Pressing the Issue (A Cookbook Nook Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
6th in Series
Beyond the Page (February 20, 2018)
Print Length: 354 pages
ASIN: B07955HXRS
As the annual Renaissance Fair comes to Crystal Cove, Jenna Hart’s Cookbook Nook is packed with tasty treats and all things medieval, while her pal Bailey is ready to swoon over her upcoming nuptials at a local vineyard. But when the two friends discover the body of the vineyard’s owner bludgeoned by a winepress, all their merriment fades, along with their hopes for a vintage year.
Which churlish varlet did the deed? Was it the victim’s errant brother, who stood to inherit the vineyards? Or the owner’s crestfallen ex-girlfriend? Mayhap it was the newly arrived comely wench, or her jealous husband. Fie on them all! Verily, Jenna can’t rest until justice is served, and she vows to track down the killer. But can she sniff out the truth before the villainous culprit strikes again?
Includes tantalizing recipes! Pressing the Issue by Daryl Wood Gerber
My rating: 5 of 5 starsI was sent a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
First of all, I am a Daryl Wood Gerber fan, and I anxiously await the day that one of her mystery books becomes a hit series on the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries network or some other viable network. This is the second book of hers that I have read, and although I have read none others in her this series, I had no problem jumping in, and it’s by far my favorite so far. In fact, I was greatly intrigued with the characters, and I’m now ready to go back to the beginning of this series and read from the beginning so that I can fill in the blanks, so to speak.
I was absolutely charmed with the setting, the characters, and so much more in this particular book. I found delightful surprises regarding some of the backstories of the various characters, and Daryl did an amazing job of leaving just enough clues and red herrings to ensure that the mystery was not too easily “solvable.” The dialogue was smart, and everything flowed exactly as it should have.
For a cozy mystery book, this is a highly recommended book and series. I am certain the fact that this is number six in the series has guaranteed fully fleshed-out characters and fascinating solutions. There is no sex nor profanity in the book, so readers are assured to have a completely pleasant experience when savoring this tale!
Day 5 of the continuing interview with Daryl Wood Gerber, author of Pressing the Issue, the 6th Cookbook Nook Mystery.
Do you read the same genre that you write?
I do read cozy mysteries. I really enjoy them. Now, I don’t have a lot of time to read and I’m not a speed-reader. Oh, how I wish I were. So I try to read at least one of each of my friend’s books. I also read titles from authors I’ve never met. I attend conferences and often pick up books by authors on my panels. They’ll be new to me, but I like getting an overview of what is out there. Now, I also read suspense and thrillers. I adore them and that’s where my career started. That’s why I write across genre now. In addition, I’ve started reading some gentle romance or what some would call romantic comedy. When I was a screenwriter, I wrote romantic comedies. I’m trying to decide whether this is something I’d like to write in the future. There is lots of “heart” in these books.
Here are some of the authors I read in the cozy genre:
Krista Davis, Cleo Coyle, Sheila Connolly, Peg Cochran, Roberta Isleib aka Lucy Burdette, Mary Jane Maffini aka Victoria Abbott, Linda Wiken aka Erika Chase, Denise Swanson, Leslie Budewitz, Kaye George, Janet Bolin aka Ginger Bolton, Marilyn Levinson, Janet Koch aka Laura Alden, Jenn McKinlay, Amanda Flower, Julie Hyzy, Hannah Dennison, and Kate Carlisle. The list goes on…
I’m wondering how you typically like to begin a book? Do you start with chapter 1, or do different parts come to you first?
I like to start with an outline. Then I do start with chapter 1. However, I have often gotten to chapter 15 and said, hm, what should I write? I don’t like to ever feel blocked, so I might write only the dialogue or only the action, and move on to the next chapter. I have been known to write the climactic scene before I get there. I think that’s because I like to know how the battle plays out so I can build to that battle. Does that make sense?
What do you hope readers will take away from your work?
I hope they will notice the heart that I put into the story. My amateur sleuth is loyal to those she (or he) loves—family, friends, and extended family. I hope readers will understand that the passion my amateur sleuth devotes to finding the truth makes her (or him) a good person as well as a valiant person. My amateur sleuth respects the police or sheriff, but often, her (or his) keen eye has the edge to see the truth earlier than the authorities. In addition, my amateur sleuth attracts people who have insider information. She (or he) is trusted and admired.
Am I naïve beyond words? LOL But this is my intent.
DARYL WOOD GERBER
writes the nationally bestselling Cookbook Nook Mystery series
featuring a cookbook store owner who is an avid reader and admitted foodie, set on the coast of California. As AVERY AAMES
, she pens the Agatha Award-winning, nationally bestselling Cheese Shop Mystery series
featuring a cheese shop owner amateur sleuth, set in the fictional town of Providence, Ohio. Daryl’s short stories have been nominated for the Agatha, Anthony, and other awards. Fun tidbit: as an actress, Daryl has appeared in “Murder, She Wrote” and more.
Author Links
Visit Daryl or Avery atwww.darylwoodgerber.com.
“They” blog on www.mysteryloverskitchen.com as well as www.killercharacters.com
Daryl’s Blog – http://www.darylwoodgerber.com
Avery’s Blog – http://www.averyaames.com
Mystery Lover’s Kitchen – http://www.mysteryloverskitchen.com
Killer Characters – http://killercharacters.com
Facebook:
Daryl http://www.facebook.com/darylwoodgerber
Avery http://www.facebook.com/averyaames
Twitter: @AveryAames @DarylWoodGerber
Goodreads:
Daryl Wood Gerber https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4750535.Daryl_Wood_Gerber
Avery Aames https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3153786.Avery_Aames
Purchase Link
TOUR PARTICIPANTS
February 20 – The Power of Words – REVIEW, INTERVIEW, GIVEAWAY
February 21 – Moonlight Rendezvous – REVIEW, INTERVIEW, GIVEAWAY
February 22 – That’s What She’s Reading – REVIEW, INTERVIEW, GIVEAWAY
February 23 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW, INTERVIEW, GIVEAWAY
February 24 – My Devotional Thoughts – REVIEW, INTERVIEW, GIVEAWAY
February 25 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – REVIEW, INTERVIEW, GIVEAWAY
February 26 – The Book’s the Thing – REVIEW, INTERVIEW, GIVEAWAY
Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?
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36 Comments
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Thanks for the great interview. I’m looking forward to reading this story.
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I am really enjoying this interview. Thanks for the chance to win.
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I love this series and of course Daryl Wood Gerber. I always do see the heart and kindness her sleuths have and that draws me in. Great interview and review.
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Love these short peeks into Dayrl’s life. Learning the background of the writer is as much fun as watching the making of a movie
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Loved the list of cozies author favorites. Lots of them are on my list too. Thanks for a chance to win and thanks for keeping us entertained with your writing!
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All of those traits is what makes readers fall in love with your characters & enjoy reading their adventures.
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I enjoy reading Daryl’s books and I’m really looking forward to reading “Pressing the Issue”. Great interview, nice getting to know more about Daryl.
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Keep up the good work, Daryl! And thanks for the giveaway…
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I have greatly enjoyed anything I have read that was written by Daryl! Her amateur sleuths are likable and normal and trustworthy and kind and smart and observant and… Thanks for keeping me entertained!
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Wonderful interview. I realize I couldn’t be an author because I could never create an outline of a story and stick to it lol. My mind would jumble up. I believe by chapter 3 I would be ready for the Looney bin lol. Wonderful sounding story that I would love to read and review. Thanks for this chance.rosep(at)bayland(dot)net
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I enjoyed the interview a lot–I’m planning to read all the books in the series, but I’ve started w/ this one and haven’t been lost at all. It’s great!
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Amanda, Ellie is my guest on Mystery Lovers Kitchen on 3/11. Oversight on my part for not including her in the mix. I love her books. 🙂 And her. Kay, Brenda, Tari, Jessica, Ann, Sharon and Sheryl, lovely to see you all here. Glad you’re enjoying the “tour.” ~ Daryl
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Love your books! Can’t wait to read this new book!
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Yet anther enjoyable interview. I appreciate the list of authors- most are on my TBR list, but I think there are one or two new ones. Thanks for the ongoing tour!
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Congratulations on the new release. Great interview!
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Great review and interview. Love to learn how you start your books and how you describe your amateur sleuth. I definitely can see the heart you put in your stories and honestly, sometimes I wish these people were real (or think maybe they are)!! Congratulations on all your success with your books and please … keep writing! P.S. I would LOVE to see these as movies – any of your series!
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Author
Tami I am with you on that! I think Hallmark should pick up one of Daryl’s mystery series & put them on their mystery network!
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I enjoyed the interview! I would love to visit Jenna at the Cook Book Nook and also attend one of the many festivals in Crystal Cove.
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Loved this review and interview! barbie17(at)gmail(dot)com
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This was my favorite interview on the tour so far. I love reading the same authors as you but have to suggest that you try out Ellie Alexander/Kate Dyer-Seeley! She’s amazing too! I appreciate your idea on writing the story and being okay with skipping ahead and just getting an idea down for a chapter before moving on. I never thought like that before.
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I can’t wait to try some of the recipes to enjoy with the book! cocanvaz[at]gmail[dot]com
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Loved reading more of the interview with Daryl Wood. Thank you for the fabulous review on “Pressing the Issue” and being part of the book tour!
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Thank you
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I enjoyed the interesting interview and wonderful review. The cozy sounds captivating and special. Thanks for this great feature and giveaway. Daryl’s novels are unique.
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I don’t think you are naïve at all, Daryl. I love that your sleuth is someone to admire and actually like!
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Thanks
