This is the second book in the series.
I enjoyed the whodunit but I wish the “glimmers” the protagonist experiences was more fleshed out and explored.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. This second installment in the series was great. It is best to read the books in order as A Fatal Glow refers a number of times to what happened in the first book, A Glimmer of Death. Also, there is character development which is better appreciated if the reader knows what occurred previously. The main character, Odessa, is very interesting and nuanced. She does investigate, but not in a way that will put her at risk or that interferes with her work. The secondary characters add a depth to the story, and some of the elements in this book were sad. I like the fact that there is no sugarcoating in this mystery, and that it is mostly anchored in reality, with the exception of Odessa and Phoenix's gift. I hope there will be a third book in the series, I look forward to reading more.

Odessa Jones has a colorful personality. Very feisty and heartwarming. I enjoyed getting to know her. As well as the rest of the characters. Odessa's day job and her catering job were fun to read about. Most of the book of Odessa's cooking made my mouth water. Her gift of seeing glimmers kind of like auras, a psychic ability she is just discovering she has makes her unique,
Throughout the book, she has many of the relationships with coworkers and catering clients. The mystery kept me intrigued. The book has a interesting plot. Also representation of a Black protagonist which was wonderful.

Thank You Kensington and Netgalley for the ARC of this book. This was a honest review

Dessa's building her catering business back so the chance to cater for Casey Osborne- odious as Osborne might be- is a great opportunity because she might make more contacts among the wealthy guests. Unfortunately, Casey drops dead, dead, dead and Dessa's on the X. Cozy readers know how the mystery part of this will work but Dessa's what makes this shine. She's a mature woman, a widow, and someone who sees shimmers, auras, and smells nutmeg when someone is about to die. She's got great family and while she doesn't like her real estate job, she does have good colleagues. And a cat. This second installment in the series (which is fine as a standalone) takes Dessa back to her high school years for some of the answers. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of A FATAL GLOW (Book 2 of the Odessa Jones Mysteries), by Valerie Wilson Wesley, in exchange for an honest review. Dessa and her office mates are still settling down from the murder of their boss and the events that followed. Dessa’s real estate commissions are few and far between, so she’s struggling financially. Therefore, when Dessa’s boss asks her to cater an exclusive event for a potential business partner, Dessa can’t afford to refuse. Drama in the kitchen at the end of the event leads to that business partner prospect falling into a rage and declaring he would never pay for the food and services Dessa had just provided right before dropping dead. Law enforcement poisoning, which throws a shadow on Dessa and her catering business. Since two of her office mates had assisted Dessa with the catering gig, her work family is again in turmoil. In order to clear herself, her business, and bring peace to her office family, Dessa begins to investigate the victim, his family, and his business. A second murder and the desperation of a frightened, grieving child add impetus to Dessa’s investigation.

I liked this book as well as the previous tale. I recommend this book to fans of cozy mysteries featuring murder, real estate, catering, supernatural inklings, and eccentric relatives.

#AFatalGlow #NetGalley

While this is the second installment in the Odessa Jones mystery series, new readers to the series would still be okay if they start with this book. The author provides enough background information to fill in readers who have yet to read the other two installment.

Overall, I found this book enjoyable due to the number of potential suspects and the characters. Odessa "Dessa" Jones is probably my favorite character in the book. As a widow, she is focusing on her life after the passing of her husband by working as a realtor/caterer on the side. Her interactions with colleagues and catering clients shape many of the interactions/relationships within the book. There are enough twists and turns to keep readers entertained by the mystery. Couple that with interesting subplots and you’ve got a recipe for success with this book. I would recommend this book to readers wanting to read a cozy mystery featuring a Black woman protagonist with a “magical” gift, an aunt helping her learn her gift, chosen family dynamics, multiple murders, and a pretty long suspect list. Definitely looking forward to more books in this series!

Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for an advance reader copy of the book.

Interesting characters and interactions, but overall I enjoyed the first book just a bit more. Still curious to see where the next book will lead..

A Fatal Glow by Valerie Wilson Wesley is the second book in this author's Odessa Jones Mystery series. I found the storyline interesting but I couldn't get into most of the characters in this book. There were definitely some interesting interactions though. I didn't read the first book in this series. I think maybe I should go back and read that one and reread this book so I could become more acquainted with Odessa Jones.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

A fairly quick cozy read that while I enjoyed it I didn’t love it as much as I loved the first book in the series. Though I do look forward to the next one in the series.

There is no doubt that Odessa (Dessa) Jones is an interesting character
 Full-time Realtor
 Part-time Caterer
 Reluctant Psychic

This is second in the Odessa Jones mystery series.
First was [book: A Glimmer of Death]. We learned in that story that Dessa became a widow and was about to lose her home as well as the catering business she that she and her husband Darryl worked so hard to build.

This story starts when Dessa is catering an event (which is something she loves however has to work as a real estate agent in order to make ends meet).
This catering event is a brunch given by the multimillionaire (arrogant and obnoxious) Casey Osborne.

Party is going great until ~ Oops! Osborne is murdered.
As the caterer Odessa is questioned. Dessa knows in order to clear her name and find the truth she needs to find out everything and anything about Osborne

The Reluctant Psychic part of Dessa is that she see a glimmer “glow” in some people that is sometimes negative also smells nutmeg when death is about to happen. Yep she smells nutmeg when she meets Casey Osborne.

Turns out that Odessa went to high school as Casey and his first wife Aurelia. Casey was a big man on campus and seemed to have a new girlfriend daily ~ it was a bit of a surprise when they married but no surprise when they divorced.

When Dessa meets Osborne’s son Lacey (yes son!) she figures typical rich kid but Dessa senses that there appears to be more to him.
Dessa’s search into all their lives comes up with some very interesting things!!

I love cozy mysteries ` have to admit that I love that this story is far more interesting than a typical cozy.
However, keeping with what is typically a cozy thing ~ there is a recipe for Dessa’s Handy-Dandy Collard Greens Quiche at the end of the book.
The recipe is the compliments of Jonell Nash, Food Editor of “Essence” magazine.

Want to thank NetGalley and Kensington Book for this eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for an honest professional review.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for February 22. 2022.

Sparkling Wit…
The second outing in the Odessa Jones mystery series finds our multi tasking protagonist in grave danger when her latest client expires over a pot of her preserves. With a sparkling wit, an array of glorious characters and a fun but immersive storyline this is a joy to devour in one delicious sitting.

Cozy-Mysteries are one of my favorite genres of books to read and let's just say this one did not let me down one bit.
Odessa is recently widowed, and she is a realtor and a part-time caterer. Now, when she lands a catering opportunity from a well-known woman. She is very happy and has everything to go except an issue arises! At the event, there is a murder, and now Odessa is trying her best to get to the bottom of it! Who would want the deceased dead, is there a ploy to get his money or something more sinister. While investigating Odessa learns that there are several people who would want him dead.
I loved Odessa's aunt and the messages from her! This is a cute story and I look forward to reading more from her! If you love cozy mysteries then you will love this one! Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to find another cozy-mystery series to enjoy!

*4.5 Stars!!

This is the 2nd book in the Odessa Jones' series following Odessa who is a very reluctant psychic. She's a full time realtor as well as a part time caterer. In the middle of a fancy brunch/party a very wealthy man drops dead at Odessa's feet during an argument but that's not the worst part, the police think he might have been poisioned so there goes Dessa's reputation and Dessa and the cook become the prime suspects. Oh don't think that's the worst part, the worst part............the dead guy at her feet......................thats her wealthy client!!..........Goodbye big leagues!!

Really enjoyed this book found it to be a cute, quick cozy read, I really enjoyed the relationships building between the different characters and Odessa such as with Lacey who Odessa's mothering instincts wanted her to go above and beyond to make sure that he was safe and her relationship with Lennox which seems to have the potential to go into a more personal one, even if they remain as friends or more I really liked there scenes and hope to have more of them in the future hopefully with Lennox's daughter Amy involved as well.

One of the very few things that I didn't like was how the murder of the second man kind of went unsolved because they just assumed that it was the deceased that killed them and then it just stopped there, they didn't investigate that death any further and just assumed that the final murder victim was the one responsible for his death but they didn't have any proof so say if that was true or not. also wasn't a big fan of the male investigating officer/detective? I thought he was an idiot I just didn't seem to like him at all.

Overall really enjoyed this book and looking forward to reading more of the series.

*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in return for my honest review.*

I always enjoy reading books set in places I have been and having grown up in New Jersey, this series caught my eye with the first book. It was so good that I kept my eye out for the second book and it was also another home run! We all have family of our own choosing and I love how Dessa has made her own family in addition to her blood family.

Each book has some serious red herrings to keep you guessing. Sure, you may THINK you know who did it, but that WILL change a few times until the final reveal. If you love a good cozy, cooking and cats, then this is the book for you!

Odessa Jones, a realtor and part-time caterer who sees auras or glimmers around people and smells nutmeg when death is near, is excited about the fancy brunch she was just hired to cater. The people are kind of obnoxious, but the money will be good. Then there is a murder, and Dessa wonders who is responsible--maybe natural causes, or maybe someone who wanted the deceased's fortune? Since she catered the event, she is questioned along with her friend Louella's boyfriend, but her Aunt Phoenix (who is also somewhat psychic) advises her her to stay out of it. I really enjoyed this well-plotted mystery with multi-faceted African American characters. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to review this ARC.

I enjoyed this book. I liked the characters, they're well-rounded. The story is interesting. The bad guy isn't really a surprise but it doesn't distract from the book. #AFatalGlow #NetGalley

This is an entertaining cozy mystery. Odessa is an interesting character with her gifts. I would like to see that explored a bit more. The book give me an insight in an environment different to me which is refreshing.

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle by Kensington Books and #NetGalley for my honest opinion. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

This cozy mystery was as fun and enjoyable as most I’ve read.

I love this series as one of my top favorite cozy series . Odessa is a outstanding protagnist, savvy smart and hard working. I enjoy this series with its magical elements, fun charcters and well crafted sleuth. This is the second in series and I highly recommend this series. A enjoyable read from beginning to end.

Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own.

Have you ever been in "book love" with a mystery series? I fell for the Odessa Jones Mysteries and kept watch for the second book and it is as wonderful as the first! In this book, Odessa finds herself doing what she loves (catering) while doing what she has to do (real estate agent). Her two worlds intersect when her boss recommends Odessa to cater a party for mega -wealthy Casey Osborne. Everything is going as planned until Osborne collapses and dies in the middle of the party.. Odessa must prove her innocence and find out who killed the unpopular man before she becomes the next victim.

Odessa is a likable and relatable character. Recently widowed, she struggles to get the catering company she and her husband started, back on track. While she's not thrilled with her real estate job, she is fond of her co-workers and has made long term friendships. The mystery is fast-paced and you won't want to put it down. Part of the reason I love the series is Odessa's "gift" and her wonderfully eccentric Aunts who have "gifts" of their own. It's a skillful blending of a bit of paranormal and mystery and it's believable.

Odessa brings a fresh voice to the cozy mystery/mystery genre and I now will begin my search for book three!

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.