Murder with Collard Greens and Hot Sauce is the third book in the Mahalia Watkins Soul Food Mystery series by A.L. Herbert. We are back in Maryland for a beauty industry trade show. Business is booming at Mahalia's Sweet Tea restaurant. Customers are looking to satisfy their appetite after spending the day surrounded by beauty styles. Unfortunately, the moment fades when a beauty mogul/pop culture icon is found shot to death. The list of suspects is long! Mahalia and her trusty sidekick cousin, Wavonne, multi-task with solving the murder and keeping slow-cooked collard greens moving out of the kitchen. Hilariously, they are the black version of Daphne and Velma looking for clues.

I have waited on this third book for what seems like forever! So imagine my delight when I saw an advance reader's copy was available for my review. To get in the zone, I fried a couple pork chops, smothered rice in gravy and onions, with collard greens and hot sauce on the side. My meal was just as good as the novel, but not the best.

The first two books earned 5-heart ratings. I was hooked when I read Murder with Fried Chicken and Waffles. A strong follow-up was Murder with Macaroni and Cheese. So of course, I expected nothing short of page-turning in Murder with Collard Greens and Hot Sauce.

Instead, the book was not very well-paced for a mystery. The murder didn't happen until almost halfway in. It didn't leave much time for Halia and Wavonne to sleuth, especially with so many suspects thrown in the mix. Still at 80%, I was ready for any character to just admit it already! Yes, it was entertaining but I wish the focus was more on solving the murder and less on background info/events leading up to the climax.

Nevertheless, the Mahalia Watkins Soul Food series is recommended for readers that like a cozy foodie mystery. It is a good worthy read! As a bonus, there are recipes sprinkled throughout the novel for collard greens, Purple Rain iced tea, and smothered pork chops. One of these days I will try a recipe. But in the meantime, I will keep reading and using black haircare products!

LiteraryMarie

There were a lot of really good elements in this book. I loved the area that it takes place in (PG County, Maryland!), the dialogue, the restaurant, all the world building the author did.
The actual murder doesn't take place until 40% into the book, so after it happens the resolve comes quick.
The reveal was nicely done. I'd love to say that I suspected the culprit right away, but the truth is I suspected everyone. There were some very nice twists and turns as I tried to figure it out, but in the end I got to be as surprised as the supporting cast.

The reason this book, despite lots of very good things, got a 3 Star review from me is a much more personal reason.
I am a very shy and reserved person. I do my best to keep the people around me happy and to do my own thing.
Every time Wavonne spoke I could feel my immortal soul leaving my body.
She's brash, she's loud, she has no filter. Every sentence had me dying of embarrassment. She's out to have a good time and doesn't care who's watching! I'm sure she's the highlight of many people's read, but I personally am just too shy to survive...

Over all, really good book! But if incredibly shy to the point of watching other people say embarrassing things will make you embarrassed, maybe give it a miss.

Oh my, these ladies are a hoot!! I love them. They will just tell you like it is! I knew hair products were a big deal, but I didn’t realize they were this big a deal. I like the characters in the story, especially Halia and Wavonne. It was like I was right there when they were going at each other. Do you have a friend like that? What about a friend with a love/hate relationship? I don’t know how well I would handle that. I do hope that Nathan does get what he deserves out of all of this. I do favor Latasha hair salon over Odessa’s. Latasha is a much better friend. I’m sure you’ll have a chuckle or two as you read about Halia and Wavonne and the situations they get into. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

This is the 3rd in this charming series and my first read in this series. I will soon be reading the prior books as this was a fun delightful read with a well crafted sleuth. I loved the Southern culture, the focus on the small town life and how I learned about delicious southern food in this book. .One thing I noticed first is reading this series will make you hungry ! I highly recommend this book as the perfect cozy mystery read. Wonderful receipes are included for culinary cozy fans.

Mahalia owns the successful Mahalia's Sweet Tea restaurant. Her mother is her baker, and her cousin, Wavonne, is a waitress. The ladies are all likable personalities that depend on each other. They do have times they disagree but they always remain close. They all are excited to meet a woman named Monique Dupree, who is a mogul for black hair products. It was fascinating to read about working with black hair . When Monique is murdered the ladies work together to solve the mystery. The clues were satisfying and interesting . The ending was a surprise to me with a thrilling conclusion. This series is so delightful with the Southern culture, funny repartee and a good sleuth. I would highly recommend it for your reading enjoyment for all that enjoy cozy mysteries.
Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the ARC. My opinion is my own.

First time reading a book from this author. Very intriguing. I love the setting, characters, and the cool title. I will go back now and check out the others.

I chuckled my way throughout the book. I am white, but many of my friends are African-American. Fun to see things from their point of view. The south amuses me anyway with its charming turns of a phrase. No bless her heart in this story, but it certainly could have been said about a couple of the characters. I look forward to reading more of A. L. Herbert's work, now that I have been introduced to the humor.

Murder With Collard Greens And Hot Sauce by A. L. Herbert

The latest installment of A. L. Herbert’s terrific Mahalia Watkins Soul Food Mystery series showcases not only contemporary life in Prince George’s County, Maryland -- as well as some amazing soul food -- but also shines a spotlight on a fascinating subject I’ve never known how to ask about before this book: black hair. Our heroine, better known as Halia, is getting her hair done with her much younger cousin Wavonne at Illusions, the hair salon in the same building as Sweet Tea, the restaurant Halia owns. Their stylist, Latasha, informs them that Monique Dupree, local girl turned haircare mogul and celebrity, will be paying a visit to Illusions to kick off her nationwide tour. Wavonne is as excited as Halia is mystified by the hubbub; the former, of course, is always up on the latest styles and celebrity gossip, whereas the latter doesn’t even do much with her hair beyond the occasional trim. Wavonne promptly trades a bemused Halia’s services as caterer for an invitation to the exclusive meet-and-greet. One thing leads to another and Halia is soon asked to bring some of her delicious appetizers to Monique’s annual White Party at her mansion in nearby Mitchellville.

The party is quite the do, but Wavonne has a little too much to drink and Halia has to haul her home early, leaving behind her catering supplies. Halia is almost ready to write the dishes etc. off as an unintended expense till she turns on the news the next morning to find out that Monique has been shot dead in her own den. Having spent the last few days in Monique’s charmed circle -- as well as being an incorrigible amateur sleuth -- Halia resolves to return to the scene of the crime to see if there’s anything she can discover. She definitely gets more than she bargained for as her quest to find a killer drags her and Wavonne through all sorts of sticky, and hilarious, situations in order to uncover the truth.

This was another solidly constructed mystery that could hold its own against any cozy or traditional mystery out there. Ms Herbert rounds out her whodunnit with some excellent insights into combative female friendships as well as a truly outstanding character in Wavonne. Whereas the sassy, irresponsible Wavonne of the earlier books certainly had her charms, this installment shows off her greater magnanimity of spirit. It’s so nice to see her grow as the books progress. And, of course, Halia herself is a wonderful creation: confident, intelligent, kind and a really good influence on her sidekick.

Now this wouldn’t be a culinary cozy without some recipes! Of the four included, I was quite eager to try out the one dessert:

QUOTE
Celia’s Butter Pecan Cake

Cake Ingredients
2 cups finely chopped pecans (reserve ¾ cup after toasting for icing)
1 cup softened butter (¼ cup for toasting pecans, ¾ cup for cake batter)
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 cup applesauce
½ cup whole milk
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Generously grease and lightly flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Place pecans and ¼ cup butter in oven safe pan or baking dish. Toast pecans in oven for 10-12 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes; set aside and let cool.

Lightly beat eggs; set aside.

Cream sugar and ¾ cup of butter together with mixer on high speed for 1 minute. Add eggs, applesauce, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed for 30 seconds.

Combine flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

With mixer on medium speed, slowly add combined dry ingredients to creamed mixture until well blended.

With mixer on low speed, add 1 ¼ cups toasted pecans to batter until fully incorporated.

Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, until a tooth pick comes out clean.

Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto rack and cool completely.

Icing Ingredients
1 cup softened butter
⅓ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons evaporated milk
6 cups confectioners’ sugar
2-5 tablespoons whole milk
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla

Add 2 tablespoons of butter, brown sugar, and evaporated milk to a small sauce pan. Heat to boiling over low-medium heat for three minutes, stirring constantly to make caramel. Remove from heat. Set aside.

Cream remaining butter with confectioners’ sugar.

Add caramel to butter and sugar mixture and blend on low speed for 1 minute.

Add milk, one tablespoon at a time while continuing to blend. Stop adding milk when icing reaches a spreadable consistency.

Add vanilla and remaining pecans and mix on low speed until well blended.
END QUOTE

I know I’ve been quite vocal about my disdain for nuts in desserts, but I will make an exception for pecans, especially when they’re incorporated throughout. I certainly wasn’t disappointed by my choice, as this was a delicious and surprisingly easy cake to make. The applesauce kept it nice and moist, and that icing is truly special. I’m still not great at icing cakes, as you can see from the photos, but given how quickly my family gobbled up this dessert, it certainly didn’t seem to matter.

I really enjoy this series and am already impatient for the next book! I’m kinda hoping that Halia’s love life does eventually figure more prominently, though I’m also okay with her staying happily single. Mostly, I love how good the mysteries are and how realistic and relatable the characters feel. Each book so far has been an utter joy to read.

Next week, we say goodbye to my home state and travel north to enjoy a winning casserole. Do join me!

How it come I never read this series before ? I'm wondering because I had a lot of fun and couldn't put this book down.
The quirky cast of characters is well written and likable.
The mystery is solid and it kept guessing till the end.
It was an enjoyable and entertaining read that made me laugh out loud more than once.
I look forward to reading the next installment in this series and will surely read the previous ones.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Food, beauty, culture, murder, mixed together all make for a mystery that you will not be able to put down. With suspects piling up, motives flowing out of the woodwork, it seems impossible to figure out whodunit.
This series is engaging right from the start. The characters are delightfully robust, and the more you read, the more you are submersed into their world. Full of plot twists that make you scratch your head, this book will not disappoint.

Murder with Collard Greens and Hot Sauce by A. L. Herbert is the 3rd book in the Mahalia Watkins Soul Food Mystery series, and another fun addition. Mahalia owns Mahalia's Sweet Tea restaurant, her mother bakes all the desserts, and her cousin, Wavonne, is a waitress. The ladies get the chance to meet Monique Dupree, who is a pop culture icon and mogul for her hair products. When Monique is murdered Halia and Wavonne are determined to get to the truth. This series is so fun, but I have to admit that Wavonne can sometimes get on my nerves. If you're looking for a well developed funny cozy mystery book/series, give this book a try. It will also make you hungry. I recommend this book!

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.

Thank you, Netgalley, for this arc!

This series is fun and fresh, and each book is always a quick read for me. I was enthralled in this mystery about African-American women's hair products ... and there were plenty of descriptions of food to keep me salivating! The murderer was definitely a surprise, and I loved how all the ends were tied up in the epilogue. I will definitely keep reading this series!

Restaurant owner Halia is back! This time out, she finds herself wrapped into the world of Monique, who owns a high end hair products business. Monique comes to dinner at the Sweet Tea and then invited Halia and her cousin Wavonne to a party at her home. Sadly, Monique is murdered after the party (and pretty far into the book). There are a number of suspects, of course, not the least of which are her husband, her frenemy, her stylist, and is it possible...her personal chef. Monique wasn't a bad person but the various people in her orbit all wanted something from her. Nicely written with a few genuinely funny scenes (love when they went shopping at Nordstrom) and a setting in PG County (love that setting!). Wavonne is deeply annoying but at least she's consistent. Thanks to net galley for the ARC. Oh- and the recipes look great!

In my quest to discover more cozy mystery series to love, the title on this one leaped to the eye and pulled me in for a closer inspection. Soul food and murder? I’ll take a double helping of that, please.

Murder with Collard Greens and Hot Sauce is the third book in the series, but I had no difficulty diving in with this book. I could tell that a handful of characters were recurring, but there didn’t seem to be a connecting series storyline that needed me to start from the beginning.

Mahalia and her lively cousin are getting their hair done at their usual stylist a few doors down from Halia’s restaurant when they learn a local minor celebrity, a hair care gal, will be bringing her entourage to Latasha’s salon because of how much Latasha has been able to sell Monique’s product. Halia and her mother make the refreshments for Monique’s visit and this draws them in to the flashy and fabulous Monique’s celebrity world just in time for a murder.

One of the wonderful things about cozies are how much attention they give to setting and to the average daily life of the characters as opposed to launching straight at the mystery and revving up the suspense. In this case, we have the world of hair care products and styling for black women and Halia’s own mouth-watering kitchen creations in her restaurant and her family life. While, as a white gal, I found the styling side interesting at first, there was a point where I was ready to tap out if there was one more mention of straightener or anti-frizz or conditioner. Like Halia, I like low maintenance dos and I don’t get into creative styling so I lost interest in the world of hair care rather quickly. Thankfully, the foodie angle and the lively cast of characters kept me going. Did I mention they end up at a drag queen event at a gay bar?

The murder takes a while to tease out between the long setup of the story introducing all the players and further revealing a bit about the regulars. I didn’t mind this since this was my first encounter with the series. Plus, the added character development gave me a better idea of the suspects. I wasn’t sure who did it and found the twist at the end to be a great surprise. This ended up being one of those stories that I was less into the book for the mystery as to enjoy the characters and their world. It wasn’t riveting, but I did get ‘cozy’.

Incidentally, the author graciously includes the recipes for all that mouthwatering food and beverages that Halia and her mama serve up.

So, if you are looking for a new cozy mystery series to try with a fun group of characters, some mouthwatering food, and a slow-burn mystery, take a gander at Murder With Collard Greens and Hot Sauce.

When famed hair products businesswoman Monique Dupree arrives in town to start her tour, Mahalia's mother and cousin Wavonne are giddy in excitement. Halia does not know who Monique is but is pleased when Monique and her coterie come to her restaurant Mahalia's Sweet Tea and swoon over southern foods such as smothered pork chops and, collard greens. Monique is so impressed with the cooking that she asks Halia to cater some dishes for her upcoming white dress party. Halia and Wavonne attend but the glitzy affair turns deadly when Monique is found shot to death.

When Monique's husband Nathan is arrested for the crime, he asks for Halia's help in clearing his name. There are several suspects since Monique's vast hair products empire was stained by bitter rivalries, explosive affairs, and backstabbers scheming for fame and fortune.

This was a good read and there are several tasty recipes at the end of the book.

I received an eARC via Netgalley and Kensington with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.

Well written cozy mystery. Good plot and writing. Mystery fans will enjoy this book. I highly recommend this on.

I read the previous two books so I had to check in with Mahalia at Sweet Tea as the title and cover peaked my curiosity. It was a fairly simple read but I was not as entertained as the previous story. And the stereotypes were very heavy handed in this installment. Sometimes too many cultural references and slang were packed into the story. Wavonne was alot to take in the first two installments but shes much more of a caricature than character here. The murder had enough twists and turns to keep you second guessing.

I recieved an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I read book one first in order to get a feel for the series. And because I made an oops when I requested this book without realizing that it was book three in a series.

I am warming up to the antics of Wavonne and Halia. The whodunit in Murder with Collard Greens and Hot Sauce was great. As an avid mystery reader I couldn't figure it out, that's always a plus.

I enjoyed the banter between our amateur detectives and there's always something fun about cozy mysteries that include food and recipes.

Monique Dupree is a local girl made good with her hair empire and when she's murdered after her glitzy party there are no end of secrets and suspects. Mahalia runs a very successful local restaurant and after becoming friends with Monique decides to investigate her murder to the annoyance of the local Police

Her cousin Wavonne is the comic relief in the book. An enjoyable read.

First I want to say that I got a copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first of the series I have read, but I have been wanting to pick it up for a while, so when I had a chance to get a book, I jumped at it. And I’m so glad I did!
There is so much to love! I loved the suspects and their secrets. I loved the final clue that gave Halia the answer. I loved that answer. I loved Halia, who was really down to earth, and the other characters around her, like Wavonne, who is very not down to earth. I loved the romance or lack thereof. This is really a cozy mystery at its very best.

What I loved the best was the voice of the author. She had a voice that didn’t sound like every other cozy author. It sounded unique and authentic. There are cozies that I read that sound formulaic. This author is not like that! I believe these are women of color living in the DC area who have known each other for a while.

I enjoyed this book even though it was a little slow in the beginning. Halia has become one of my favorite book characters and I love the recipes that are included!