I have only read a handful of cozy mysteries, but It Cannoli Be Murder is hands down the best one I have read so far. It is the second book in Bruns' series, and while I didn't read the first book, I was able to drop right into the story with no problem. Bruns is an excellent writer, and I enjoyed getting to know her characters better. Overall, I'd definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy cozy mysteries.

I enjoyed the first book in this series so I wanted to give this one a try. This one was a bit of a let down. I felt that the characters didn't go any further, they seemed a bit flat. There was some ambiguity in whether there was a romance being or not.The culprit's reason, while a more novel idea still had some holes that were hard to overlook. It was an okay book, that really could have been better.

I LOVED this book! It was a perfect cozy mystery to start off the long weekend. The author gave enough teasers and information sprinkled throughout the book to keep the reader guessing. Unknowingly, I requested this book and was pleasantly surprised to hear that it took place close to my home. I will definitely be looking for more cozy mysteries by this author. If this is the style of book you like, cozy mysteries, I highly recommend that you check out “It Cannoli Be Murder” by Catherine Bruns

I am so happy I was given an ARC of this biok in exchange for an honest review.

IT CANNOLI BE MURDER, the second book in the Italian Chef Mysteries by Catherine Bruns, is another delicious addition to a delectable series. Ms. Bruns crafts an intriguing tale featuring Tessa Esposito, a fledgling Italian restaurant owner. Tessa has had a heartbreaking year after losing her husband and she’s trying to recover while moving forward with their dream of opening a restaurant featuring her award winning Italian dishes. The author captures the angst of Tessa which brings an emotional element into the story. Ms. Bruns also has a strong descriptive voice that conveys the sights, sounds, aromas, and tastes of Tessa’s cooking along with the setting to make the reader feel like they’re right there, experiencing everything alongside her. With strong character development, Tessa and her cousin, Gabby, have great chemistry together. I greatly enjoyed watching the plot unfold as they work as a team to clear their names while their repartee brings some humor to the book.

Ms. Bruns writes a tightly plotted mystery involving Gabby’s old high school mean-girl nemesis, an egotistical best-selling author, his arrogant wife, and a detective that has his sights set on Tessa and Gabby. There were suspects aplenty and the author uses a creative method for the murder. As the story unfolded I found myself drawn in and suffered from the “just one more page” syndrome until the late hours of the night. But it was well worth it as the twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat until the surprise reveal!

Tessa is a trained chef and makes all sorts of delicious foods and delectable desserts. As a reader, I was practically drooling over the yummy descriptions and I was happy that Ms. Bruns includes recipes at the back of the book.

1 star for books I didn't finish, 2 stars for books I didn't enjoy reading. Like this one, despite the puns I thoroughly enjoyed. I couldn't warm to the main characters, there was not much of a story going on in the back...

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book.

Cute mystery with restaurant/bookstore themes. Predictable characterizations with all characters being unbelievably beautiful. Could use a little realism. Cozy lovers will enjoy this little book.

Tessa Esposito is finally opening her restaurant, a dream come true. Right in her home down and just down the road from her cousin Gabby’s bookstore. Knowing just how hard it is to run your own business, Tessa is working hard to make Gabby’s first author book signing a success. But when the author’s publisher turns out to be Gabby’s mean girl nemesis from her youth, the event becomes challenging and Gabby has an altercation with Daphne and the author threatens to blackball her store.

When Daphne is found dead in gabby’s store the next morning, Gabby becomes a prime suspect along with Tessa. If being blackballed wasn’t enough to close her shop up, this murder surely will be. Tess and Gabby will do their best to find the murderer, hoping they won’t lose their businesses or their lives.

This is the first book in this series that I have read, and it reads fine as a stand-alone, though I have already purchased the first book to read next. I have read other books by this author and enjoy her writing. So glad to have another series from Catherine Bruns to add to my must follow and read list.