Penelope Sutherland owns Red Carpet Catering, and she and her crew are in Indiana on a movie shoot, along with her best friend and housemate actress Arlena Madison. While filming a version of Turn of the Screw, Penelope enters the kitchen early one morning in preparation of making breakfast for everyone, enters the walk-in freezer and finds the hanging body of Jordan Foster -- the chef and owner of the inn where they are staying.

After calling the police, Penelope notices things that shouldn't be -- like where are Jordan's boots, and the necklace he always wore. Jordan also owned Festa restaurant, and soon after his death, she's asked by his widow to take over as chef at the restaurant while they search for a replacement. So Penelope is now tasked with two things - catering on the set and running a restaurant - while she's there, and even though it's keeping her running, she's also not sure the chef committed suicide, and neither is the director of the movie, Jennifer, who was Jordan's longtime friend.

The sheriff insists that things like this don't happen in his small town, but when the kitchen is vandalized early one morning, the evidence points to a local man named Bailey whom Penelope thinks is guilty for everything due to his past record. But Penelope soon learns that what's on the surface might not be the truth, and only in digging for it can you uncover the mud beneath, and that mud might just get her suffocated out of everything...

This is the fourth book in the series and I have to say that I have enjoyed them all. It's different in the fact that the protagonist is a chef and a traveling caterer, to boot. She lives with Arlena as her personal chef, and also she and her crew travel to various movie sites around the world. It's an interesting concept, and one I've enjoyed highly.

The mystery starts out simply enough -- with a chef who's suspected of committing suicide -- but his childhood friend refuses to believe it. That's enough to pique Penelope's curiosity, and she soon discovers other things that aren't adding up: the missing boots, missing wine, and a mysterious name keeps popping up on papers she sees. She also discovers that five teens have gone missing in the last five years in this sleepy town, and she wonders if everything isn't connected, and after exploring a bit, she thinks she might be right.

Helping the story along is an appearance once again by Arlena's charismatic father, actor Randall Madison, her brother Max, and Penelope's cop boyfriend, Joey, who's managed to take some time off to fly out to be with her. While the story is clearly centered on Penelope's private investigation, there are some light-hearted moments as well which add to the tale.

The mystery is written extremely well, and the actions surrounding the movie set take second place in the story, just as it is meant to do. There are plenty of false trails that lead you in first one direction and then another, and it is only when you are nearing what Penelope discovers that you also discover the truth. While I was suspicious of one particular character (and rightly so); another unexpected one was added to the mix. It gave a surprise that was both unexpected and rather disheartening to know one could be so unfeeling.

When the murder is solved and the killer is revealed, it comes together beautifully like a dish of paella, everything blending nicely and a feeling of satisfaction at the end. We are also given a hint of things to come, and I will read the next in the series as soon as I can. Highly recommended.

Overall, this is a series and book that won’t disappoint. As a reader you will find yourself traveling the pages, and sets of many places with this series. I find that to be a big draw for me, the other is the writing is awesome. Characters stand out and continue to be fresh in your mind just waiting for their next story.

Penelope is working with a film cast and crew in rural Indiana and staying at the Inn of the director's friend. Surrounded by prickly locals, a nervous director and a vast forest with secrets all its own, Penelope is homesick for the big city. Then Penelope finds the restaurant chef hanging in the walk-in freezer. Asked to help keep the late chef's restaurant afloat, Penelope tries to juggle two kitchens, interview replacement chefs and feed a ravenous cast and crew. When the chef's suicide turns out to be murder and the sous chef is the prime suspect, Penelope must find out who is behind it all.

This is the fourth entry in the Red Carpet Catering Series and was a good read.

I received this book for free from Netgalley and Henery Press in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

I've read all of Shawn Reilly Simmons' Red Carpet Catering Mysteries and this one was set in Indiana. Penelope and her crew are on the set of Penelope's best friend, Arlena's new film when the chef at the restaurant at the location is murdered. Penelope sets out to find the killer and stops at nothing until she does. Simmons put a lot of interesting characters into this novel and this kept me guessing at who could have been the murderer until the end. (It wasn't who I expected!) Favorite characters from previous novels are back such as Penelope's boyfriend Joey, Arlena's movie star dad and up and coming television star brother. The novel was a fun read from beginning to end. I definitely recommend it!

This is the fourth book in the Red Carpet Catering Mystery series by Shawn Reilly Simmons. I recommend to all mystery fans the entire series but this new release can be read as a stand alone. The author provides background on each character so that any first time reader can enjoy this release. The entire series is cozy mystery delight !
Our protagonist Penelope owns her own movie catering business. She is at the Inn of a director to provide catering for his movie event with her employees. In this episode she finds the victim and is on the case with her ability to find suspects and clues throughout the catering weekend. She has a knack for solving murders with a dose of humor and her fun cast of friends. She is at odds with the local detective who does not appreciate her sleuthing skills and considers her a suspect. As she proceeds to investigate as well as cater the event she finds a quirky cast of suspects along the way.
I love every book in this series for the unique settings, the movie locations and the wonderful sleuth. This is a fun cozy mystery that will delight every mystery reader and fan.
Thank you for the advance reading copy that did not influence my review.

Murder is the Main Course

by Shawn Reilly Simmons

Action explodes in Murder is the Main Course as Penelope, head chef on the set of The Turn of the Screw, enters the walk-in freezer in darkness only to encounter a hanging body. Has she discovered a suicide or a murder? This mystery by Shawn Reilly Simmons continues with non-stop intrigue in a tale you won’t want to put down. Characters include an assortment of actors, cooks, waiters and law enforcement. Although the cast of characters is large, it is easy to remember the individual characters. The setting is small town Forrestville, Indiana, where everyone knows everyone else and history is important. Grab a copy of this cozy mystery and get ready for suspense.

I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Henery Press for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 5/5

Category: Mystery, General Fiction (Adult)

Notes: #4 in the Red Carpet Catering Mystery Series; could be read as a standalone

Publication: May 2, 2017—Henery Press

I have loved all of the books in this series. I love that each one is on a different movie set, and some are set in different locations which is very believable for the occupations of the main characters. It's nice to explore different locations, but still have a solid cast of main characters that appear in each book. I love Penny and Arlena and always feel like I am visiting with old friends when I pick up one of the books in this series. This book is the 4th in the series, but could be read as a stand alone without the reader feeling lost, although I would suggest going back and reading the other books in the series if you start with this one because you will love them. I can't wait to read more books with these characters!

This is the fourth entry in the A Red Carpet Catering Mystery series. The sleuth is Penelope Sutherland, who is also the owner and head chef of Red Carpet Catering, which is a catering service for movies and television crews.

In this book, Penelope and her crew are on the road in Indiana. She is once again working with her best friend, housemate, and part-time employer, Arlena. Arlena is also an up-and-coming movie star. While she is part of the story, there is less focus on her as well as on any of the mainstay characters (Joey, Max and Randall) in the series besides Penelope.

The book starts with the death of the head chef of the inn/restaurant where the crew is staying. When suspicious arise as exactly how the chef dies, the action in the book springs forward as well.

The story has a good amount of false leads, actual clues and action to keep me wondering. The whodunnit caught me somewhat by surprise though, looking back, I could see the clues. I enjoyed this mystery and look forward to more in the series.

I was provided a digital advance reader copy of this book by the publisher via Netgalley.

In this fourth book of the Red Carpet Catering Mystery series, we find ourselves in a sleepy little town 2 hours away from a large city in Indiana. Once again, our fearless, or maybe fearful this time, caterer finds herself in the midst of a murder investigation. Who has been killed this time? What does it mean for Jennifer and the film crew and actors/actresses that are in that little town, staying at their only Inn in the middle of winter? Where did Penelope find the dead body? What did she do? What happens in the little town as word spreads about the murder? Who does Penelope start to think may be the one behind it? Why does she think that? What happens as she does her own sleuthing about? Who tells her what? What does she uncover? How does it affect the investigation if at all? Who shows up unexpectedly? When more things happen, in a second location, what is ultimately discovered? This book truly was a mystery to me to the very end. I was SHOCKED at what was going on and why. Read and find out! I enjoyed this book immensely!

Great book! I just don't know how she stays in business.

As usual, one of my favorite genres to read and this one was not easy to put down. Read in one sottinf, and it was nicely written and easy to quickly connect to the characters. Awesome book!

Book four in the Red Carpet Catering Mystery series by Shawn Reilly Simmons is Murder is the Main Course. I had read previous books in this series, but I think readers would be better off not having read them. For me this book lacked the character interaction of the previous books. Penelope, owner of Red Carpet Catering, is on location at a movie filming when the chef of the kitchen she is using is found hanged in the freezer. The mystery was interesting, but character development was lacking in this one. I did still like the book and will continue to read the series.

Princess Fuzzypants here:
Once again Penelope and her team are catering a movie set. This time they are in a remote spot in the winter with lots of snow and cold. Brrr.
Penelope has been enjoying working with a famous chef whose restaurant adjoins the inn where the cast and crew are staying. That is until she discovers his body hanging in the walk in refrigerator. It is a chilling experience in more than one way.
Everyone is stunned as he was as well liked as he was famous. His widow asks Penelope to act as manager of the restaurant until a replacement is found to which she reluctantly agrees. Her own duties keep her busy and when he boyfriend comes to visit, it cuts into any private time they might have enjoyed.
She has been trying to figure out who might want the chef dead. When she figures it out, she is the next dish on the murder menu.
This is a fun series where we have food combined with movies. It is a lark, nothing too heavy but entertaining. It helps that the characters are likeable.
As we head into the summer season, this would be a good cottage or beach book.
I give it four purrs and two paws up.

Murder is the Main Course is the fourth installment in the a Red Carpet Catering Mystery series featuring Penelope Sutherland, Chef and owner of Red Carpet Catering. Penelope and her staff are working on set of a movie starring her best friend Arlena Madison in rural Forrestville, Indiana.

The cast and crew are being housed at the Forrestville Inn owned and operated by Chef Jordan Foster who along with his business partner Ava Barnes also run an adjacent restaurant, Festa. Early one morning Penelope stumbles upon Jordan's body hanging in the freezer, the police are willing to accept his death as a suicide but something doesn't feel right to Penelope and she urges them to look deeper. Soon Sheriff Bryson and Office Edie Collins uncover evidence that Jordan was indeed murdered and Penelope sets out to find a killer.

The idyllic town of Forrestville is harboring a lot of secrets including the disappearance of 5 teenagers, the circumstances surrounding the death of the previous Sheriff Helmsley and the bizarre behaviors of some local residents. Penelope soon finds herself being targeted by the killer and is relieved when her boyfriend Joey and Arlena's family arrive on scene to help in the investigation.

A fun, fast paced storyline with plenty of twists and turns that will have you guessing until the end. Familiar faces return and the relationships between characters continue to strengthen. This addition to the series can read as a stand alone but I suggest starting from the beginning.

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley via Henery Press. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.

I have read each of the entries in this catering themed cozy series. In this fourth book, movie set caterer Penelope Sutherland is working on location in rural Indiana when she discovers the body of a local chef in the freezer. The body has been arranged to look like a suicide but soon local authorities are conducting a homicide investigation.

I want to like this series, but it just feels slapped together. There are too many unrelated details and unexplained plot leaps. The ending seems rushed and illogical. Penny's interactions with the local police make no sense.

I received an ARC via Net Galley in return for my honest review.

This is a great book; this is the fourth book in the Red Carpet Catering Mystery series written by Shawn Reilly Simmons. Penelope and her Red Carpet Catering crew find themselves transported to a different world when they arrive on their newest movie set in rural Indiana. Surrounded by prickly locals, a nervous director out to prove herself, and a vast forest with secrets all its own, Penelope feels more homesick for the big city than ever before. When she finds their host, owner of Indiana's newest culinary hotspot, dead of an apparent suicide, Penelope works to uncover the darker truths boiling beneath the surface of his seemingly perfect life. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

Great cozy mystery, with fun characters. I look forward to more in this series!

This is the fourth book in the A Red Carpet Catering Mystery series written by Shawn Reilly Simmons and I am still loving this series. This book can be read as a standalone, as well as any of the others, but you will want to read them all because they are great stories. Penelope is a chef that owns her own business, Red Carpet Catering. She caters to the television/movie industry on sets while filming. This means that she travels all over for her business, this time to Indiana.

The cast and crew of the movie filming in small Indiana, are staying at the Inn of the director's friend. He is also the chef of the newest restaurant du jour. When Penelope finds him hanging in the walk-in freezer, the troubles begin. With break ins, mysterious disappearances from years ago, difficult wait staff, kitchens being off limits and a director that seems nervous and tense, Penelope is soon up to her neck in investigating. When it seems that her sous chef is the prime suspect, she gets her back up to protect him. Will the sheriff take any of her suggestions seriously? Is she putting herself in danger again?

This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. I like the relationship between Penelope and Joey, especially with the new developments in this book. The interactions between the main characters in these books shows what a great relationship friends and "chosen family" can have. As the two story lines seem to merge together, there is another added plot development. The ending was satisfying and drew the stories together. Once again, Penelope solves not one this time, but two mysteries. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a cozy mystery.

Although I greatly enjoyed the first in this series I have found subsequent novels uninteresting. With a good premise something has been missing in the author's voice lately--characters. The characters have all become lackluster and have lost the personalities I found so interesting in the first book

This is by far my favorite book in the series. I loved the location of the movie set Penelope was working on and as always the characters were quirky and entertaining. I kept wanting to know who the strange man in the hardware store so much I was tempted to skip ahead and find out.I would highly recommend this book to everyone.If you haven't gotten around to reading the first three 'i think that you could start with Murder is the Main Course and then you will find yourself buying the others right away.