Love this series and this is another excellent addition: well plotted, solid mystery, likeable and fleshed out characters
The solid mystery, full of twists, kept me hooked and guessing.
I thoroughly enjoyed it
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

4.25⭐
Such an enjoyable series! And a fascinating immersion into Caribbean cultures with Spanglish, stories of worshipped saints and mouth-watering different foods. With a full cast of intriguing and fully-developed secondary characters. While the perpetrator of main mystery is easily guessed, the resolution of several other minor mysteries will keep you guessing.

A solid continuation of the series. The author chose an authentic way of representing the pandemic in her book, and the mystery is interesting. As always, the food mentions and the anthropological bits of this story were the best parts.

(3.75 stars, rounded up)
The fourth book in the Caribbean Kitchen Mystery series revolves around a discovery of bones at the local country club in Miami, during a construction project. Of course all work stopped so they could be investigated. I found the information about the original native population of south Florida fascinating - just enough information to entice me to read a bit more about them! We also get a lovely introduction to Calle Ocho, the famous “little Havana” neighborhood in Miami. Miriam Quiñones Smith is still doing her “Abuela Approved” tv segments, focusing on Caribbean specialties and one segment is filmed in that area. There is a tour guide (a pretty obnoxious one) who has been murdered at a historic art deco movie theater in that neighborhood. On top of all this, Robert’s father is a judge and is getting threatening notes. Are these things connected in any way?

Miriam gets involved in the investigations because her boss Delvis is a suspect in the tour guide’s murder, and Miriam’s husband Robert is the one in charge of the golf course project. Her background in anthropology (especially foodways) also comes in handy here. Miriam’s parents have moved in with her and her husband, and help with the two children, but it makes for a very busy household!

I appreciated that we got to see a little bit of a softer side to Miriam’s snooty mother-in-law in this story. I’m hoping for further thawing of that relationship in future volumes.

As aways, there’s lots of talk about and descriptions of food, so don’t be surprised if you get hungry while reading this! If you enjoy reading about the various ethnic foods, don’t miss the recipes at the end of the book.

Miriam once again really tried NOT to act as an amateur sleuth. I love her relationship with the local detective, Pullman. He teasingly refers to her as either Veronica (i.e., Veronica Mars) or Jessica (i.e., Jessica Fletcher) or Velma (as in Scooby Doo).

Warning: there is a lot of Spanish sprinkled throughout this book. Even if you know absolutely no Spanish, you will mostly get the meaning through context. Some of it is directly translated (i.e., repeated, but in English), but some of it is not. I listened to the audiobook version for the most part and Frankie Corzo did a beautiful job with all the voices and accents, but unfortunately for this English speaker with a smattering of Spanish, the Spanish was unintelligible to me, so I had to get the meaning by context or by the English translation which frequently followed. At least when reading, I could more easily make out the Spanish words and understand a lot of them, but on the audio, I missed a lot of the actual Spanish words.

While this is the fourth book in the Caribbean Kitchen Mystery series, I think it would work as a standalone. The author provides enough backstory information for new readers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book and to Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of the audiobook. All opinions are my own.

"It has been one thousand one hundred twenty-nine days since my last brush with death and crime. It wasn't like I was counting. Truthfully, I rarely thought about it. I'd been too busy with life." Thus, begins the latest Miriam Quiñones-Smith installment of the Caribbean Kitchen Mystery series. There are multiple storylines in this book.

Human bones are discovered on a hotel building site that is being overseen by Robert, Miriam's husband. Could these bones be of historical significance or could they be more recent? A fake skeleton is found floating in the bay with the name Smith on it along with a note. Could this be directed at Robert or his parents? Delvis, Miriam's boss, is considered a suspect in the death of a tour guide, who she was seen arguing with. Are any of these crimes connected? Miriam definitely has alot to uncover.

The book is enjoyable. We get a taste of Caribbean culture and the author includes recipes. Miriam's family is loving and supportive. The main characters are well developed. This is the fourth book in the series and can be read as a stand-alone, but I recommend starting with the first, Mango, Mambo, and Murder, (which is my favorite in the series). I think these books would make a great TV series!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, for an ARC. The review is my own.

"Dominoes, Danzón, and Death (A Caribbean Kitchen Mystery #4)" by Raquel V. Reyes is best read on your own or waiting for the official audiobook. Don't let your virtual assistant/text to speech software read it to you. Well, unless you have it set to read Spanish. I understood it just fine but, man, were the pronunciations funny sometimes. I do enjoy these because my level of Spanish fluency is Spanglish and comprehension more than spoken. So, these really help me pick up my personal comprehension speed.

The mystery, well mysteries, of this one had a bit less direct investigation from Miriam. She really embraced the spiritual side of her heritage and had things either fall in her lap or work out that she was in the right place at the right time. In the end the cold case wrapped up about how I expected too. I really wasn't sure who to think of with the other two cases. They were quite a bit more of a side story line.

I also have to add, thank you for have less of the craziness from Miriam's mother-in-law. It got to be too much in past books. She seemed to be just right in this one. I'm also glad that Miriam's husband seems to finally be seeing his mother the way Miriam does.

This is the 4th book in the food-centric A Caribbean Kitchen Mystery cozy mystery series featuring Dr Miriam Quinones-Smith, a food anthropologist with her own cooking show and her family and friends. It is a super fun series and this is the 2nd best book so far after the debut, in my opinion.

Miriam is smart, kind, and tough. The mystery in this one was pretty good though the killer was a bit obvious but I for one don’t read cozy mysteries to really stretch my brain but for the great characters and a decent story and this book definitely did that for me. I do think reading a series in order is needed to fully understand the backstory but you could read this without the others and not miss out on too much.

I greatly enjoy this series and will absolutely read book #5.


**Thanks to the author and publisher for my e-arc I received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.**

A exciting fourth release in this fun Caribbean theme foodie series. Thank you to Net Galley and to the publisher for the opportunity. My review opinons are my own. This series is a feast for the senses with the wonderful food and the culture of Florida Caribbean style life. The protagnist has a popular cooking show in Spanish and is seeing great success. When her husband starts a building project and bones are found that are suspicious Miriam is on the case with her talent for finding clues. When threats are received she is more determined to protect her family and find out the suspects.

This is a fun series that every foodie will love. The author has perfectly combined her love of food with a Caribbean flair. The Florida setting is fun to read and the supporting characters a delight. Well done to the author.

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

Fourth in the series and I have not read the earlier ones. I did not find this a problem in following the characters or the plot of this book.

Miriam is a food anthropologist and star of a cooking show. The story takes place in Coral Shores, Miami and much is made of the Latina culture and language. Spanglish was a new word to me and it was fun at first to read so many Spanish words in the text but I did get tired of it in the end, and found out it took me out of the narrative.

The mystery developed very slowly and it was not until 75% of the way through the book that I really became involved and started to properly enjoy it. Then the ending was rather weak. I can see how lots of people will enjoy this series but it is not really for me.

This was a fun book to read. I like Ms. Reyes' books because I can practice my Spanish. I admit though I get frustrated when everything does not translate. I had to ask a coworker to translate one specific sentence for me because even though the accompanying comment made a little sense, I could not completely get the gist of what the prior sentence in Spanish had insinuated. That happens in these books sometimes but usually I can get most of the words.

In this book, Miriam's boss and producer of her TV show, Delvis, is accused of murder after being witnessed having an altercation with the deceased shortly before their death. Miriam does not believe for a second that this is true and sets out to find the murderer. Meanwhile, her squirrely mother-in-law has become a paranoid recluse and is willing to bury the hatchet for a bit with her disapproval of Miriam to help her sus out who is sending threats to MIL and FIL. The first murder takes a bit of a back seat about a third through the book. I did enjoy all the cultural references and history. I do wish there was more of Bernice (you'll have to read to find out who that is!).

Manny is by far my favorite character. You don't have to have read the prior books in the series, but it helps. I liked that all the major players were in this book as lots of cozies seem to be abandoning their core characters for a book or two and I find that disappointing. I also appreciated how easy it was to keep all the characters straight.

This was a super fun culinary cozy I strongly recommend to foodies and cozy aficionados.

My thanks to Kensington Cozies and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love this series because you learn some history along with an interesting mystery. This book revolves around a find of bones while Robert is working on a new hotel. Miriam gets caught up in the mix of discovering who murdered a tour guide, what happened to pieces of pottery in the dig hole and why Robert's parents are being threatened. Lots to manage along with three generations in her home and her TV career. Well written and plotted. Although you can figure out who is involved in the dig mystery, the other two mysteries are also solved. Love these characters and enjoy their evolution over the series.
I received an advanced copy of the book in exchange for a review.

This latest in a lively cozy series (totally enjoyable as a standalone) sees Miriam dealing with bones. Bones found at the site where her husband is building and bones which have washed ashore. She's also, as always, dealing with her mother in law (not as much as in the earlier books) but on the positive side, her parents are happily settled. And she's got an actual murder to solve. Reyes might have pushed too much into this one but it's still a good read. Know that there is Spanish-easily understandable from context for non-speakers but there are also translations-which is makes this feel more realistic. It's a good cozy read. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. And- recipes!

This is a great addition to this series! I love that it takes place three years after the last book, so you get a chance to see both of Miriam's kids a little bit older. The way the author weaved in the pandemic was good, too. This one was really fun because instead of focusing on just one mystery, there were three woven throughout, which kept you on your toes and kept the storyline moving at a nice pace. I'll definitely keep reading this series.

Miriam Quiñones-Smith is busy with two young children and her popular Spanglish culinary show, Abuela Approved. Miriam's husband Robert Smith is also busy working on a hotel project near a golf course. Trouble comes when human bones are found on-site. A bunch of experts arrive to examine the site. Miriam’s boss Delvis had argued with a pushy tour guide who wandered through the crew-only area on set. The woman is later found dead in a closed theater and Delvis is considered the main suspect. On top of that, a skeleton with the name 'Smith' etched into it is found floating in the bay with an ominous note. Miriam is worried that the threat is targeting either Robert or her in-laws.

It's a challenge for Miriam to deal with all these issues affecting her work and family in the latest book in the Caribbean Kitchen Mystery series.

I received a digital ARC from Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books. All opinions are my own

BIPOC Culinary Cozy Mystery featuring a Florida food anthropologist and Cuban-American cooking show star who turns sleuth after human bones are found at her husband's hotel project and a tour guide's murdered.

5/5 stars: This is the fourth entry in Reyes' Caribbean Kitchen Mystery which is a BIPOC Culinary Cozy Mystery that takes place in Miami, Florida and features a Cuban-American food anthropologist and cooking show star who finds herself turning sleuth after three years to protect her friends and family. With her boss the main suspect in a tour guide's murder, her husband's hotel project halted after the discovery of human bones and an ominous note left on a fake skeleton found floating in the bay that seems to threaten her family, it's up to her to dig up the truth that has been hiding in plain sight. With plenty of twists and turns, Reyes has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Heartfelt and humorous, Reyes's writing and character work are brilliant; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. It's a joy to catch up with Miriam, her husband and their adorable kids and get to spend more time with her lovely parents. I also really love her group of friends and colleagues and the folks of Coral Shores. Oh and one can't forget Camo, the calico cat. Additionally, I really appreciate all the Caribbean and Latine cultural information Reyes includes, the use of Spanish throughout and the diverse and inclusive cast of characters. Be aware, the food descriptions are so good they'll have your stomach grumbling, so you'll most definitely want try out the included recipes. Reyes touches on some sensitive topics; so take care and check out the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Mango, Mambo, and Murder. A great read, highly recommend!

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

Unfortunately, I didn't like this book. I actually dnf'ed it. I really wanted to like it because it had a lot of themes I liked, but it was not to be.

1. I liked reading about Miriam's family and life, but it was too much. It felt like the book was 70% centered on her family and 30% on the suspense and thriller.
2. In addition to this, I stopped reading at 40%. Yes, there was a murder, but the FMC is yet to put any effort into solving the crime.
3. I was familiar with the Yoruba culture that was mentioned in the book because I'm Yoruba too, and I liked that.

This book was not for me, but you can read it if you like family centered cozy mysteries

Rating: 3.5

From book 1, I have enjoyed reading about the Miriam and her adventures. Author Raquel V. Reyes has sprinkled Spanglish, educated us about etymology, enticed our taste buds with recipes, shared family drama, and of course taken us along for the ride to solve a mystery, or three as is the case in this, book 4 of the series.

We are once again brought into Miriam Quiñones-Smith’s life. Picking up 3 years after book 3, we see what life has become for her, her family and her career due to the pandemic. In addition to my favorite character little Manny who is now six years old, there is his sister Sirena (at the end of book 3 Miriam was nearly ready to pop), and Miriam’s parents now living with them in Miami. Their home a truly a multigenerational bilingual home now.

Miriam, like a lot of working moms, has a lot to juggle. Added to this, are the mysteries:
1. The bones found at husband Robert’s job site
2. The death of the tour guide with producer and friend Delvis as prime suspect
3. The death threats on Senior, Robert’s dad that are causing Marjory to look past her bigotry and ask for Miriam’s help

The endearing way that Detective Pullman addresses Miriam, is just fun. And just because there are mysteries doesn’t mean that life is on hold. There is the upcoming nuptials between Robert’s cousin, Police Sergeant Gordon Smith and Miriam’s friend Omarosa. The celebration that seems doomed. And much more.

While the story may not be a quick, light read is a fulfilling one with history, family, food, a bit of mysticism, social inclusion, and heady mysteries.

I need a BFF like Alma! I was happy to have familiar characters make an appearance (gotta love someone named Stormy Weatherman)

I am looking forward to a second read/first listen as I really enjoy the narrator, especially since my Spanish is horrible.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for the opportunity to do an early read and share my thoughts on the story.
Happy Reading!

Dominoes, Danzon, and Death by Raquel V. Reyes is set a couple of years after the last book. Miriam and her family are hilarious.

Will Miriam solve all the mysteries that are taking place in her life?

Miriam Quiñones-Smith
Miriam has been enjoying her life without solving mysteries for the last three years, and she's quite happy about that. She is a loving mother of two amazing kids, a great wife, a loving daughter, and the not-so-great daughter-in-law to the Smith family. That is because she's Latina and is on a cooking show. The parts I loved in this story are when Miriam is filming her segments, being with her family, and being with her mother-in-law. Miriam is a great person, and it is easy to see why so many people can talk to her instead of the cops.

The Mystery
Miriam's husband, Robert, is trying to build a hotel on the golf course, but that's met with another troubling dilemma. They found a dead body and some other things. Not only does Miriam have to hear about this from her husband, but she also finds out that her in-laws are being threatened. Of course, she also finds a fake skeleton. Is it fake? While filming an episode for her show, they found out a tour guide had been killed later that day. Miriam has her work cut out for solving all of these crimes. Are all of them connected, or just two of them? I'm so happy I got at least one of these mysteries figured out!

Five Stars
I am giving Dominoes, Danzon, and Death by Raquel V. Reyes five stars, and I recommend reading this series. The one thing I do have to say is that Ms. Reyes does use Spanglish in this book, but thankfully, she gives an English translation of what was said afterward. To me, that made it easier to read. Ms. Reyes has created an incredible group of people in this book. Dominoes, Danzon, and Death by Raquel V. Reyes is my first book by this author, and I enjoyed it. I am definitely putting the first three on my TBR.

Don't forget to check out the recipes in the back. Some of these sound pretty good. They are Frita Cubana/Cuban Hamburger, Bocaditos, Miriam's Tortilla Espanola, Palmeras, and Cuban Natilla.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Dominoes, Danzon, and Death by Raquel V. Reyes.

Until the next time,
Karen the Baroness

If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out Baroness Book Trove.

Food and a cosy mystery series? Oh, count me in! And especially with such fun and entertaining characters. "Dominoes, Danzón, and Death" is the fourth novel in the popular Caribbean Kitchen Mystery by Raquel V. Reyes. And though this is only the first book in the series that I've read, I'm off straight away to read the three previous novels.
This time around, Miriam's business is proving more successful than ever, when her husband's construction project uncovers human bones on the site and then, her boss is accused of murder. While continuing to run a business, being a full-time mum (let's face it, being a mum IS a 24x7 job), helping her Robert, dealing with her in-laws, and now investigating the bones and murder, Miriam is once again deep in trouble.
There are so many mysteries in this book, but the author cleverly juggles and interweves the storylines to hold the readers attention. And I particularly enjoyed the occasional mix of Spanish or "Spanglish" throughout the text. It reminded me of how we use Irish and seemed so naturally for mixed language families.
Fantastic series.

Since Miriam’s sleuthing put her danger before (previous novels), she is reticent to take on new mysteries, but curiosity, loyalty to friends and family, and a sense of justice will not allow her to leave these mysteries alone. Miriam is an instantly likable character.

Miriam’s quest for answers in these new mysteries occurs against the back drop of her vibrant life in South Florida. She lives in a multi-generational household with her parents, husband, and two children. Family and friends live nearby and are an important part of daily life. The only problematic person is her mother-in-law, a well to do, white, racist snob.

And then there’s work. Miriam hosts a cooking show focusing on South Florida and Caribbean cuisine. Yum!

So how many mysteries can one book contain? Three. The first is occurs when human bones are unearthed at the site of a new hotel her husband is building. At first, they were concerned that the bones were Native American and the dig had disturbed a burial site. But no, the bones are of a much more recent vintage, and the victim was murdered.

The second mystery? Who killed the tour guide with whom Miriam’s friend and colleague, Delvis, had words? Delvis stands accused of the murder, and Miriam can’t let this stand.

Lastly, someone seems to have Miriam’s father in law, a federal judge, on his hit list.

While the mysteries moved the plot along nicely, I loved being immersed in the warmth of this lovely Latin family. The book is written primarily English, but as often occurs in bilingual households, Spanish and Spanglish occur in conversation as well. (It made me want to return to my Spanish lessons.)

This is the 4th book in the series, and I have already added the previous three to my TBR list.

Oh! And there are recipes in the back of the book.