The Diva Spices It Up
A Domestic Diva Mystery, Book #13
Krista Davis
5 Stars

Synopsis:

She's a young Martha Stewart...in Old Town Virginia!
New York Times bestselling author Krista Davis delights with the 13th in her enormously popular and completely charming Domestic Diva Mystery series. When a celebrity ghostwriter dies on the job, it's up to Sophie Winston, Old Town, Virginia's favorite entertaining expert and sporadic sleuth, to whip up an impromptu investigation...

Sophie never considered ghostwriting as a side gig, until former actress and aspiring lifestyle guru, Tilly Stratford, trophy wife of Wesley Winthrope, needs someone to write her celebrity cookbook. Sophie agrees, hoping she'll earn enough bread on this assignment to finish her bathroom renovations. But as it turns out, Sophie isn't the first foodie to get a taste for recipe ghostwriting, and if the marginalia are any indication, this project could be a killer...

Wesley claims professional ghostwriter, Abby Bergeron, suddenly abandoned Tilly's cookbook with no warning. But Sophie quickly discovers that Abby may be more ghost than writer now...and her disappearance was no accident. So Sophie cracks open a fresh investigation but sifting the seasoned murderer from this sampling of salty suspects won't be easy. Will Sophie savor another case closed or will the culprit simply melt away? (Goodreads)




Review:

The characters are well rounded and well developed. Even though this is the first book that I have read in this series, I did not have any trouble keeping track of who everyone was, I did not even have to check the character list. I liked the way that Sophie and Mars, her ex, got along. That is an unusual thing for exes. I thought that all of the characters added a lot to the story.

I really enjoyed the beginning of each chapter,where there was an advice column questions for either Natasha or Sophie and their answers. This gave us a better insight into these two characters and helped us get to know them better.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is a quick easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. The mystery was well plotted and there were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider. The mystery was not easily solved and I did not know who the culprit was until it was revealed.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.

I loved the plot with all the mystery, intrigue and twists and turns where I wasn't even sure if I knew who the killer was. The characters are all lovely. I was able to read this book all in one day. It was a quick read. I cannot wait to visit the gang again soon!

Author Krista Davis really spices up this mystery. The book draws you in from the start. The mystery is full of twists and turns and red herrings. The characters are relatable and interesting. As Sophie tries to find out what happened to the previous ghostwriter, the suspects seem to multiply. This leaves her with no shortage of possible suspects. I look forward to the next in the series.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way, I have been influenced by anyone.

Sophie is looking forward to a little break after doing four back to back events but it isn't meant to be. Her ex-husband has asked for help, the wife of the man he works for is putting together a cookbook and needs a ghostwriter. Her previous writer up and quit and the finished product is due in a few weeks. Sophie agrees and is excited to meet the woman she will be helping with the cookbook, Tilly Stratford who was on a tv show many years ago. While working on the recipes Sophie notices some weird abbreviations in the margins and that they don't seem to have anything to do with cooking. She decides to visit the previous writer in hopes of getting some questions answered. Things don't go as planned though, she ends up finding a body in a freezer. As more and more weird stuff happens Sophie knows she must investigate herself and figure out just what in the world is going on. There are plenty of suspects but no one person is jumping out as the culprit. Will Sophie be able to comb through all that she has learned and come to the right conclusion or will a killer get away with murder.

This is number 13 in the series. The Diva Spices It Up is the thirteenth book in the Domestic Diva Mystery series by Krista Davis. Sophie’s ex husband, Mars, gets her a gig as a ghostwriter for a cookbook. Sophie agrees in order to be able to remodel her bathroom.

It’s never as easy as it seems.

I like the list of characters in the beginning for easy reference. I also liked that the author used a real incidence of a dead drop in this book.

The book is well-written, plotted, and full of charm. Bonus- recipes are included.

I loved this story line. It has several situations all woven together that makes great reading. The characters are great and all fit together just right. You might be surprised at some of the relationships if this is your first Diva book. Join Sophie and her furry crew as she takes on a new adventure that leads to quite a busy time just trying to fit all the questions and clues together. You’ll get some good tips from Sophie and Natasha and you’ll find some yummy recipes included. I think I would like a copy of Tilly’s book. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

The Diva Spices It Up by Krista Davis is the thirteenth in this series. This is not an unlucky read!
All Sophie wants when she takes a job as a ghostwriter for a cookbook is enough money to renovate her bathroom. But that doesn't go smoothly.
When the original ghostwriter for a former actress goes missing, Sophie agrees to finish the writing. What could go wrong, it's just a few days of testing and writing recipes or is it. Sophie is again on the case and looking into who and why was the original ghostwriter taken out.
This story has many plot twists, story lines, interesting characters, and a few side stories that will keep you entertained to the end. There are also some yummy sounding recipes included. You also get some entertaining tidbits at the beginning of each chapter.
I was given an ARC by NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.

There was a lot to take in in Krista Davis' 'The Diva Spices It Up'. The relationships are so convoluted, with ex-boyfriends, ex-husbands and ex-frat brothers I struggled to keep up. The mystery was not in any way lighthearted and touched on very serious subjects. I also feel that Sophie was a little sluggish in this one. I want her to be growing more, because I do want a lot more of her in the future.

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

The Diva Spices It Up is an intriguing cozy mystery. Krista Davis wrote a good story that has cooking, ghostwriting, and a disappearance. It will keep you guessing until the very end.

Sophie takes on a job as a ghostwriter for a cookbook. She hasn't done this before and is excited to give it a try. The former ghostwriter, Abby, supposedly left the job promptly but we find out that she actually disappeared. When Sophie finds out about Abby's disappearance, she takes it upon herself to find out the truth.

The story is so intriguing and I didn't expect the ending. It definitely kept me guessing. I liked the mystery, the characters, and how determined Sophie was.

I give The Diva Spices It Up 3 stars. Although it was my first time reading a book in the series, I found it easy to follow along. The cozy mystery captured my attention and I enjoyed how unexpected the ending was.

THE DIVA SPICES IT UP is the thirteenth entry in the long running Domestic Diva Mystery series, and is indeed lucky thirteen. Always having considered this one of my favorite series, the characters, setting, and murder mystery are as fresh as ever.

In this installment, event planner and domestic diva Sophie steps into a new role as cookbook ghostwriter when congressman’s wife and aspiring lifestyle guru Tilly Stratford’s original ghost writer abruptly quits and disappears. Sophie soon finds herself embroiled in quite the investigation when the body count begins to rise. Espionage, domestic drama, politics, kidnapping, and murder are all on Sophie’s plate, and it is quite tasty to figure everything out alongside Sophie.

Author Davis always crafts a quality, complex mystery, and here is no exception. There are several subplots woven in, and they all come together to make a great tale. As much as I enjoy the puzzle, it is the characters that keep me coming back for more. I adore Sophie. She is down to earth and relatable, and I can only hope to be as welcoming as she is. I enjoy all of the meal and snack prep, and the details about table linens and dishes. They are dispersed throughout the book but never become tedious or boring, and the talk of food always makes me hungry (luckily, there are recipes included in the back of the book). All of the characters, including unlikable Natasha, are endearing, and, at this point, I feel like they are all old friends. Meeting Eunice and Sam is a particular treat, and I hope they pop up in future installments.

THE DIVA SPICES IT UP is just about as perfect as a cozy mystery gets. Highly recommended!

I received and ARC of this title from Kensington Books through NetGalley and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This series is chock full of adventure, misadventure, tears (from laughing so hard) and humor. I am so glad that this series continues because each book is more entertaining than the last. The characters are magnificent and the descriptive scenes make you feel like you are walking down the street with Sophie and Daisy. I highly recommend this book. Enjoy! 📚

This was a great cozy mystery to keep my mind off the pandemic. It has a great plot with just enough suspects and red herrings to keep me guessing. I liked how there were actually two mysteries in this book. The main character is very likeable and smart in figuring out the truth. I can't wait until the next Domestic Diva Mystery! I received an advanced reader's copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

cozy-mystery, family-dynamics, friendship, murder, murder-investigation, law-enforcement, pets

I came for the murder mystery and was delighted with a new-to-me author and an excellent story! I guess some readers will come for the etiquette hints at the beginning of each chapter and the recipes. I was surprised to note that it was part of a series because it clearly can stand alone. The plot is very convoluted and full of misdirection, plot twists, red herrings, and suspense. The publisher's blurb is a good hook and totally relevant so there is no need to attempt a recap, and spoilers are in such poor taste. Lots of characters who truly are, and they are all so very well done. I loved it!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

I usually love this series but this instalment was not the best one.
It's engrossing and entertaining but it seems a bit formulaic and it made me think that the series needs to be refreshed.
I liked the characters, the setting and the plot. The mystery is solid but I guess the culprit quite soon.
All in all it's an entertaining read that I recommend.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

This story starts strong with a great opening that immediately sparked my curiosity and with continued teasers kept me entertained and guessing to the very end. I enjoyed the characters, setting and how everything tied together neatly in the end.

I have read and enjoyed all 13 books in A Domestic Diva Mystery series and look forward to future additions. Thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

Once again Sophie to the rescue! First she is saving a cookbook then she is solving a murder, all in a day or two's work right! I absolutely love this series. It is written in a manner that makes the storylines so real that you feel like you are visiting old friends rather than just reading a book. While the murder plot is the central theme of the book, other storylines are woven throughout to add depth and substance to the books. In this book aging at home is an issue that is woven into the storyline seamlessly and deftly. A subtle reminder that giving up ones independence can be difficult and lonely, yet the way it is written into the storyline is uplifting and sweet. If you haven't started the Diva series yet, you really should as you are in for a delightful treat, not to mention some fabulously wonderful culinary delights and recipes as well as home tips sprinkled throughout!

I so love the Diva series, and this one did not disappoint. A follow up to The Diva Sweetens the Pie, in this book, Sophie finds herself ghostwriting a cookbook for a former actress/wife of a politician. The former ghostwriter dropped the job half way through, which is already a little fishy, but life gets even more odd when a women's suitcase is found in a river, a beaten woman is found on a lawn, and there may or not be a spy in Old Town.

I so enjoy the writing of Krista Davis. The reader instantly feels at home in the setting and with the characters, and genuinely has an interest in how the character's stories evolve and meld into each other. Thoroughly enjoyable.

Abby didn't just take off- she was murdered! At the urging of Mars, her ex, Sophie has taken a job as a cookbook ghost writer for Tilly Stratfford, wife of Wesley Winthrope, a politician. This is a classic cozy and the latest in a long running series that I've not read. I felt a little at sea at times (again, jumping in late) with the characters but the plot line was clear. Davis has packed some entertaining twists in, as well as some lovely recipes. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. For fans of the series and those who like culinary cozies.

Oh how I love this series; every time I get to read a new one it is like meeting up with old friends that you have not seen in awhile and it is really almost always a lovely and fun visit. And this book was no exception. And the fact that I had no idea who the killer was or what was REALLY going on just made it all the better.

This book finds Sophie ready to relax after a month of back to back engagements. She is looking forward to some time off, some relaxation and quiet time. But it is not to be - Mars comes to her and proposes a job that would entail her to reno her bathroom AND learn about the world of cookbooks. So Sophie takes it and finds herself right in the middle of an intrigue and a disappearance and then of course, a murder. Or two. Add Natasha and her annoyingness [which I am finding bugs me less so perhaps like Bernie, I am starting to <GASP> like Natasha more], the amazing revelation she has to share and all that comes from it, and some new and fun characters along with some old favorites and it is a well-rounded book. And it is one crazy, wild, puzzling ride. And it keeps going until the very end!!! And the reveal was very well done [some of the newer authors could take notes from Krista Davis].

I love this series and recommend to everyone I know that reads cozies. Krista Davis is an excellent author and I am so glad that this series has continued. I know this is just coming out, but I am already looking forward to the next one!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

When professional ghostwriter Abby Bergeron abruptly drops celebrity TIlly Stratford’s cookbook project, Tilly calls on Sophie Winston for help. Sophie is an event planner, but since Tilly’s politician husband is a client of Sophie’s ex-husband, Mars, Sophie agrees to help. Sophie looks forward to the extra money, too, but things get awkward when it’s determined there is more to Abby leaving her job than meets the eye and Mars becomes one of the prime suspects. Now in between testing and organizing recipes, Sophie launches her own investigation to find out if a murderer is on the loose in Old Town Alexandria and to clear the good name of Mars.

This is the thirteenth book in the Domestic Diva series but would be just as enjoyable to new readers as loyal fans. I came late to the series, but it has quickly become one of my favorites and I have gone back and read most of the prior books I had missed. Part of the reason I enjoy these books so much is I love Sophie. She is smart, loyal, and kind and everyone in town’s go-to person when they need help, whether it’s a party to organize or a murder to solve. I also like Sophie’s close relationship with her circle of friends that includes her ex-husband Mars. (I’m actually hoping he and Sophie will get back together but don’t know if that’s in the cards.) There is a side storyline in the book involving Sophie’s frenemy Natasha that ends up playing a big part in the main plot. I don’t usually care for Natasha at all, but this book shows another side of her and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this part of the story.

Another highlight of the book and the series in general is the writing style. The mystery is intriguing and there is plenty of humor mixed in with the murder investigation. In addition, each chapter begins with a letter to either Sophie or Natasha on all sorts of culinary and domestic matters. All the letters are entertaining but very different. Natasha’s responses are unsurprisingly blunt and over-the-top while Sophie’s are down-to-earth and have tips the average person could actually use. This book has several recipes from Tilly’s cookbook at the end that helped clarify a plot point from the story.

The solution to the mystery is more complex than I had expected, but I like how things are resolved. I highly recommend the book and I’m already looking forward to the next one in the series. The appealing characters and descriptions of the neighborhood are so realistic, I can picture myself sharing a meal with Sophie and her friends at The Laughing Hound or enjoying a delicious dessert in Sophie’s kitchen.

I received this book from NetGalley through the courtesy of Kensington Books. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.