Publication May 23,2023

Don't start this one on an empty stomach. Trust me, you will soon find yourself hungry. Lots of food and food talk, not to mention recipes at the end. I'd never heard the term ghost kitchen before, so that added an interesting aspect. And, no, Sophie isn't catering to ghosts. Ghost kitchens are delivery only. No physical restaurant to go in, sit down, and stuff one's face. Order blanks/menus are available. Fill one out and, tah-dah, your food is delivered to your door. Much like many food places offer delivery nowadays but without the requirement of maintaining a kitchen and dining area. Just the food. You'll be intrigued to find out where it comes from.

While I found the complicated family ties and murder within intriguing, I must admit that the plot seemed to move along slower than I've grown accustomed. I'm honestly not sure if that was deliberate, ie to reflect the perhaps slower pace of life in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, or it was simply slow to unfold. In any case, the usual cast of characters that surround Sophie, Nina, Wolf, and Wang were there, plus assorted others. And, oh, I can't forget Sophie's furry-friends, Daisy the dog and Mochie the cat. There's a lot happening in this book, lots of players aside from the main cast, and it took me a bit to sort it all out. I loved how well Sophie dealt with all, including helping young Penelope Stansfield. Sophie is down-to-earth and caring, that's for sure.

So, who killed Russ? Why in Gerrie's kitchen? Uh-oh, why are things not where they should be in the house? Why does Gerrie trust Colleen more than her own son? As she investigates, what secrets begin to emerge about Gerrie's family and business? Why was everyone convinced Sophie had been seriously injured? Will Sophie's personal/love life ever improve? And, whoa, what is Wong's connection to all this? Who stole....oh, enough teasers. Lots going on, that's for sure, including probably illegal attempted yard sales.

Bottom line, despite the slower pace, I found the mystery interesting and, as always, was drawn to the well fleshed-out characters. While I certainly pondered who killed Russ in Gerrie's house, the side stories and how they tend to come together at the end worked well for me. Thanks #NetGalley and#KensingtonBooks - #KensingtonCozies for letting me spend a bit more time in lovely, intriguing Old Town Alexandria.

The Diva Delivers On a Promise (A Domestic Diva Mystery #16) by Krista Davis is a fun and delicious cozy mystery. I love a good mystery weather it’s a murder or something else and I’m never disappointed with Ms Davis and The Domestic Diva Series. A ladies luncheon starts out fun and talkative and ends up with a body in the dining room. It’s up to Sophie to figure out whodunnit without getting herself killed in the process. This book includes wonderful food descriptions and recipes as well as a mystery to solve that keeps you reading until you know who the killer was. Highly recommend!

I love this series, and like always, I had a good time following the characters through the resolution of a few good mysteries and helping people along the way. I'm a little miffed about the lack of movement on Sophie's love life, but the fact that I want to know what happens next shows how much the characters are well thought out. I love the friendships and that the book shows an adult group of friends dealing with adult problems. I´m already looking forward to reading the next one in the Domestic Diva Mystery series.

I always look forward to reading the latest in the Domestic Diva Mystery series. I absolutely love returning to the characters, their antics, and coming back to Old Town, Virginia, and this latest installment is no exception. I love Sophie and Nina's friendship, and I love how characters such as Wong and her backstory were delved into further. Although Natasha is quite frustrating, I do like the way she is always incorporated into the story. I already can't wait for the 17th book to come out!

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

Join Sophie and Nina in Krista Davis' latest release in her Domestic Diva Series, as they take us through a lot of twists and turns to solve several mysteries that end up on their proverbial plate. In true Old Town fashion, many of those paths are filled with beautiful homes and decor', not to mention delicious food, and plenty of skeletons in the closets.

"Party planner extraordinaire" Sophie Winston is multitasking. Along with handling a conference for a unique new concept - Ghost Kitchens - Sophie makes time for her community obligations to attend a luncheon of the A Healthy Meal committee at the home of socialite Geraldine Stansfield ("Gerrie"). Gerrie did not disappoint. Her dining room is a setting to die for - literally - but the body on the floor with the knife protruding from his chest was not on the guest list. Given that it was Gerrie's house, dining room, and knife, she enlists Sophie to investigate. Initially, no one claims to know the man, but Sophie discovers that he is actually known to quite a few citizens of Old Town. However, it does seem that only one person knows why he was in Gerrie's house, and that is likely the person who killed him. Finding the answer to that question could be problematic.

I did not realize how much I had missed visiting Old Town and Sophie, Nina, and the gang. The camaraderie and humor are delightful. They are proof that strong intelligent female protagonists need not be brash, vulgar, or uncivilized. In fact, they restore a love for ladies luncheons, outdoor dinner parties, and spontaneous meals with friends. In fact, I have a strong desire to go shopping and buy all new table settings, indoor and outdoor. Of course, they also prove that murder and Mayhem can happen anywhere. This is an engaging mystery (more accurately - mysteries) that perplexes even Sophie, Nina, Wolf, and Wong.

Two tips: (i) Do not ignore the chapter introductions from Sophie's and Natasha's (sometimes dueling) columns. They can be informative and often hilarious; and (ii) I highly recommend this book, but strongly urge the reader to start with Book 1 in the series and read through. Krista Davis does not disappoint.

The latest installment in the Domestic Diva series is like being reunited with old friends. I love the setting, the food/recipes, a good mystery and in this installment, we finally meet Officer Wong’s ex-husband.
I also enjoyed learning about ghost kitchens.
Did Gerrie kill Russ? He died in her house, after all. Had she also killed her late husband? Can her family be trusted? What about the senator next door? Will Sophie finally find true love? Which man in her life is the one?
All of Krista’s books are worth reading and never disappoint. I have my favorites of course: The Diva Haunts the House, Murder Most Howl, The Ghost and Mrs. Mewer, The Diva Wraps it Up, The Diva Sweetens the Pie, Murder Outside the Lines and more.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I always look forward to reading the next installment of Krista Davis's Diva series. Each book is like meeting up with friends that you haven't seen in awhile, but are able to pick up with them where you left off the last time you saw them.

The Diva Delivers on a Promise, does not disappoint. The characters are likable and consistent throughout the story. I like that recipes are included, but are at the end of the book. It doesn't interfere with the continuity of the story . I can't wait until the next book in the series is published.

Another wonderful addition to one of my favorite series! Sophie and friends are back to solve two murders that happened at a friend’s house. Sophie and Nina are working with neighbors on a charity, and the day of the meeting, they discover a dead body in the house of Gerrie, the charity head. Several days later, there is another murder, this one hitting close to home for a close friend.
It was great to see Humphrey, Wong, and Francie again. Natasha was her usual diva self, and Mars and Bertie are still great gentlemen. Can’t wait to read what happens next!

If you're looking for a book with good friends, good food, and murder then you've found your next read. As an added bonus the mouthwatering dishes and drinks they have during their get togethers can be found at the end of the book.

Sophie Winston is a party planner/advice columnist/amateur sleuth that solves mysteries with the help of her friends. In this book, a man is found dead with a knife in the chest and no one is sure why let alone who. Then a person of interest is found overdosed with sleeping pills and another person dead downstairs. Just when they think they've got the person responsible for it all a surprise twist happens.

The Domestic Diva Mystery series will transport you to Old Town, Va and have you feeling like you're there with them.

#TheDivaDeliversonaPromise #NetGalley #KensingtonCozies

“The Diva Delivers on a Promise” is the nicely done sixteenth book in Krista Davis’s Domestic Diva cozy mystery series. I love everything about this series starting with main character Sophie Winston who is an event planner (I’m always hungry when reading this series), her best friend Nina, her friendship with Natasha – make sure you read the advice column bits at the beginning of each chapter – part of the fun in this series is waiting to see how Natasha messes up this time, her relationship with ex-husband Mars, and more. The murder mystery is nicely done and there are also a few side mysteries that are fun to read, as is the (new to me) concept of ghost kitchens). I can’t say I was completely surprised when the solution to the murders was revealed but I really liked how several plotlines turned out in the end. Well done by Davis!

.I may not be a caterer, advice columnist or amateur sleuth but when I enter the cozy mystery world of Sophie Winston and her lovable and quirky friends, I become all three. Sleuthing with Sophie also makes me want to bake and snack and visit all the beautiful and historical settings of Old Town Alexandria. Ghost
kitchens who cook for those who need a intimate dinner or a large society gathering catered, are flourishing in Old Town. Even Natasha tries her hand at the new trend. The problem is someone has targeted a friend of Sophie's for the murder of a person who may or may not be connected to a kitchen. Now, Sophie is determined to help even if it puts her in the crosshairs of a murderer.

The book was classic Sophie with her talent for solving mysteries, catering and creating elegant dinners and decor, with her "down to earth" likability and straightforward manners and decorating advice column along with her fierce determination to protect those she loves.

Settle down in a cozy place and get ready for a "whodunit" that will keep you guessing and snacking. Be sure to check out the delicious recipes!

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Huge fan of this series and it never disappoints. Sophie Winston is once again caught in a murder mystery as she navigates between her advice column, event planning and her latest enterprise “ghost kitchens”. Along for the ride are her cast of friend, neighbours , ex husband and even a few dogs and cats lol. Besides the “mystery” itself, I always look forward to the recipes and the advice letters that start each chapter.

This series is just so fun! In this installment you’ll learn about the new trend of ghost kitchens, and be treated to plenty of descriptions of the delicious meals that Sophie whips up. When Sophie attends a luncheon and finds a man dead in the dining room she discovers that there is a lot of mystery surrounding a local family who owns a restaurant supply store. Between managing her work, having her friends over for dinner, taking care of her pets and sleuthing with her friends and neighbors this book is cozy to the hilt and I just loved it.

While 'The Diva Delivers on a Promise' has an interesting mystery the lack of progress or happiness in Sophie's personal life was off-putting. Over the course of the series she has had unfruitful relationships with three men and yet she remains single and boring even though cryptic messages or actions were a part of this book. I just want more hope than this offered. I will reluctantly stick with the series with the wish that more will be in store for Sophie.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

The Diva Delivers on a Promise
by Krista Davis
Book 16.
Sometimes with a long running series there is a point where the books just lose their oomph. I felt a little that way with the previous book in this series and more so with this one. I still like the characters but the storyline was just kind of meh for me. It also seemed like the culprits just came out of the blue. Maybe it’s just me but I am about done with this series.

I know I was disappointed in Krista Davis’ last Domestic Diva mystery, but the sixteenth, The Diva Delivers on a Promise, makes up for it. This time, Sophie Winston and her best friend, Nina, seem to have plans for what they do. They’re not just running around guessing one person after another is a killer.

Sophie Winston is an event planner and she’s on the board of “A Healthy Meal”, a charity that provides food for needy kids. The board has gathered at Gerrie Stansfield’s home when one of the women screams because she sees a dead man on the floor by the dining room table. He’s been stabbed with a knife. When the police arrive, Gerrie’s able to identify him as Russ Everett who once worked for the family kitchen supply business. But, what’s he doing wearing a hat from “Dinner at Home”, a local business providing delivery service? Before Sophie can ask that question, she finds multiple messages about “Dinner at Home”. The delivery man, Irv, is missing, and the owner needs Sophie’s help in delivering that days meals. Sophie and Nina finally find Irv, knocked out and covered in blood in the delivery van. And, his hat is missing, probably worn by the murder victim at the Stansfields.

Sophie’s involved more than she would like with the Stansfield family. Colleen, Gerrie’s daughter-in-law, is running an event at a local hotel, and Sophie is the event planner. It’s all about ghost kitchens, restaurants without dining spaces. The owners supply meals through delivery services, but don’t have brick-and-mortar restaurants. Even restaurants are getting into the business, often using another name for the ghost kitchen. Gerrie’s son, Todd, who is separated from Colleen, is attending the conference with a buddy. And, he seems very interested in the subject.

But, it’s Gerrie who worries Sophie. She knows she’s on the top of the suspect list, but she fears one of her two sons might have killed Russ Everett. She begs Sophie to look for the killer. As usual, Sophie and Nina dive in to help a friend.

I’ve always enjoyed the Domestic Diva mysteries. By now, after sixteen books, the latest one is like catching up with old friends. There’s an entire cast of Sophie’s friends who sit around her table, enjoying her food. Those recipes are also available in the books. The food always sounds wonderful, but, if you’re like me, it’s Sophie and her friends who bring me back time after time.

Another hit! This series always delivers a good solid mystery with lots of action and suspense. Sophie and Nina are excellent characters. I love this series! You will NOT want to put this book down! Thanks #netgalley and #Kensington for the eARC in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.

Sophie and friends are back for more meals, murder and mystery in The Diva Delivers on a Promise, by Krista Davis. Sophie is busy organizing a weekend Ghost Kitchen Conference, as well as attending the annual meeting of A Healthy Meal, a local charity that provided meals for less fortunate children. Recently widowed Gerrie Stansfield is the hostess for the elegant luncheon. As her guest enter her beautiful historic home a scream spoils the mood, as does the body of a man in the dining room with a knife stabbed in his chest. Gerrie assumes that because the body was in her house, stabbed with her knife and she knew the victim that she is the main suspect. She asks Sophie to promise to help when suspicion turns to Gerrie’s sons. Ghost kitchens, ghost kitchen scams, another murder, an attempt on Gerrie’s life and several suspects are part of the mysteries that Sophie, Nina and their friends must untangle. As always, Davis does not disappoint and skillfully blends her characters, actions and plot to a surprising and satisfying conclusion. Yummy recipes included.

I received this advance reader copy via Netgalley and Kensington Books, in return for an honest review. I always enjoy this author’s stories and this 16th book in this series is another enjoyable visit to Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. It can easily be read as a stand-alone book. Sophie Winston is an accomplished event planner, with a wide-ranging cast of supportive friends and acquaintances. When arriving for an annual luncheon for a charity event planning meeting, everyone is shocked when a dead body is found in the dining room with knife in his chest. There is no end of suspects from the hostess to her sons to members of the restaurant community. The story unfolds well, with a secondary plotline about ghost kitchens that was very interesting. My only comment is how does Sophie stay so slender when she cooks and eats amazing meals but never exercises! It's a mystery to me. I look forward to the next cozy in this series.

Holy cow, we’re at book sixteen in Krista Davis’ Domestic Diva series!! Sophie Winston and the gang are all back for this new adventure. This one has a main mystery to be solved, and several bonus mini ones along the way. Ms. Davis continues to gain momentum with this group of characters, which is rare and appreciated this far into a series.
I’ll keep plot points to myself, yet will divulge that I was delighted to see a new side of Officer Wong, and intrigued by the possibility of love on the horizon for Sophie.
Overall, a quick and fun read. Although this could certainly be read as a standalone, I enjoyed the fact that I’ve known these characters for so long. If this is your first, you’re so lucky that you have fifteen others waiting for you!
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington books for allowing access to a digital ARC.