This is another fantastic addition to The Diva Mystery Series! I really like the rich setting the author creates and the tips included at the beginning of each chapter. In this story, Sophie's neighbor, Wanda, gets engaged, and a quick engagement party is thrown to celebrate the couple. Sadly, someone doesn't make it to the end of the party. A surprise inheritance and a twisted web of deceit and murder from years before come to light, and it is up to Sophie to investigate with the help of her friends. I really liked this story and would highly recommend it.

In “The Diva Goes Overboard”, the seventeenth book in Krista Davis’s Domestic Diva cozy mystery series, Sophie Winston finds herself investigating yet another murder when an engagement party goes horribly wrong and the groom to be dies. Sophie thought she knew the victim well but as she digs into his past she begins to uncover several surprises. This is a well done mystery with just the right amount of suspects, plenty of twists and turns, a well done plot with several red herrings. I loved trying to figure out who the killer was but Davis did not make it easy to do so! I love all the characters in the series – even Natasha has grown on me – and the description of the food – I swear I gained weight just reading this book! (There are recipes and other tips at the back of the book.) All in all, I really enjoyed this book.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.

4.5 Stars
An addition to a long-standing cozy mystery series, this novel was the first I've read from the Diva books (it can easily be read in order or as a stand-alone). Although there were a couple of editing errors, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought the characters were interesting, the storyline entertaining, and the food sounded yummy! It's quirky and engaging, from the colorful cast of characters, delicious recipes, advice column blurbs at the start of each chapter, and the antiques. There were so many potential suspects, the mystery plot was difficult to guess as well. I'll definitely give e this series a try.

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Sophie is shocked when Orson dies- poisoned- at his engagement party to her friend Wanda- but even more so when she learns he left his antique store to her! One problem- she's a suspect. This latest in the series (easily readable as a standalone) sees Sophie and her pals working through the possible villains to find the real bad guy. The mystery isn't too complex but the characters are good. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. For cozy fans.

Sophie and the gang find themselves involved in another murder! Instead of relaxing after a successful convention, Sophie has to help Natasha organize a wedding. We all know how that will go. The groom dies and suddenly Sophie has to find out not only who done it, but also why the victim left her his shop. Emotions run high, the plot thickens and the story has some nice twists. Great new summer read.

This book is full of good food, friends and the unavoidable demise of someone. I honestly thought there was so much attention given to the food and the characters were almost always eating! I wondered how they did not get full with the constant munching.

For a cozy, this plot was pretty intricate but done very well. Orson Chatsworth, a rich man in town who seems to be kind to everyone, has announced his engagement to Wanda, a woman into homeopathy and crystals. Sophie Winston, our protagonist, seems to know everyone in town and is invited to the engagement party. Orson is unfortunately murdered during the festivities and Sophie is given the unexplained inheritance of his antique shop and instructions that "Sophie will know what to do." She starts puzzling pieces together and the suspect pool is, while not large, consistent mostly of people close to Orson.

I thought the overarching story of the book was great. I love their friend group in the book, it's like sitting down with friends after a long absence and picking up where you left off. The addition of multiple furry creatures adds to the delight of the story.

I adore these Diva mysteries and look forward to more in the future.

My thanks to Kensington Cozies and Netgalley for this ARC.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was the first time I've read a book in this series, I like the authors other series and I was not disappointed by this one. I just wish I had read a few others to really grasp all the relationships between characters in the book.

Sophie is tied into the murder of Wanda's fiance which they initially believed to be poison by daffodils. This took place at the couples engagement party. After shockingly being left with a deceased antique shop Sophie and her friends begin to unravel a crazy mystery.

*A tad bit of a spoiler here*
The story did not disappoint. I wasn't expecting to be tied into a missing child and a past crime that went unsolved. I think in the future I'll definitely check out this series.
**

Sophie is pulled into the murder of Wanda's fiance, which happened at their engagement party. Initially thought to be poison from daffodils, turns out to be something more. To complicate things, Sophie inherits the man's antique store. Plenty of suspects and lots of old grudges lead to the killer. Sophie and friends help solve the case. Lots of charcuterie boards in this book,, all sounding wonderful! Well written and keeps you guessing to the end. I enjoyed this journey with Sophie. Natasha does not disappoint with her over the top ideas and opinions. A great read!
I was given a copy of this book in return for a review.

I always look forward to a new Diva book from Krista Davis. As usual, this year's story doesn't disappoint. Sophie has just finished a big convention, and now she can relax and enjoy the engagement party Natasha is planning for her mom, Wanda, and her new fiance, Orson Chatsworth. Natasha has begged Sophie to help her find refreshment for the party and a venue for the wedding, using her connections, as they want the wedding in two months. When Orson seems to have a heart attack at the event, everyone is horrified. Sophie was upset because the antiques shop owner had asked her at the party to meet with him the next morning. While Sophie had bought an item or two in the shop, she couldn't understand why he would want to talk with her, and now she would never know! To add to Sophie's surprise she is asked to attend the reading of the will and is shocked to discover Orson has left the antique store to her and oh yes, it wasn't a heart attack, it was murder. Can Sophie find out why Orson left her the shop? What did he want her to figure out? Plus, who murdered Orson? You know Sophie and her crew are on the case, but this one has twists and turns that will take them in many different directions. You are going to want to be around for the ride. Thanks to #NetGalley and #Kensingtonbooks for the opportunity to catch up with Sophie and company.

The Diva Goes Overboard by Krista Davis, the seventeenth installment in the Domestic Diva Mystery series, was a disappointment. As a loyal reader of this series, I expected more.

The novel teems with conveniences and contrivances. It’s as if the author tossed every plot element into the mix, hoping something would stick. Unfortunately, the result is an unfocused hodgepodge.

A promising plotline emerges—a wedding curtailed by the groom’s sudden death at the engagement party. Sophie, our seasoned event planner, grapples with the aftermath. But here’s where the narrative falters: too much is thrown in, too many characters have no clear voice and a teasing thread is introduced and then abandoned. The scene that lent its name to the book—the titular “overboard” moment—holds no weight beyond a trivial paragraph or two.

The author’s lack of a cohesive plan is palpable. The pacing stumbles and the characters flounder in a sea of missed opportunities.

The Diva Goes Overboard is a clear case of unfulfilled potential. I expected more from this author. Instead, I found myself questioning when will it be over, what went wrong, and is Krista Davis as bored with Sophie Winston and the people of Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia, as this book projects.

“The Diva Goes Overboard” the 17th instalment in the Domestic Diva Mystery series by Krista Davis.
Natasha Smith’s free-spirited mother, Wanda, is engaged to notoriously pompous antiques dealer, Orson Chatsworth— 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? When even Sophie is not above suspicion, she knows it’s time to get on board and scrape together an investigation of her own . . . before murder becomes the town’s next trend.

I really enjoy this series! I really like Sophie, she is relatable, interesting and I love her relationship with her BFF Nina and her ex Mars as well as several other residents of Old Town. I liked how the characters were there for each other, no matter what was happening.

The mystery itself was interesting, full of twists and turns, red herrings all of which completely drew me into the story. I didn’t want to put the book down and read it till the wee hours.

I highly recommend this book to all my cozy mystery loving friends.

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Diva mysteries series introduced me to the genre cozy mysteries and it’s still one of my favorite series. As always, a visit to Old Town, Alexandria, VA involves another death and Sophie Winston and her friends are there to help solve it in the Diva Goes Overboard.
When local antique store owner Orson is murdered, he leaves Sophie his antique store in his will and takes on finding his killer. There are many new characters added to this story as is common in this series. Many of them are suspicious of why Sophie was left the store and would like her out of the picture.
I enjoyed this novel as much as all the others and love the diva questions and answers at the beginning of the chapters and the many recipes included. I am looking forward to the next in the series and the storyline hinted at about Natasha! I missed her being more involved in this book.
I received a complimentary copy of The Diva Goes Overboard, but all opinions are my own.

The Diva Goes Overboard by Krista Davis is the 17th installment in the Domestic Diva Mystery series. I have read all of the previous installments, and I truly treasure this series as a whole. This book was no exception! The story and mystery were full of surprises, and overall it was enjoyable to read from start to finish. Returning to Old Town and reuniting with these characters is always comforting- like returning home to a big hug. The series remains fresh and exciting, however, because the characters are all evolving naturally and the surprises feel genuine, (rather than being thrown in simply for shock value). Putting all of the pieces of this mystery together alongside Sophie was so much fun, and seeing the whole picture come together at the end was definitely satisfying. I cannot wait to see what these lovable characters get up to next!

5.0/5.0 stars!

Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of The Diva Goes Overboard by Krista Davis. My comments are an independent, honest review.

Return to Old Town, A most charming setting. I found my taste buds going into overdrive by the food descriptions. Love it! In this story, Sophie attends an engagement party for Wanda and Orson. When the groom to be kneels over at the party and dies what was the cause? Loaded with twists and turns. You'll be surprised at the ending. This book continues the excellent series. Thanks #Netgalley and #Kesington for the eARC in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.

Do not read this book unless you have food in the house! All they do is eat and it all sounds so good! I've always loved how much food is prepared for any level of socializing in this series. Overboard is no different, with most of the food served on boards. Get it?

The mystery was complex and I always like that the conclusion is never too intense. The setting of Old Town is charming and I believe it's a tight-knit community, even though I lived there and it's definitely more city than village. Davis is a gifted storyteller!

This could be read as a standalone but I think you really need to read earlier ones in the series in order to keep up with the characters. It is number 17!

Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

Love this series! I learned a lot about food boards in this one. I had no idea there were so many. I didn’t like how some people were mean to Sophie. She’s a lot nicer about it than I would’ve been.

I would read any mystery this diva cooked up! Sophie and crew once again solve a mystery with humor, teamwork and good old fashion sleuthing.

In this seventeenth book in the Domestic Diva Mystery series, Sophie Winston, an event planner, is a guest at an engagement party for Natasha Smith's mother, Wanda, to 75-year-old, Orson Chatsworth. Orson collapses while celebrating his upcoming wedding and later dies. What causes Orson to keel over and die at his engagement party? Is eating a daffodil from a charcuterie board the cause of his death?

I like this story told from Sophie Winston’s point of view. There is an engaging lightness to the narrative in the very first chapter that lets me know I am in for a fun read. Each chapter begins with a question from an advice column answered by either Sophie or Natasha. Recipes are included at the end of the book. What fun! Thank you, Kensington Books and NetGalley, for the advance reader copy of THE DIVA GOES OVERBOARD.

I love this series and it is one I always recommend as it never disappoints.

We find Sophie once again being drug into a murder and sorting out all sides of it. And I do mean sides. There are extra twists and turns that keep one guessing. Or it did me at least.

The story plays out starting at an engagement party where something goes wrong. Thankfully Sophie has her friends to lend a hand. I really enjoy her sleuthing with Nina, who can add a funny element at times. Mars and Bernie are great help, too. The theme of this book involves boards of various nature. It was interesting to have them featured.

I highly recommend to someone who has been reading this series or if you are looking for mysteries, as there are several at play, and a great cast of characters.

I always enjoy the Domestic Diva series, and this was no exception. I love the cast of characters and the setting of Old Town Alexandria. There were elements of the story that felt confused (a few too many unknown people which led to some confusing pronoun/ antecedents), but the conclusion was satisfying. There were some questions that I didn’t find fully solved, but overall, it wrapped up nicely.