This is the sixth book in the Cook Off series, but it's my first. Sherry is a delightful protagonist and I love how she participates in cook-offs for fun. There was an interesting plot that kept me reading. The author, Devon Delaney, describes the ins and outs of how cooking contests operate so smoothly and I loved it. I enjoyed Sherry's friendship with Don and her family and found the story more enjoyable.
As one of Sherry's dear friends is discovered to be a suspect in this case, I liked Sherry's desire to help her solve the case. This series has been on my to be read list for a long time because I am sush a fan of cooking competitions. Despite the sixth book in the series, I am glad I finally started.

Thank you #netgalley and #beyondthepage for providing me with the ARC of this book. This was a honest review.

This is book #6 of the Cook Off series but the first one for me. Sherry Oliveri, is the main character and longtime competitor of cook offs but sliced her hand so can't compete in this cook off but helps out instead. It also gives her more time to figure out who the murderer is which is a good thing because her best friend Amber is a top suspect. Even though I haven't read the prior books, I still felt connected to the characters and story line. This book could definitely be read as a standalone.

Can Sherry Coddle The Clues..?
The sixth Cook-Off mystery and this time, with an injury, Sherry is on hand to offer guidance. What she cannot possibly foresee is a corpse and when her friend is singled out as a suspect Sherry dons her sleuthing cap. Will she be able to coddle the clues to solve the case? Entertaining and enjoyable cosy mystery with a likeable cast and a fun storyline. Recipes included.

Despite not being a fan of cooking shows or contests and being new to this series, I enjoyed "A Half-Baked Alibi". Author Devon Delaney does an excellent job of showing how high-profile cooking contests work, events she seems to have first hand knowledge of, including the goings on behind the scenes. I have to admit, too, to not guessing who did it until the final reveal. In my defense, the murderer's name was one of those that lead my suspect list at one point or the other but since that list changed regularly, I can't claim any extra-ordinary sleuthing ability. Delaney keeps you guessing.

Sherry Oliveri is a likeable character, as are her friends and family. She is a frequent winner of cooking contests but is sidelined with an injury this go-round although she assists.We get to meet the likely suspects and see the basic set-up of the contest, including some memories shared of how things can go wrong. Hmm, wonder how many of these author Delaney has first-hand experience with? In any case, while doing her assistant duties, Sherry is on hand when a body is discovered. Even worse, one of her dearest friends is a suspect, a friend obviously keeping some secrets.

If you are a fan of cooking shows or contests, this is definitely the book for you. Even this non-fan came away with a new respect for how stressful the evens must be and the pressure on contestants to not just cook but perform for the judges. There's a few episodes on boyfriend Don's boat, too, which gives insight into how much goes into preparing a boat to carry passengers safely. Oliveri blends it all together nicely in an easy read and, oh, goodie, includes some yummy sounding recipes at the end. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.

Thank you #NetGalley and #BeyondThePagePublishing for inviting me to watch the cook-off, not to mention have a few rides on Don's boat.