Southern Sass and Crispy Corpse by Kate Young is the 2nd book in the Marygene Brown series, and another splendid addition. Marygene left Atlanta behind and goes home to Peach Cove Island to help her sister Jena Lynn run the family business, Peach Diner. Marygene's mother passed away two years ago, but Marygene keeps seeing her mom's ghost, and she warns Marygene that more dead people will be finding her to solve their murders. When Marygene goes skinning dipping and swims into a burned body, the mystery begins. I really enjoyed this book, and am looking forward to the next book in the series. This book is fun with well developed characters, and plot. I recommend this book to cozy mystery book lovers, like me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Southern Sass and a Crispy Corpse is book two in the Marygene Brown mystery series. This was the first for me but I was able to get caught up quickly.
Marygene starts her morning taking an early morning skinny dip when she bumps into a charred body not knowing what it would turn into. Another charred body, a mystery from the past and a possible new romance.
There are plenty of twists and turns that have you guessing until the end in this easy to read cozy. I loved the setting and felt like I was actually on Peach Cove Island. I enjoyed the main characters and found them relatable. I loved the connection between Marygene and her friend, Betsy. There is humor, family, a ghost, and friendship. The only problem, you will want to go to the diner for a meal. At least there are recipes included.
I was given an ARC be NetGalley and Kensington Books for an honest review.

A fun and clever mystery. I would be happier without Mama the ghost, but I decided not to let that keep me from enjoying the story. Good characters and some interesting potential for more entertainment in the next one in the series. I look forward to reading it. I am hoping for more from Javy and putting Alex in the friend category. Whatever, I am certain to be engaged once again in their lives.

I didn't really like this book. It's storyline is feels jerky, chaotic. It doesn't feel like anything is being done. The culprits just kind of go crazy and out themselves. I liked the main character, although she feels lost in the process of finding out who the killers were. #SouthernSassandaCrispyCorpse #NetGalley

Marygene returned home to Peach Cove Island and discovered that while her mother might have died, her spirit is still here- and she regularly has a lot to say to Marygene! This is especially true when the charred remains of twins who disappeared 25 years ago turn up. Mama knew these women which means Marygene will learn more about her mother. Along with her friend Betsy, she investigates, even though her bio-dad Eddie, the sheriff, isn't happy about it. It might take a bit to sort out who's who is Marygene's complicated family tree but the same was true for the first installment so know that this is fine as a standalone. She's a good cozy heroine who is working hard on her issues after leaving an abusive marriage and trying to establish good, health relationships. It's a classic cozy, with a slight paranormal but never woo-woo thing. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Oh- and there are recipes!

If you like your mysteries with a few quirky characters, a touch of ghostly presence, and some southern charm, this is the series for you. This second in the Marygene Brown Mystery Series by Kate Young has all that wrapped up and presented on an island off the coast of Savannah. It opens with Marygene deciding to go skinny dipping in the ocean since the beach is deserted; that is until she swims slap into the charred remains of a person. To complicate matters she learns her neighbor has a habit of bird-watching with binoculars and camera in the mornings and managed to get an eyeful and pictures to prove it.
That sets the tone for the book, and it’s a rollicking adventure from that point forward. Marygene is trying to deal with the fallout of rumors that surround the reports of her morning swim while being told by her ghostly mother that she has no choice other than investigate this murder. To complicate matters, an identical corpse is found in the basement of a house her best friend has opened to the public to showcase her decorative skills. Can things get any worse? Of course they can, and do, before Marygene figures it all out.
Rounding out the story, there’s trouble in paradise as Marygene and her on again, off again boyfriend Alex are struggling with his tendency to have a roaming eye and her difficulties with trust since ending her first, abusive marriage. Not that Marygene is the only one with personal issues. As the case unfolds and it is discovered this is a crime that goes back over 20 years to the case of missing twins, her father, Eddie, Chief of Police was the investigating officer when they disappeared. His behavior now is out of character, but he won’t talk about it. Even more puzzling is the information Marygene learns regarding her mother’s activities with a group of other single young island women back in the days when she was young. Needless to say Marygene is shocked to learn she was a free spirited hippie back then; totally the opposite of the put together lady-like woman Marygene believed her mother to be. She learns much of this from her Aunt Vi who comes to visit, bringing her special blend of free-spirit to the island, as well as some much needed clues.
Rounding out the activities is a growing attraction, (or is it really?) between Marygene and the new detective Javier Reyes. There are more interesting characters than listed here, there’s the mayor, his wife and Junior, the son, there’s Teddy, the funeral director/coroner and his father, Marygene’s good friend Betsy, her sister and half brother, whew, I think I’ve named most of them. They are all well written, and provide both clues and humor to move the reader toward the satisfying end of the story.
This is a book that is just plain fun with a little mystery folded in to add to the story. A great read for when you want to relax, or give your brain a rest from too much serious thought.

“Southern Sass and a Crispy Corpse“ by Kate Young is the 2nd instalment in the "A Marygene Brown Mystery" series. I was excited to visit Peace Cove Island, Georgia again and the Peach Diner. I love the island setting and Marygene and her diner family. The story is filled with quirky characters, and the addition of Aunt Vi was a hoot. I like the little bit of island lore and spirit aspect that is in this series.

I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it in one sitting. It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and I didn’t completely guess whodunnit until Marygene did.

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends and I can’t wait for book 3 to come out!

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.

Marygene Brown has recently moved back home to Peach Cove, a small island off the Georgia coast, to help her sister and brother run the family diner. Her deceased mother may be physically gone, but her spirit haunts the island, and more specifically Marygene. According to her mother, because of their connection, spirits will seek Marygene out to solve their murders. And much to Marygene's dismay, this turns out to be true. When she goes skinny dipping off the island, she swims right into a woman's charred corpse. Later, she finds a second burned corpse in her friend's wine cellar. The investigation reveals that the remains belong to twins, Kayla and Pamela Dryer, who both vanished two decades ago. Marygene is determined to uncover the truth, especially when it becomes apparent that the people closest to her know a lot more about the twins than they're letting on.

This delightful read is full of humor, southern charm, and memorable characters. The writing style flows smoothly, and the story has a good pace that will keep the reader engaged and turning pages. The author did a wonderful job with the descriptions, which made it easy to visualize the lovely island setting and to feel like you're part of the small tight-knit community of Peach Cove. Marygene is a feisty and likable main character. I enjoyed getting to know her and the residents of Peach Cove. Her friend and co-worker, Betsy, was a hoot, and I loved Marygene's interactions with her mom and Javier. I didn't care for Alex and his short temper and would much rather see Javier as her love interest. The murder mystery had enough twists, turns, and suspects to keep me guessing until the action-packed reveal.
Overall, this was a charming cozy mystery, with mouthwatering descriptions of food, a touch of paranormal, and a well-crafted murder mystery. I look forward to reading more by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Kate Young
I enjoyed this second book as much as the first, it has some paranormal in the story I loved it.
Great storyline loved the humour and wit throughout.
Plenty of secrets to find out ,the ending was a surprise to me ,never saw that coming.
It was a pleasure to read .
Can’t wait until the next book to come out.
Thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for my advance copy for my honest review.

SOUTHERN SASS AND A CRISPY CORPSE is the second book in the Marygene Brown Mystery Series by Kate Young. The action starts right from the very first in this edgy cozy mystery. Protagonist Marygene Brown gets involved in a decades-old cold case after accidentally bumping into the remains of the missing young woman while skinny-dipping in the ocean off the coast of Peach Cove Island in Georgia. From this set up, the mystery takes a unique and entertaining twist in that Marygene doesn’t want to be involved in solving the mystery, nor has she ever wanted to be an amateur sleuth. Except her deceased mother’s ghost is quite insistent that Marygene do so… or else… Adding to the twists in Marygene’s life is the fact that she’s the daughter of Sheriff Eddie Carter, the result of an affair between the sheriff and her mother. Marygene is pulled between her mother’s ghost and her sheriff father while working alongside her half-sister and half-brother at the family-owned Peach Diner. Ms. Young’s vivid imagery leaps from the pages as the story unfolds. The reader feels the emotional angst the protagonist feels, smells the delectable peach treats baking at the family diner, hears the sound of the waves on the beach, and sees a ghost that shouldn’t be there. With each turn of the page I felt like there was something new to discover.

Ms. Young crafts a fast-paced plot. There are layers upon layers of mystery surrounding the cold case(s) and plenty of suspects for Marygene to discover. The author has created some terrific characters, especially in the island’s older generation that were around when the cold case occurred. These memorable characters added some humor and humanity which I found important since the book covers some serious topics that can be quite tragic. It adds an element of emotional depth and I appreciated that each scene is written with sensitivity and weaves into the story without detracting from the flow. With a heart stopping reveal, Ms. Young wraps up the threads of the plots and subplots in one highly satisfying conclusion, making me count the months until the next book in this series is released.

With the Peach Diner serving up all sorts of delicious Southern food and delectable peach treats, the reader will get hungry reading the descriptions. Fortunately there are several recipes at the back of the book to whet any appetite.

In this second book in the 'Marygene Brown Mystery' series, the baker/amateur sleuth discovers two crispy corpses. The book can be read as a standalone.

*****
Marygene Brown escaped from an abusive marriage and returned to her home in Peach Cove Island, Georgia. There Marygene helps run the Peach Diner with her sister Jena Lynn. Marygene is a wonderful baker, and prepares most of the diner's scrumptious desserts.

Marygene has a secret that's shared only with her best friend Betsy. Marygene is haunted by the ghost of her Mama - Clara Brown - whose spirit is tied to Peach Cove Island until she 'makes amends.' The amends involve Mama getting Marygene to investigate local murders, so the perpetrators can be brought to justice. Because of this 'jinx' Marygene is always finding dead bodies.

In this book Marygene finds two corpses, both burnt to a crisp. The first body bumps into Marygene when she's skinny-dipping in the ocean, and Marygene finds the second body when she's catering a home-viewing event. Mama's ghost tells Marygene she has to solve the murders so Mama can get 'points' toward entering the pearly gates.

Marygene's biological father, Eddie Carter, is the sheriff of Peach Cove Island, and Marygene vows to help him solve the crimes.....much to Eddie's chagrin. In any case Marygene snoops around and wheedles information out of her 'informants', including Deputy Sheriff Alex Myers and coroner Teddy Gaskin.

It turns out the murders are cold cases tied to some of Peach Cove Island's older residents, including Marygene's deceased Mama and Betsy's Meemaw. The scenes with Meemaw - who has a healthy appetite and blurts out whatever's on her mind - are very amusing.

While Marygene is investigating the murders she's also dealing with events in her personal life. Marygene and deputy Alex Myers were 'a thing' until Alex was caught flirting with a blonde knockout.

While Marygene is debating what to do about Alex she's attracted to a new deputy sheriff, Javier Reyes. This 'triangle' leads to jealousy and potential conflict in the sheriff's office. (In my opinion Marygene should look OUTSIDE the sheriff's office for a love interest.)

The book has an array of colorful characters, including Marygene's friend Yvonne - who's starting a career in home makeovers; Marygene's brother Sam - who cooks at the Peach Cove Diner; Evelyn Gentry - the snobby wife of the mayor; Junior Gentry - Evelyn's son, who's hired as a busboy; Aunt Vi - who likes yoga pants and string bikinis; and more.

The story builds to an exciting climax where the killer is revealed. The perp was a surprise to me, so well done Kate Young. 😊

Like other 'culinary cozies' there's a good deal of cooking, baking, and eating in the story, with recipes included at the end.

This is an enjoyable cozy, recommended to fans of light mysteries.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author (Kate Young), and the publisher (Kensington Books) for a copy of the book.

Recipes in the book include:
Cheese Biscuits
Broccoli and Cheese Soup
Sourdough Croutons
Roadkill (Ground Beef)
Chicken and Dumplings
Peach Muffins
Lime Cream Puffs

This is the 2nd in the Marygene Brown mystery series. Marygene has returned to Peace Cove Island recently and life has been going well after a little hectic start (clearing her sister of murder charges in book 1) and she co-owns and runs the Peach dinner with her sister Jena Lynn. Marygene decides to go for a skinny dip in the ocean as she has not slept well from having a fight with her on and off again boyfriend from high school Alex. As she is swimming, she feels something hit her and as a wave takes them both under, she realizes it was a dead body who is burnt and they both washed up on the beach. When the police arrive, her father the Sheriff is not too happy to find out she has been skinny dipping and involved with another dead body. Alex a deputy is not talking to her and Javier the new deputy is rude and dismissive, and she takes an instant dislike to him (or does she?) He Mama who is deceased also appears and Marygene knows the Island spirits want her to solve this crime. Marygene is going to put investigating on hold as the Peach Diner is catering and event held by one of her best friends Yvonne who is an interior designer and showcasing her latest house with Coastal Magazine hopefully to do a feature. While in the wine cellar with her brother Sam, they find another body burnt just as the one on the beach. Yvonne is crushed as the event is ended abruptly and thinks this will ruin her career. Betsy is Alex’s cousin and her best friend and worker at the diner, and she is always willing to help Marygene in sleuthing. The murder investigation is in an interesting one and the characters are so fun. Almost everyone around Marygene knows her Mama is still around and “popping” in on her and that others also indicate they have seen or know of spirits from family members. I think Aunt Vi is a great addition and I love how Mama shows up when she can, and they are building a relationship they did not have in life and are getting closer. This is a story that sucks you in and I really enjoyed. Highly recommend.

Marygene Brown has come home to Peach Cove Island after a messy divorce from an abusive husband. Her momma has passed on but unfortunately for Marygene she still lingers atoning for something from her past. Marygene's momma appears when there is a dead body near by. Marygene seems to be a beacon the dead are drawn to wanting her to solve their murder. It's a double murder this time and to solve it the past of some island dwellers and their secrets will come to light including her momma's. Between boyfriend troubles with Alex the deputy and a new man showing interest, the diner, Aunt Vi, her friends, her dad's new love and dead bodies she has her hands full! Southern Sass and a Crispy Corpse by Kate Young is an entertaining read! Likeable characters, funny situations, good friendships and one island ghost that only Marygene can see and talk to makes for a good story! Enjoy!

What a wonderful addition to this series. I absolutely loved every bit of this story. Pacing is perfect and so is the plot to story development. Marygene is getting really better at solving mysteries, eh. Of course, compliments to her mama but Marygene is the best amateur sleuth!
A case from two decades ago comes to haunt the islanders. Marygene learns a lot of her mama's past. Marygene ends up finding not one but two charred corpses and the victims are related in more than one way. The autopsy results are shocking.
Marygene doesn't take her killer's threat well. She has nothing to fear though, for mama's by her side.

I absolutely recommend this marvellously written cozy mystery.

MaryGene and her family are back! All of the characters really feel real to me and I cant get enough of this series! Kate young is an author everyone should check out.

4.5 Stars

This is the second book in the Marygene Brown mystery series by Kate Young.

Basic premise: Marygene gets caught skinny dipping by one of her more senior neighbors and runs smack dab into a burned dead body. Then later when she has recovered some and is working on catering a shindig, she finds another body in the basement of the house … which is also a crispy corpse!

I really enjoyed this book. It has the ghost of Marygene’s mother running around giving her clues here and there. Plus she decides to call it quits with her police officer boyfriend who is not only slacking on the job but getting it on with another gal. A new officer to town, Javier starts out as a foil for Marygene but very quickly grows on us and we know that there will be more of a relationship in future books.

Marygene really deals with a lot in this book. She has finally gotten everything how she wanted it. Then her relationship went to crap, her house got burned down with the perfect kitchen she had always dreamed of.

This is the first book I have read in this series and I do plan to read further on. The mystery was just so spot on that I really have to read book one next! This is a great series to follow for sure!

If you are looking for 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.

Sadly this book did not hold my attention. I finished it hoping it would "hook" me or grab me in some way but it didn't. I don't know if it was the book or what is going on in life at the moment with COVID-19 so don't hold my review against the book. Try it for yourself and see if you enjoy it.

Okay read, not really my cup of tea.

Too many characters, too much talking while eating.

The plot of two corpses from long ago popping up was interesting. But once Marygene investigated into the past of the women, it was pretty easy to pick the who. Actually, pretty strange the police never went to talk to the cousin of the women.

Once I opened Southern Sass and a Crispy Corpse on my kindle, I knew I would have to read it all in one sitting.
Kate Young fills the pages with laugh out loud moments, family drama, and a great murder investigation.
This is the second book in this series, but it can be read as a stand alone.
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end and I am looking forward to reading more in this series.

I'd like to start out by saying that I did not read the first book of the series, Southern Sass and Killer Cravings, however I had no problems keeping up in book 2. I am a fan of paranormal cozies and this was delightful. The author did a wonderful job with character and plot development, not to mention the setting, which is a small island off the coast of Georgia.

Marygene Brown, her family and friends are likeable and people you would like to meet. I wish I could visit the real Peach Cove Island and the diner there, which has been in Marygene's family for several generations and is a favorite guard gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.

I really recommend this series for lovers of cozies, especially paranormal ones, which not only make you laugh but have you try and guess whodunnit.

I would like to thank Kate Young, Kensington Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.