Protagonist Quinn Carr has returned home to Chestnut Station after she failed to progress in a police academy in Denver. She recently began waitressing at a diner and on the side creates crossword puzzles for the local paper.

Unfortunately, one of the remaining two in the diner one night (the boss man off on a fundraising catering job), is discovered dead. Jake, owner of the diner, ends up in jail for his murder. She’s crazy over the top to support him and prove him innocent, taking on single-handedly the cooking and waitressing of the diner. Still, she’s worried about his wrath when he discovers she’s messing up and scared she’ll lose the job.

The reader is introduced to her OCD side almost immediately, and that theme repeats—not just in nervous gestures or activities—but constantly reminded of it being OCD. A serious disorder. It is some time into the book before the reader is treated to the mechanics of creating a crossword puzzle and some time after that that she actually uses the device to promote a theory. And I must admit—the mechanics of crossword puzzling is amazing.

In her investigation and interviews, she tends to be a bit scattered. Definitely a real novice amateur sleuth. Quinn is fleshed to the degree of her OCD symptoms—lining up objects squarely, color coding. The mystery takes a back seat to the quandary of the anxiety disorder. Although well-plotted, the pacing was a bit erratic and Quinn not a protagonist with whom I could connect. The conclusion sorta snuck in and was not one that could have been guessed.

For the most part enjoyed the narrative to the extent I’ll read the second. Recommended for crossword puzzle fans and cozy mystery fans. 3.5/5 stars

Quinn Carr has had to return home and take a job at the local diner. If only her passion, creating the crossword puzzles for her local paper, paid her more. One night as Quinn is closing down the diner, she finds the last patron slumped over dead in the corner booth. When the police determine he was murdered, they arrest Jake, the diner’s owner. Now Quinn has to keep the restaurant running while also figuring out a way to clear her boss. Can she do it?

This book sets the stage for a fun new mystery series. Quinn is a bit unusual in that she has recently been diagnosed with OCD, something we don’t usually see in the books I read. It was handled well. I also loved Quinn’s relationship with her parents. The mystery got sidelined at times with Quinn trying to run the diner. I was interested in both stories, but I do prefer strong mysteries in the books I read. There is a good mystery here, with plenty of suspects and motives. A few key pieces of information were introduced a bit abruptly, and one key element of the plot was never quite resolved, but the majority of our questions are answered, including the who and the why. Fans of crossword puzzles will enjoy the one that Quinn creates over the course of the book. Additionally, there are two fun sounding recipes at the end of the book.

This is a fun first-in-series by an author I've read and enjoyed before, Becky Clark. Protagonist Quinn has moved back to her hometown after some unexpected and unwelcome changes in her life, doing her best to hang on to her diner waitressing job. When a customer is found dead in the diner, and Quinn's boss - and only other weekday employee - is nowhere to be found, she struggles to single-handedly keep the diner open and uncover who was responsible for the mysterious diner death. I found myself rooting for Quinn as she juggled being the sole waitress, cook, and cashier at the diner. Not without her faults, she was determined to make the best of a tough situation and keep her sense of humor through it all. I liked how realistic she was, and her close relationships with her parents and her best friend Rico. This was an easy, hard-to-put-down read, and I loved trying to come up with the who and why of this whodunit. Looking forward to future books in this series!

I received an advance copy of this book. This review contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

Quinn Clark lives in a small town in Colorado. She has moved back in with her parents hoping to get her life back together. She suffers from OCD and depression. Oddly, enough she is working in a diner which tends to feed her OCD. While working alone one night, she finds a dead man in a booth at closing. When it turns out to be murder and her boss is in jail, Quinn finds herself trying to run the diner and solve the case. I enjoyed this first in a series. Crossword puzzle is included!

Quinn has recently moved back in with her parents after a mental health breakdown and is working at the local diner while coming to terms with her OCD. When someone is murdered at the diner and her boss is arrested, she is thrown into running the diner singlehandedly while also trying to help her police officer best friend find out what happened. The ink part of the title comes from Quinn's love of crossword puzzles, which really didn't play THAT big of a part in the story. It wasn't really, as the secondary title suggests, "A Crossword Puzzle Mystery," in my opinion, but it was a decent book. 3 stars.

This one worked out to be just ok for me. I felt that the crossword puzzle theme was essentially forced into the story as it really made only minor, unnecessary entrances. I'm hoping readers who are more familiar with OCD diagnoses can comment on whether the portrayal of it in this book is done sensitively. While a common complaint I have about cozy mysteries is that they try to do too much set up in the first book in a series, I think this one is a good example of that. I think there is potential in this series, but this wasn't a new stand out.

Puzzling Ink by Becky Clark 3 stars

This is the first in the Crossword Puzzle Mystery and features Quinn Carr, a person with OCD and suffering bouts of depression. At the beginning of the book, Quinn has moved back home to Chestnut, CO after falling the join the Denver PD. She is currently creating crosswords for the local paper and working as a waitress at Chestnut Diner. When her boss, Jake leaves her in charge while he is cooking at a special event; things go wrong when two guys come into the diner dress in costumes and one of them is dead at closing. Jake is accused of murder and Quinn has to save the day and her job.

This book sets up what might be an ongoing series, so there is a lot of background and introduction of characters. I thought the book was interesting, but it started out slow and gained momentum toward the end. I will state that I didn't guess who the bad guy was at all. Because this is the first book, the multiple descriptions of Quinn's behavior was understandable, but a little hard to read. In addition, since this is billed as a crossword puzzle mystery, I thought crosswords would be a bigger part of the story. I liked the book and look forward to Book 2.

Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books for this ARC

Entertaining cozy mystery. A variety of characters that add color and humor. As with many books reality must take a hike, just go with the flow and have fun.

An interesting protagonist and lighthearted writing all within a typical cozy mystery plot.

Puzzling Ink by Becky Clark is book one in a new series (Crossword Puzzle Mystery). It is written as a typical cozy mystery but has a few little nuggets inside it. The main character, Quinn, has OCD and battles depression. She works as a waitress and develops crossword puzzles for the local paper. Quinn’s parents are a delight to read, a loving couple who enjoy life and would do anything for their daughter. Her boss and his ex-wife are a handful, but by the end of the book your thinking that you can’t wait to see where these characters go as the series continues.

I don’t really know a lot about OCD, so I found Quinn to be an interesting character as the author took us through her struggles. I love crossword puzzles, so I enjoyed reading about the process of creating one, and I loved how the author used that skill to help with solving the mystery; quite clever. The author includes the crossword puzzle and answers at the end of the book for the reader to complete which was an unexpected but fun detail about the book. In addition, she posted some recipes used in the book....not to sure on that, as Quinn’s mother made some weird concoctions lol. All in all, a good cozy mystery.

Very enjoyable cozy mystery. Set in a small town I would like to visit one day. You are able to get to know the characters like your neighbors. Something for all puzzlers and we as non-puzzlers alike.

This is the first book in a new series by Becky Clark. Quinn Carr ha returned home to live with her parents, is OCD, and creates crossword puzzles for the local paper.
It took me a bit to get into the story, and parts where it lost my interest. A light cozy and having crossword puzzles play a part in a murder is different.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.

"She was like a human Ebola virus, planting herself in my spleen until I was able to shake her loose.”

This is how Quinn's boss, Jake, describes his ex-wife. But that's the least of his problems when an old adversary suddenly dies and all fingers point to Jake. Crossword puzzle designer and waitress Quinn must save her boss and her job, all while managing her OCD and trying to keep the diner running. She's aided by her friend Rico and kooky parents.

Questionable culinary exploits aside (honestly, Dan must have no taste buds to eat Georgeanne's cooking), this is a fun story. Lots of laughs (bed bug insurance, chestnut statues, the coveted position of Grand Scooper at the parade) and lots of food. I really enjoyed the diner speak and all the food descriptions made me hungry.
Using a crossword to sort out suspects is a unique method and we learn how a puzzle is created.
I like that Quinn continues to keep the diner going while investigating. Many times we don't see much of the characters' everyday lives and responsibilities beyond the mystery, so this addition gave it a very real-world feel.
I had to laugh at the Redneck Ravioli, chocolate pudding and all, but it does sound interesting. Check out the recipes at the end to see what I mean.

I reallywanted to like this book. And the concept was good. And the Main characters were good. But for me it became too confusing. It felt like it did not fit the category cozy mystery. It felt like the mystery got forgotten . Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

3.5 stars
Puzzling Ink by Becky Clark is my first book by the author and I’m glad i’ve taken a chance on it. I don’t make cozy mysteries stories my favourite or my priorities but every now and then I’m looking up some interesting ones and this book is as engaging as interesting in so many ways.

A young woman, living with her parents and being on the spectrum of OCD, running a restaurant as a waitress and creating solving puzzles for the local magazine, finds herself into a very unsettling situation. A man is found dead on one of her tables and her boss is incriminated. Being a master at solving puzzles, she starts her own investigation about the murder, even if it looks way too dangerous for her own good.

It’s a funny, light read with an interesting mix of characters as her parents and unusual baking recipes, a lot of mysteries and suspenseful moments that the author has made them look easy to navigate through despite the dangerous topic. Adding real life struggles of the OCD moments, made the heroine more lovable and sympathetic.

A fast paced, well written story, perfect for the lovers of the genre.

Quinn Carr is not your average cozy mystery protagonist. She works as a waitress in the Chestnut Diner in Chestnut Station, Colorado, where she lives with her parents. One night, as she is frantically attempting to run the diner on her own after her boss Jake leaves her alone, a mystery man in disguise enters with a male companion who is not feeling well. Things get really serious after Quinn comes back to check on them and finds one of the gentlemen gone and the other face down in his mashed potatoes, dead. When Jake is charged with the crime, Quinn attempts to investigate while running the diner.

I really like Quinn as a protagonist. She has a secret - she creates crossword puzzles for the local newspaper. She also suffers from OCD, which helps her immensely in creating crossword puzzles. Author Becky Clark has done an impressive job of highlighting the difficulties of living with OCD while still writing a funny and entertaining mystery. I like that Quinn’s condition is part of the story without overshadowing the mystery, and her situation inspires compassion and understanding. Quinn’s parents are great - very supportive and well fleshed out, quirky characters. Her mother loves to cook and experiments with, er, unusual flavor pairings. While I personally don’t think a cumin cupcake sounds appealing, who knows how others might feel about it?

The mystery is well crafted, with several suspects including two ex-wives. Quinn is determined to investigate this crime, while running the diner and coping with the stress that is causing and trying to keep her OCD at bay. I admire her for this, and it makes her a very relatable character. I didn’t guess the identity of the killer until the reveal at the end.

I look forward to Quinn’s next adventure.

This is the first book in a new series and I loved everything about it. Quinn, the protagonist, has OCD. She's also a waitress in a diner and a crossword puzzle developer. The book has plenty of humor, some snarkiness, and the secondary characters are engaging. Her parents in particular are a hoot! The story is well crafted and I look forward to the next book in the series.

An amusing and interesting cozy mystery!

Quinn is a diner waitress and crossword puzzle maker trying to manage her OCD better. One night her boss, the owner of the diner, leaves her on her own to run everything. Things are pretty stressful to begin with, then a man ends up dead with his face in the biscuits and gravy. Her boss is quickly arrested, but she's not so sure that he did it. While trying to keep the diner up and running and manage her coping habits, she also tries to solve the mystery who killed that man, her boss's former frenemy.

I really enjoyed the mystery, even if it was frequently difficult to put all the pieces together on my own. The puzzles were lots of fun too! I can't say how accurate the portrayal of OCD is, but I appreciated that we got some representation of a condition that we rarely get insight into in novels.

Quinn Carr has returned to her small hometown of Chestnut Station, Colorado to live with parents while trying to better control her OCD. Quinn keeps herself busy by creating crossword puzzles for the local paper and working part-time at Jake's diner as a waitress. When Quinn is left working solo during the Fourth of July, a stranger in costume arrives at the diner with a buddy, orders food and dies on the spot. Quinn is relieved that her cooking was not the cause of death but is shocked when her boss Jake is arrested for the murder. Jake is accused of deliberately feeding the victim poisoned mushrooms at a fundraising event in Denver.

Quinn is quickly overwhelmed with trying to run the diner on her own. She wants to help her BFF, police officer Rico Perez to find the real killer and get her life back on track. Quinn tries to get more insight into the estranged relationship between Jake and the victim, Emmett. She starts questioning Emmett's employees and his spouse, the elusive Margosha, as well as Jake's ex-wife Loma.

Desperate to send Rico and the abrasive police chief in the right direction, Quinn creates a surprise crossword puzzle to plant hints and clues to further the murder investigation

Quinn, her parents and the diner regulars are quirky characters. Her dealing with OCD is definitely a main part of the story. Sadly, the crossword puzzles only played a minor role in this debut mystery.

I received a digital ARC from Netgalley and Kensington Books with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.

4.5 stars

This is the first book in the Crossword Puzzle mystery by Becky Clark.

This was a fun and witty mystery that really kept my attention and pushed my pulse higher with each chapter. Great characterization and whodunit.

I have to admit I felt this was more a culinary/diner mystery than a crossword mystery. Yes, the crossword did play a part in forwarding the storyline but I didn’t see it as a significant factor. I thought it was a hoot to have Quinn’s mom and dad take over the diner when she needed to investigate some of the clues.

I thought it was weird that the man seen with the victim wasn’t looked into until near the end of the story. And even though the failed date between Quinn and Rico went sideways, I think the romance between the detective and the amateur sleuth is always a good choice. I am hoping maybe she and the chief might find some common ground in future books.

This was a fun mystery to follow.

If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

Puzzling Ink by Becky Clark is the first in the new cozy series, Crossword Puzzle Mysteries, and the series is off to a great start. Clark does a fantastic job giving us a look into the life of someone with OCD, since the protagonist, Quinn has it. It was fascinating to me to see how some people try to cope with it, and I think it’s necessary to talk about mental health.

Clark also did a wonderful job with the character development. One of the main reasons I keep returning to read a cozy mystery series is because of the characters. If I can connect with them or if I enjoy spending time in their company, I will be back.
Quinn’s parents are such a loving and supportive couple, and her mom’s recipes were very interesting to read about, even if some of them were cringe worthy.
Loma, Quinn’s boss’s ex-wife, is someone I would want to hang out with, and I hope we see her a lot more in future books. And the old timers that come to the cafe daily are a fun bunch, you just know their antics will be entertaining in future books.