Out of the Dying Pan

Deep Fried Mystery, Book #2

By Linda Reilly

ISBN13: 9780425274149

Author website: http://www.lindasreilly.com/

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt

Synopsis:

Revenge is set to sizzle in the tasty new Deep Fried Mystery from the author of Fillet of Murder.

For Talia Marby, the sweet smell of success is a lot like the pungent aroma of fried fish and vinegar. Her new business, Fry Me a Sliver, is rapidly expanding beyond fish and chips to become one of the best eateries in the Berkshires. But the nasty owner of a neighboring boutique is making a stink, baiting Talia in a very public fight at a community center fundraiser and nursing an inexplicable grudge.

When the boutique owner is strangled with Talia’s scarf knotted around her neck, our favorite fish fryer finds herself in hot oil. Needing to clear her name—and fast, Talia’s investigation soon yields some shocking surprises as well as a sizzling suspicion: someone had good reason to want the victim dead—and it’s frying Talia’s nerves…

Includes delicious recipes!

Review:

I cannot begin to describe how much I enjoyed Out of the Dying Pan. Linda Reilly writes in a manner that grabs your attention, holds it and feels like home. Talia is a truly fabulous protagonist. She is sur rounded by great characters in her boyfriend Ryan, her young cook/skateboarder extraordinaire/ computer tech Lucas and surly Martha. The second installment of this super author’s “Deep Fried Mystery” series is a hit for sure with more sizzle than thick bacon frying in the pan.

As Talia is enjoying taking over the fish and chips restaurant she always loved, she is also busy getting ready for the big Wrensdale community center fundraiser. Unfortunately, while setting things up she and a new boutique owner get into a very loud and public argument. Ria seems abnormally angry and upset with Talia. Soon Talia realizes why and it is not good. A piece of her history is staring her in the face and this woman has held a serious grudge for a very long time. That only complicates things when Ria is found dead, murdered and the suspect list is familiar to Talia.

Out of the Dying Pan is enthralling, fun and satisfying. I loved the few new characters and how they fit perfectly in the storyline and the wonderful small town setting. One old character that was just briefly touched upon in the first book makes a big splash in this one. I love how author Linda Reilly drew that character into the main storyline with such finesse. Her writing style is so delightful. Talia is the type of character that truly feels real as is the rest of the wonderfully written cast.

I would recommend Out of the Dying Pan to any and all cozy lovers, especially those who enjoy cats (I love Bojangles) and foodies. I have to admit I am not a fan of frying anything but I so love fried foods (hey I am a southerner so it is required by law I think). Linda Reilly has once again written a tasty treat, sure to satisfy even the fussiest reader. I was so happy that Bea also made an appearance. I love these characters and so enjoy getting to visit with them. I cannot wait for the next installment. This is such a wonderful and entertaining series and this author has such a fabulous writing style, it is always a pleasure to read her books. If you have not read the first in this series (you should soon), you will have no trouble enjoying and following this book at all.

(On a personal note – I was very happy to see a minor character who has multiple sclerosis. The way author Linda Reilly showed how a person with m/s is not the only one dealing with it was exceptional. You do not see this issue in many books, nor handled with such care and sensitivity as this. As someone who has m/s, I have to say she did a great job. Thank you)

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*