I love the Diva series, and always enjoy reading them, and this one does not disappoint. Reading this series always feels like catching up with Sophie and the gang, While watching them solve the latest murder. I highly recommend this series and to get the most out of it I would start with book one, and you will soon be addicted like I am.

Book Review: The Diva Goes Overboard by Krista Davis

Rating: 4 Stars

I recently dove into The Diva Goes Overboard by Krista Davis, and it was an entertaining read! The cover of this book immediately caught my eye with its vibrant colors and charming design. I just love a good book cover, and this one definitely set the tone for the fun story inside.

In this installment of the "Domestic Diva Mystery" series, we find ourselves back in Old Town Alexandria, where Natasha Smith is thrust into the whirlwind of planning her mother Wanda's wedding to the notoriously pompous antiques dealer, Orson Chatsworth. Natasha goes all out for the engagement party, hiring social media sensation Stella St. James to create extravagant food boards that are anything but ordinary. We’re talking butter boards, dessert boards, and even doughnut boards—seriously, I was drooling just reading about them!

But as with any good mystery, things take a dark turn when Orson collapses at the party. Initially, it seems like a heart attack, but soon enough, it’s revealed that he was poisoned. With a plethora of suspects, including a jealous ex-lover and opportunistic relatives, Sophie and her friends jump into the investigation to uncover who wanted Orson out of the picture.

What I love most about this series is how engaging it is. This book is packed with twists and turns, and trust me, there are enough red herrings to keep you guessing. Sophie, our relatable protagonist, is as down-to-earth as ever, making her feel like a friend you’d want by your side in any situation. I appreciate that she’s smart and not annoying (which is saying something for cozy mysteries!). Her interactions with her friends add a lovely touch of warmth and humor to the story.

Davis’s descriptions of the picturesque setting in Old Town are simply enchanting. I could practically envision myself walking down those charming streets and admiring the beautiful houses. Plus, the book wraps up with a selection of delicious recipes that had my mouth watering—definitely a nice bonus!

Overall, The Diva Goes Overboard was another fantastic read in this mystery series that I thoroughly enjoyed. I’m already excited to see what Sophie and her gang will get up to next! If you’re looking for a cozy mystery filled with humor, intrigue, and delectable food descriptions, definitely give this one a shot. Four stars from me!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

An absolutely delightful cozy mystery and a great addition to the series. I enjoyed visiting with all of these characters again, as I followed along on a tale filled with suspense, humor, and a touch of romance. And let’s not forget the delightful recipes and entertaining tips spread throughout!
Many thanks to Kensington and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is book #17 in the Domestic Diva Mystery series. This is a fun easy to read series that has the characters growing in every book. In Old Town Alexandria’s unlikeliest match, Natasha Smith’s free-spirited mother, Wanda, is engaged to notoriously pompous antiques dealer, Orson Chatsworth—leaving Natasha to plan the entire wedding, beginning with an elaborate engagement party. For the extravagant affair, Natasha splurges on trendy food boards created by rising social media star, Stella St. James. The sumptuous boards go way beyond basic cheese and crackers, as Stella dazzles guests with picture-worthy butter boards, dessert boards, and even doughnut boards. Just as Natasha planned, the food is to die for—until someone actually does.

When the groom collapses, it seems as if a heart attack is to blame. Then guests discover Orson was poisoned, and suddenly Stella’s bespoke boards look a lot less appealing. But with an event this big, the spread of suspects is sure to be impressive. Could Orson’s killer be a jilted ex-lover? A money hungry relative? A bitter former business partner?

If you haven’t started this series yet, here is your sign to jump in! This series is the coziest of the cozies and just such fun to read. Each book can stand on its own so you can jump in at any time. I want to live in Old Town Alexandria, move my best friend in across the street and solve mysteries like Sophie. This one keeps you guessing and you’ll also learn how to create a beautiful appetizer or dessert board.

A great addition to an incredible series! Wonderful characters in an incredible setting. This book will keep you guessing until the end.

It’s always a delight to follow Sophie and her friends ramble around Old Town to solve the crime.
Sophie is inundated with boards as she inherits a new business but is tasked with resolving why exactly she was given the business.
I think Sophie is really too nice when people are nasty to her but she always turns the other cheek.
Natasha wasn’t quite as outrageous in this book but still adds comic relief.
I love all the descriptions of the homes and businesses in Old Town.

Solid installment in this series. I'm ready for Sophie to fall in love again. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced review copy--all opinions are my own!

This is the latest edition in the Domestic Diva series. Natasha's mother is getting married, and Natasha is asked to plan the wedding. When the groom unexpectedly dies, Sophie starts investigating. I absolutely love this series. The characters are so warm and inviting and make me want to be friends with them. Natasha is her usual self. I think it is a great thing that as annoying of a character Natasha is, you can't help but love her. The mystery was great. I didn't guess the killer until the end. I can't wait to read the next book.

This is the 17th book in the Domestic Diva Mystery series. Sophie is an event planner, but this time she’s at a bridal shower for her friend Natasha’s mom. When the groom to be is found murdered, Sophie and her friends try to find the culprit. I really like the Old Town Alexandria VA setting, and the characters are well drawn and believable.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley, I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Natasha's mother is getting married and she has decided to plan everything herself. She wants the whole thing to be fancy and hopes it will all go off without a hitch. When the groom dies suddenly dies at the engagement party Sophie knows she must look into things keeping Natasha and her mother out of trouble. Sophie soon learns the groom was poisoned and people are looking at the caterer, his daughter, as a culprit. After finding out who was named in his will the suspect list grows. Follow along and see what clues Sophie puts together and if they'll lead her to a killer in the end.

This is the first book I have read in the Domestic Diva series. However, I enjoyed it enough that will go back and read the previous books. The characters are well developed and I know I will appreciate getting to know them after going back to the first book. This is a delightful cozy mystery with lots of twists and turns that will keep your attention and have you invested in the lives of the characters. This one really did have me guessing until the end. I will look forward to spending more time with Sophie and the rest of the gang in Alexandria, Virginia.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Cozies for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

The seventeenth installment of the Domestic Diva mystery series is one of its best constructed yet! Event planner and entertainment guru Sophie Winston doesn’t usually take on small personal parties any more, but when her best frenemy Natasha Smith calls one day, frantic for help, Sophie just can’t say no. Turns out that Natasha’s hippie mother Wanda has gotten engaged to Orson Chatsworth, a well-heeled local antiques dealer. No one besides the happy couple saw this coming, least of all the somewhat neurotic Natasha. Wanda and Orson want to have a small courthouse wedding but Natasha won’t hear of it, and insists on throwing them a beautiful series of celebrations, with Sophie’s assistance, of course.

It’s a whirlwind of activity, but Sophie is pleased to help start the festivities with an engagement party, especially since she was thoughtful enough to hire Orson’s daughter Stella to cater the affair. Stella’s charcuterie board business is fairly new, and both she and her dad are thrilled that she’s been given this opportunity to shine. While at the party, Orson pulls Sophie aside and says he has something to tell her, asking her to meet with him at his antiques store the next day. Sophie readily agrees… but for naught, as Orson collapses shortly afterwards and dies.

Poor Wanda and Stella are devastated, as are the dozens of guests who had come to celebrate the engagement. Things get worse when it becomes clear that someone deliberately poisoned Orson. The rumor mill goes wild – Orson hadn’t exactly gone out of his way to avoid making enemies – but the biggest surprise of all comes when his will is read and Sophie herself turns out to benefit hugely. Despite the distraction of numerous aggrieved people trying to “persuade” her to give up what they believe is rightfully theirs, will Sophie be able to figure out what Orson really wanted when he made such a puzzling bequest? Just as importantly, will she be able to suss out who killed him in the first place?

I loved the many plot threads that Krista Davis skilfully weaves together here, as well as the excellent references back to the title. As always, Natasha is a hoot, and the addition of Wanda and Griselda, another of her father’s ex-wives, to the cast and neighborhood brings more wonderful texture to the fabric of the series. I also appreciated the style advice at the beginning of each chapter, even if Natasha’s tips continue to be far more acerbic (and hilarious, and terrible) than Sophie’s.

There were thirteen delicious recipes included here. It’s far too hot where I am to cook, but I still wanted to make something with substance, so opted for this dish:

QUOTE
Avocado Spread

This is a quick and easy spread that works well on toast.

2 ripe avocados
3 garlic cloves
2 teaspoons lemon juice
Salt to taste

Cut the avocados lengthwise. Remove the pit. Scoop out the avocado into a bowl. Mash the avocados with a fork. Peel and crush the garlic cloves. Mince with a knife and add to the avocados. Squeeze two teaspoons of fresh lemon juice into the bowl and mix together. Add salt to taste.
END QUOTE

I love my avocado toast, but more than that I love being able to dress it up or down with different toppings. This avocado spread is the perfect base for that purpose, while also being versatile enough to eat as a dip. If I’m not putting this on a sandwich, I generally prefer eating it with a savory cracker, though it’s also good with chips. As you can see from the photos, I like to go pretty fancy with it sandwich-wise, layering the spread on potato bread with smoked salmon, sliced tomatoes and arugula for the ultimate lunchtime treat.

The best part of all is how easy this is to make, especially if you have perfectly ripe avocados. Combining them with the garlic, lemon and salt provides a wonderfully balanced flavor profile, making this versatile enough to use with pretty much any savory toppings. With summer heat waves sapping everyone’s energy, this is a quick, no-cook spread that will help give your sandwiches and snacks a tasty and nutrition-packed boost.

Next week, we head further south to check out a series debut as a folklorist braves murder and mayhem to get to the truth, while whipping up a delicious tray of baked goods. Do join me!

Princess Fuzzypants here; When a friend dies at his engagement party, Sophie is saddened by the loss to her and her friends. She never considered that she would be mentioned in his will but when he leaves her his very upmarket thriving antiques business, she is flabbergasted. She is not the only who cannot figure out the why behind the bequest. His daughter and everyone else assumed it would be hers but he had other plans and it is up to Sophie to figure out the mystery.

He has one huge mystery that he was trying to solve himself but his quest is cut short by his murder. He suspected someone was out to do him harm so he set up clues for Sophie to figure out the identity of the killer and also complete the search that he was conducting. There are a number of suspects who might have wanted to harm him. When Sophie does eventually uncover the perp, it was no surprise. There were a number of other surprises though and the plot had just enough dead ends and twists to keep me entertained.

One of the things that I truly liked is whenever Sophie uncovered something pertinent to the crime, she shared it with the detective investigating the case. There is no of the coy wanting to keep information secret until the heroine puts herself in grave danger trying to prove or disprove the theory. I like that. And I liked the double entendre of the title. Very clever. Five purrs and two paws up.

This is a good story, I’m glad that it worked out in the end. I do feel like the main characters have stagnanted. They don’t ever change or grow. #TheDivaGoesOveroard #NetGallley

The Diva Goes Overboard: A Domestic Goddess Mystery
By Krista Davis
Kensington
June 2024

Review by Cynthia Chow

While event planner Sophie Winston tends to take everything her frenemy Natasha Smith (although she prefers to only be known as “Natasha,” like Cher) says with a grain of salt, for once the diva’s proclamations that bad things come in threes may be coming true. Natasha’s mother getting married to the wealthy Orson Chatsworth should be a good thing, but the bride’s rush to march down the aisle has Natasha fearing the worst. That is how Sophie is talked into agreeing to help Natasha finding a last-minute venue and even recommending Orson’s daughter’s new charcuterie board business as a caterer. Natasha’s dire proclamations begin when not only is Orson’s car set on fire, but he later is also poisoned to death during his own engagement party. Sophie finds herself ensnared in the case when she is summoned by Orson’s lawyer and learns that Orson has cut his children out of his will and has instead has shockingly chosen to leave his antique business to Sophie. No one is more surprised than Sophie to learn of this, but his surviving family members immediately accuse her of having had an inappropriate relationship with Orson and manipulating him into making her his heir. Sophie’s denials ring hollow, especially when the conditions of the will prevent her from admitting the truth.

Despite this being the 17th of the series, new readers can easily jump in and follow Sophie and her best friend Nina as they question suspects in their town of Old Alexandra, Virginia. Alternating advice Sophie’s “The Domestic Goddess” blog and Natasha’s less-down-to-earth advice column lead off every chapter, and in this book they both focus on the variety of delicious-sounding food boards. Charcuterie boards, cookie boards, and fruit boards are but a sample of those described, and even more fun is how they play a role in the actual murder. Sophie’s inheritance of Orson’s antique store has her discovering a hidden room with an unsettling display of photographs, which has her wondering if perhaps he had some nefarious plan in mind. She also learns that Orson had his own reasons for leaving her his business in the first place, trusting her over his business partner, ex-wife, ex-girlfriend, and daughter. Sophie’s ex-husband Mars continues to be pursued by his ex-girlfriend Natasha, who is slightly toned-down but still intent on marketing herself as a Life Coach/Influencer/Stylist/Diva. She’s got the last down pat, but Sophie always serves as a counter to this, providing more practical advice for all of her readers. Sophie’s furry companions add an additional cozy fun element, adding to the food board delights that are currently having a trendy moment. This continues to be an extremely well-written mystery filled with likable characters and a plot that intriguingly follows heirs, hidden pasts, and long-ago crimes.

There are books you look forward to reading simply because you love the characters and you cannot wait to see what shenanigans they will be getting up to next.

Such is the case with this series, one of my absolute favorites, that I've been reading since they were first published, and one where I wish I could be friends with all of them, even Natasha. I 've again, Krista Davis does not disappoint, and this was the comfy read I was in dire need of.

While this WAS a fun read, full of shenanigans [I just love Sophie and Nina working together, and am constantly reminded of the bestie and myself when WE get together], and yummy sounds g food, and a puzzling mystery, it was also VERY sad, and by the end, even though it was...I'm not sure happy is the right word, but the baddies have been caught, it also have me much food for thought, and this chapter in the series will be staying with me for some time.

Well done!!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Krista Davis, and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Krista Davis is one of my go to authors and I always know that I am in for a good mystery with great characters. This book was no exception. I love the interaction between the characters and all of the descriptions of the delicious food that they are enjoying. The story moves along at a good pace and Sophie is a wonderful amateur sleuth along with her friends Nina, Mars and Bernie. The mystery was interesting and there were several suspects that I was considering throughout the story. I liked the addition of the secondary mystery that they were trying to solve too, and was happy with the way everything turned out. This is a great addition to the Diva series and I would highly recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

As always Sophie finds herself and her group of friends at the scene of a crime. Her on again, off again friend’s mother is getting married. At the engagement party the groom suddenly drops dead. Yes he is an older gentleman, but was in great shape. The mystery of his death points to murder and his will opens up more questions and possibilities of who and why did it? Once again Sophie is in the thick of it with a long list of suspects.
Love the pace of the mystery, always a challenge to figure out who done it. Plus the recipes are simple and yummy. Sometimes it just nice to read a cozy mystery and once again the author delivers. Thank you #NetGallery for this ARC. All opinions are mine and mine alone. #TheDivaGoesOverboard

Whenever a character in a cozy mystery says to the amateur sleuth, “I need to talk to you about something, but not here,” and they set a time to meet, it’s almost a sure bet that character will wind up dead. And even though I’d read the book blurb/description and knew Orson was the victim, I still let out a ‘nooooo’ when he says this to Sophie at his & Wanda’s engagement party… because I knew it was a death knell. Poor Orson. Sometimes in cozy mysteries, the victim is someone that you instantly don’t like, but sometimes it’s a character you do kinda like and that was the case in The Diva Goes Overboard. Poor Wanda. Poor Stella. I felt badly for all of them.

The biggest mystery in this book though – at least in my opinion – is what Orson wanted Sophie to know. And while of course she’s trying to figure out who killed Orson (for starters), the majority of her investigating stems from that main question. What was he up to, before his death? And did it put him in a killer’s crosshairs, or was his murderer motivated by something else altogether? The bodies pile up, and so do the layers to this mystery – not to mention the red herrings – and I was solidly invested in seeing all the pieces eventually come together. Sophie is such a consistently relatable character, too, and I even feel like her approach to her investigations would resemble the way I would act in a similar situation (if I gave in to my lifelong dream of sleuthing). She seems like the kind of person you just want to sit and talk to (perhaps over one of the yummy charcuterie boards featured in this story), which makes her a perfect protagonist for a long-running series like this one.

Bottom Line: The Diva Goes Overboard continues Krista Davis’s winsome Domestic Diva Mysteries with a multi-layered plot that was packed with surprising twists. Family drama, unexpected secrets, copious rumors, and an increasing murder count kept Sophie on her toes and kept me absorbed in the story. I enjoyed, as always, hanging out with down-to-earth Sophie and her inner circle because I love their camaraderie and various personalities. And don’t get me started on all the delicious-sounding food in this book! The fact that Davis can still develop a fresh and unique mystery for book seventeen in the same series is quite impressive, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for Sophie!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)