store has opened, the owner of the store has asked Val to cater her Halloween opening bash and has decided to do a costume competition with the prize being a fairly substantial gift certificate for the store. So far so good! Suzette is lucky enough to win the competition (meaning buying college books will be easier) but the next day she is the victim of a hit and run. Now Val and the Codger Cook need to find out if Suzette was just unlucky, or if the hit and run was more sinister, oh and the Codger Cook has expanded his repertoire into ghost busting!

What are the links between Suzette, the local hotel, the book store and a book writing circle? Read the book and find out!

It's Halloween and Val's grandfather has gotten her a job catering a Halloween party at the new bookstore in town, The Title Wave. Part of the festivities involve a costume contest. The winner turns out to be Suzette, the secretive young woman who is renting grandfather's spare room. Tragedy strikes when she is found dead the next morning, killed in a hit and run accident - or was it really a murder? Val and her grandfather start following the clues to bring the killer to justice.
The relationship between Val and her grandfather is wonderful. I can think of only one other mystery series I have read with such a great connection between generations. They share a house and team up to solve a crime or two. When not tracking a killer, grandfather, Don Mayer, writes a column called the Codger Cook, with five ingredient recipes. He has also branched out beyond that by becoming a ghost hunter. Truly an active senior citizen.
Sifting through their clues and trying to uncover the many local secrets, Val and Don work well with the local police. I find that refreshing. Too often the amateurs see the police as a bunch of incompetents. I don't want to give any more details because I don't like spoilers. Also, this works well as a stand alone so brew up your beverage of choice, find a comfy chair and settle down for a very entertaining read. Then line up the previous five books for a binge read. I'm already looking forward to the next entry.

While we really don't meet or get to know Suzette, of the title reference, while she is alive, the unraveling of her untimely death will keep you fascinated and turning pages late into the evening, no matter what time of day you begin this book. Taking place at my favorite holiday season and with plenty of involvement at some of my favorite types of locations, including a book store and a Haunted House, this book will make you reflect about favorite classic reads as well as being intrigued by this series as a new favorite.

Val Deniston and her Grandfather are both involved in food, in different ways, and sleuthing, also, in individual ways. Even Val is surprised by the creative ways her grandfather can come up with to become involved in investigating mysteries.
I don't want to spoil the plot for anyone because there is so much to enjoy.
Believe me you will be wondrously surprised and delighted by the complications involved in this tangled plot.

At the end of the book author Maya Corrigan treats us to MANY mouth watering delights.

Crypt Suzette by Maya Corrigan is book 6 in the 5 Ingredient Mystery series. I have only read book 1 and 2 but was able to get up to date quickly.
When college student, Suzette, a boarder in Val and her grandfather's house, is ran over in a hit skip while she is jogging. Val sets out to find out who was behind the wheel. Since Suzette was very secretive with her past life, Val has her hands full. Was it someone in her writing group, at her part time job, or from her past. Even when Val is targeted, she still has plenty of suspects on her radar.
Corrigan gives twists and turns to have you guessing until the end. There is also humor, a hint of romance, and recipes. Everything a great cozy needs.
Crypt Suzette will have you in the Halloween spirit.
.I was given an ARC by NetGalley and Kensington Books and this is my honest review.

After reading Crypt Suzette and I found myself very interested in finishing this book to see who was the killer! There were lots of facts and clues which I enjoyed as I kept reading, plenty of twists and turns which I liked yet I was still surprised when it all came together!
Val the protagonist was one of the busiest females I've ever encountered, with her cafe, catering, sleuthing, taking care of others which all were intertwined with the mystery.
I liked Val and her granddad who shared a large house and their interactions they had. It sounded like a loving relationship.
It's a nice clean mystery and good to read this fall, since the setting surrounds Halloween.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required.

Crypt Suzette by Maya Corrigan is the 6th book in the A Five Ingredient Mystery Series. The series which follows Val Deniston a young woman who lives with her grandfather. Val also works two jobs one of which is her own catering service she uses as a ruse to help her solve a murder. Val seems to spend most of her time working and sleuthing. It does not seem like she has a very active social life or love interest to start with.

The story takes place close to Halloween. But it is not heavily Halloween themed. If you are reading this because of the Halloween element you may want to know this beforehand.

I have read no other books in this series. Since this book was far along in this cozy series, it surprised me it was easy to follow along. Val and her Grandfather have a tenant living with them Suzette Cripps. When Suzette is the victim of a hit-and-run Val and her Grandfather investigate. What threw me off a bit was how everyone reacted to the victim's death. Val and her Grandfather namely did not seem too broken up or upset over it. Vals lack of previous romantic entanglements help. Also not having the other murders mentioned often made it easy to read along.

I felt Val was more concerned with solving the murder than anything else. That and her possible new romance. One of the main settings is the town of Bayport's newest bookstore Title Wave. Which Val and her Grandfather have a personal connection to.

It bothered me that Val and her Grandfather did not feel shaken more by the death of Suzette. Someone that lived in their home. I felt there was a disconnect and lack of emotional connection between characters. I would have enjoyed the story more they had shed if a tear or two.

What sets this cozy series apart is a few things. Val and her Grandfather are friends with Police Chief Earl Yardley. So they are not often scolded for their investigation. Like in other books. There were a few common tropes in this book that reminded me a bit of Joanne Fluke’s Hannah Swensen Mysteries. The writing styles are not similar. Still if you like the Hannah Swensen Mysteries you will like this book.

I also did not figure out who the killer was on my own which rarely happens. However, the motive was weak and shallow. That and the pack of remorse over Suzette’s death is why I rated Crypt Suzette four out of five stars on Goodreads.

Crypt Suzette
(A Five-Ingredient Mystery #6)
by Maya Corrigan

Paperback, 304 pages
Expected publication: August 27th 2019 by Kensington Publishing Corporation



Goodreads synopsis:
Val Deniston is catering the debut of Bayport's newest bookstore--but the death of a customer is about to draw her into a real-life murder mystery ...

Suzette Cripps has been occupying a spare bedroom at Val's granddad's house while she takes classes in this Maryland Eastern Shore town--but she's always seemed a little secretive and fearful, and any talk about her past is a closed book.

After winning the costume contest at the Halloween-themed bookstore party, Suzette is mowed down by a hit-and-run driver--and Val and her grandfather start to wonder whether it was really an accident or if someone was after Suzette. Granddad is a little distracted by his new enterprise as a ghost-buster, but as Val talks to Suzette's coworkers and fellow creative writing students, she grows more convinced that the dead woman's demons weren't imaginary--and that she needs to rip the mask off a killer ...

Includes delicious five-ingredient recipes!

***

4.5 Stars

This is the sixth book in the Five-Ingredient Mystery series by Maya Corrigan.

Val Denston and her grandfather live together in Bayport and have a lady (Suzette) staying with them who is down on her luck. That is my own speculation. Suzette is a writer and spends time with a writing group called the “Fictionistas.” Val’s grandfather was a bit lost after the death of his wife and came out of his stupor by writing a recipe column for the local newspaper using edited versions of Val’s recipes. Suzette kept to herself and seemed to be hiding from the world. She had recently changed jobs and when she goes out running one morning she is mowed down by a hit and run driver.

This story is centered a lot around the bookstore run by Bram and his mother where the Fictionistas meet. Suzette’s mystery story has a strange similarity to her death. Bram is a tad involved in the story since he seems to like Val. At first it felt like he might be a recurring character but I feel like he will be a mainstay in future books. I wish there had been a bit more of him in the story. I was fascinated by his non-relationship with Val.

The grandfather, Don Myer is a hoot and a half. He meets a bunch of people on a haunted house walking tour where they think his house has a resident ghost. He sets them all straight saying what a ghostbuster he is and the tour guide gets a bit grumbly. Too funny.

The mystery is pretty complex and enjoyable to follow. But the star of the book is all the characters and the warm and inviting town. That alone will make you want to check out the previous five books in this series. I am excited to dive into those but I, personally, am most looking forward to more Bram and Val interactions.

If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

Crypt Suzette is the sixth book in the Five-Ingredient Mystery series, by Maya Corrigan. This story is a Halloween trick or treat with a couple of cases happening that involve both Val and her grandfather. Don Deniston has lined up a catering gig for Val at the new bookstore opening up in Bayport by an old school female friend. There is going to be a Halloween costume contest and Suzette, the student renting a room in their house, is excited about entering. When Suzette is the victim of a hit and run the next morning, Val starts unearthing details about Suzette's life that convince her that it was not an accident. Meanwhile, her granddad has added Ghost Hunter to his many hats he already wears. He is hired by some senior citizens to check out their homes for ghosts as things are disappearing and they think they were taken by ghosts. There is a lot happening and Val and Granddad are busily trying to solve both their cases.

I really like both protagonist, Val Deniston, and her granddad, Don Myer. Their relationship is one that all families wish they had. Not only do they share a house, but they often work together. I love the banter between them as it is often quite humorous (at least to the reader). Granddad is a hoot, he is a bit eccentric and with so many hats, he is constantly involved in something. He is the Codger Cook (writing 5 ingredient recipes for the local newspaper), a Private Eye, a landlord and now a ghost hunter. He seems to have a romantic interest in Dorothy, the bookstore owner, and I will be interested to see where that goes in future books. As Val and granddad investigate their cases, the author does a great job of blending these storylines together. There was also a fun story dealing with Halloween and the town's celebrations that ties in nicely to the mystery. The plot was well done with lots of suspects, many who had secrets, that led Val down one path, then another. There were a few twists along the way as more clues turned up, yet I did not suspect who the culprit was until it was revealed. All made sense as the final showdown occurred. I really enjoyed this story; the setting, the mystery and life in Bayport all mixed together to conjure up a top notch cozy mystery. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

Overall a pretty good read. I would have preferred a little more on the setting and characters. Was hard to see the historical connections between some of the characters.
The plot was a little different and was a welcome change From some cozy mysteries. Will look forward to more books from this author!

A gripping and fun to read cozy mystery, a page turner I read in a setting.
It's the second I read in this series and I really liked it.
The fast paced and well crafted plot, the well written and likeable cast of characters and the lovely setting are the main reason for appreciating this book.
The mystery was great and it kept me guessing.
I look forward to reading the next instalment in this series.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

This is the sixth book in the Five-Ingredient Mystery series by Maya Corrigan. Although I hadn't read any of the other books in this series, I had no problem getting stuck in and I was really thrilled with this book!

This Halloween themed cozy mystery was right up my street, with its well drawn characters, exciting plot and wonderful setting. I was especially fond of Val and her Grandad Don and how well they got along with one another. It was refreshing to have a male assistant amateur-sleuth in Grandad Don as most cozies tend to focus on female sleuths.

I really appreciated that the author, Maya Corrigan's use of the Halloween theme was cleverly linked with other Halloween threads such as a haunted house and the costume contest. I loved the super, well thought-out plot which was well paced and never boring. The comedic aspect to the story was very pleasing, allowing me many laugh-out-loud moments.

Crypt Suzette was a brilliant and extremely enjoyable little mystery and it's obviously a great series as well. Established series’ sometimes become a little stale and repetitive over time but this one still seems fresh and exciting and I can't wait to read the previous instalments. Highly recommended!

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Great Escapes Tours/ Kensington Books/ NetGalley at my own request. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

Val Deniston is catering a special event celebrating the opening of the book store, Title Wave. The opening coincides with Bayport's annual Spooktacular Halloween event. As part of the opening celebration, the bookstore will be hosting a Costume Party. Suzette Cripps, who rents a room from Val's grandfather, is one of the contestants and also a member of a creative writing group, called the Fictionistas. For the contest, Suzette dressed up as Moaning Myrtle from the Harry Potter books. The bookstore owner's brother, Bram, declares Suzette the winner and awards her a gift certificate to buy books.

Unfortunately, Suzette never gets an opportunity to use the Gift Certificate, as she is found dead the next morning on the peninsula road, an apparent hit-and-run victim. The leader of the writer's group, Gillian Holroyrd, sent Val some pages of the book Suzette was writing and asked her to attend the next meeting of the Fictionistas, which will be a tribute to Suzette. As Val reads the pages and starts thinking about Suzette's activities, she realizes that Suzette was scared of something or somebody. Talking with people who knew Suzette confirms this and Val starts seriously doubting that Suzette's death was accidental.

Was it really an accident or was Suzette murdered? Who would want her dead? Why? Can Val and her grandfather figure out the mystery?

Maya Corrigan has developed a very involved mystery that will keep readers guessing clear through to the end. There are plenty of suspects, red herrings, and finger-pointing, along with the usual twists and turns of a good mystery to keep the reader involved.