THE DIVA SERVES FORBIDDEN FRUIT is the fourteenth book in the Domestic Diva Mystery series by Krista Davis. From the charming cover to the endearing characters to the well-plotted mystery, this newest release captures it all! I always look forward to visiting Old Town Alexandria, VA and catching up with Sophie Winston and her friends. With the backdrop of creative festivals, this time around a DIY Home Decorating Festival, the characters exhibit their strengths in spades. Sophie is an expert at organizing and hosting large events while solving a multitude of problems. Natasha (Sophie’s frenemy) is a house decorating diva, however impractical her designs may be, but they do provide lighthearted humor! And Nina (Sophie’s best friend) has always been there to lend support to the multitude of bad situations Sophie finds herself in. However, in this newest release, Nina is the one needing all the support she can muster when her traveling companion is brutally murdered shortly after returning home from Portugal and finds that she might be the next victim on the killer’s list.

From the first, Ms. Davis sets up intriguing scenarios that tie in to the international travel and the ongoing festival. I was captivated as the story unfolded and each clue sent my mind scurrying off in a tangent direction. At times the crimes committed were heartbreaking but the author’s interjection of heartwarming community spirit and friendship kept the book from becoming dark. There are suspects aplenty and lots of subplots to keep track of, but in the end all the threads of the story are pulled together in a cohesive conclusion. And best of all, the ending gives the reader a heartening surprise that left a smile on my face.

Sophie is known for her generous hospitality and shows her affection and love for her friends by feeding them – all the time! So many mouthwatering meals, snacks, and desserts are served at Sophie’s table, that the reader will be left famished as they read the tasty descriptions. Fortunately, there are several recipes, both savory and sweet, at the back of the book which all sound fabulous.

I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

When Sophie Winston's best friend Nina returns from a trip to Portugal, death makes a violent return to charming Old Town in Alexandria , Virginia. It's up to Sophie and her sleuthing friends to keep Nina safe and figure out this international mystery.

The Domestic Diva series is one of my favorites and this book didn't disappoint. The mystery, friendship (what great fun seeing Mars, Bernie, Nina, Francie, Humphrey & even Natasha all together again), the charming descriptions of Old Town and the DIY (Do It Yourself Festival) that serves as a wonderful background for the mystery and of course - the delicious food and drinks that Sophie creates (recipes included).. The author weaves entertaining background stories for the supporting characters and in this book Natasha's family situation was funny and heartwarming. With all the action, the murder mystery doesn't get lost and I love that I feel like I'm right there detecting with Sophie. The characters are like old friends and I'm ready for another visit!

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

“The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit ” is the 14th instalment in the Domestic Diva Mystery series by Krista Davis. I really enjoy this series and must read the earlier books and get caught up. Even though I haven't read all the earlier books I was able to follow along, so this can be read as a stand alone book.

I really like Sophie, she is relatable, interesting and I love her relationship with her ex Mars as well as several other residents of Old Town. I liked how the characters were there for each other, no matter what was happening. The food, don’t get me started, I think I gained 10lbs just reading about the different things they ate. The great thing is there are recipes at the back of the book!

The mystery itself was interesting, full of twists and turns which completely drew me into the story and I didn’t want to put the book down.

I highly recommend this book to all my cozy mystery loving friends.

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Sophie is busying running the DIY Festival when murder rears it’s ugly head again. Her best friend Nina has just returned from a trip to Portugal, and, when two of her fellow travelers die, Sophie is determined to solve the mystery in order to keep Nina safe.

I love this series. It is my favorite cozy mystery series. This one was as good as all the others. I had a ideas of the possible murderer, but the ending was a surprise. Definitely recommend!

Book fourteen? Time really flies when you are reading for fun and relaxation! This series still keeps me craving (pardon the pun) more of the "Diva" books. I thought by now I would be tired of this series and that it would have worn it's welcome like some series tend to do by this point. Not this one.

Sophie and her friends seemingly live in a quaint, quiet town but they always tend to come across a murder as they do in "The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit". Everyone gets involved and Sophie and a few of her friends (and ex-husband) end up having a slumber party under Sophie's roof for a few days. You'll have to read the book in order to find out why!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for a digital ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. This review can also be found on my Goodreads page.

While this wasn’t my favorite in the series, I still LOVE this series. I didn’t quite understand the title. It feels like it has nothing to do with the book. Oh well.

Krista Davis has done it again in The Diva serves Forbidden Fruit.

Quite entertaining and an easy fun read. Enjoyed the characters, setting, and overall story.
Definitely a winner!!

I am always up for a new domestic diva novel from Krista Davis. This series was one of the first cozy mysteries I read and I am so glad it is still going strong. Sophie and her friends make moving to the East Coast! This installment of the series only enhanced the characters and setting that Davis has created. The untimely death of an Old Town resident right after an overseas trip introduced more characters to the Old Town crew. The plot kept me guessing and also deepened the cast of characters. I look forward to see what happrns next!

Loved reading this book and series. One of my favorite authors and series. You can't go wrong with her books. If you haven't read them. I suggest reading in order

I always love the Diva books. This one was just as intriguing and full of our favorite cast of characters. While it was certainly a mystery, I found that there were too many moving parts and webs weaved. In the end, the storylines are all resolved but some were rushed or a bit confusing. Overall, still one of my favorite cozy series but not the strongest plot of the series.

Sophie is managing the new DIY festival in her neighborhood. Everyone is out and about on that first day and excitement is in the air. Bat Kraft until one of the neighbors, the mother of one of the exhibitors, is found dead in her yard. When it turns out the woman was murdered Sophie and her friends begin questioning who would kill the kind woman.

After Nina’s house was almost broken into, the friends begin to think there may be some connection to a group trip to Portugal both women just returned from. Without being able to figure out the link, other tour group members could be next unless they can figure it out and uncover the killer before the killer can get
Nina.

This series was my first foray into cozy mysteries and I haven’t missed one yet..nor will I! I’ve spent time in Old Town when I lived in the DC area and still have family there. Each book is like a visit back again and the story really comes to life for me. Krista Davis is a very talented write and I enjoy all of her series that she writes. Don’t miss the yummy recipes at the end.

I adore this series. It’s so soothing and comforting to slip back into the close community old Old Town Alexandria, VA. Except someone keeps bumping off Sophie’s neighbors. A trip to Portugal seems to be the connecting factors in the murders. I had one figured out halfway through due to a clue that kept popping up. However, my Nancy Drew failed me on the other culprit. The animals continue to add ambience, especially a new little hound named Muppet. The gang converges on Sophie’s and cook up some tasty meals while they try to work out who is behind the mayhem. I always like Les ring what’s new in Sophie’s world. I wish she would get back with Alex.

I'm never disappointed when I read a book in the domestic diva series. Sophie and Natasha are such great characters, they always make me laugh out loud.
Sophie is preparing for the DIY Home Decorating Festival, as well as looking forward to her friend Nina's return from a long trip.
When a neighbor's sudden death rocks their small town, Sophie finds herself involved in another murder investigation, and her friend Nina could be the next victim.
Poor Sophie finds herself on the wrong side of a few fists, but nothing keeps her down.
I really liked this book, there was so much going on, and the Natasha drama never fails to make me laugh.
I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next with these lovable friends.
#TheDivaServesForbiddenFruit #NetGalley

Set in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia event planner Sophie Winston is at the airport to pick up her best friend neighbor Nancy Reid Norwood who has just returned from a vacation in Portugal.

The Do-It-Yourself Festival which Sophie is handling is due to start the following morning. To this end, she’s set up a large tent on Market Square to showcase crafts tutorials on refinishing furniture to quilting and wreath-making.

One of Nina’s traveling companions Lark the who was on the same trip as Nancy is found dead in her house the next day. As Sophie digs into Lark’s background she uncovers secrets that suggest that one of Lark’s family members may have murdered her.

Overall a good mystery. Recipes in this book include Freezer Chocolate Chip Cookies, Bourbon Chocolate Chip Blondies, Pork Tenderloin with Mango Peach Salsa, Mango Peach Salsa, and so on. Would recommend

Thank you to Krista Davis, NetGalley and Kensington for the ARC of this book.

Another great entry in the Domestic Diva series! All the characters are delightful and the mystery is unique and interesting. And once again, the food descriptions had me running to the grocery store!

This book follows beloved Sophie Winston whose working a DIY festival and helping her friends when a local women winds up murdered. Who would have wanted to kill Lark a resident of Old Town and why? As other bodies pile up the pressur is on that Nina might be in trouble and Mars and Bernie decide to rally wound Sophie and Nina to keep them safe. Who wanted to commit murder and why? Was it related to a recent trip to Portugal? Or something going on at home?

This book had so much going on between Sophie's mystery and Natasha's drama made you really wonder if Sophie would figure it out in time? Si many twists and turns that you begin to wonder if Sophie will get to the bottom of it in time or will it be the mystery that gets away from her? I am such a huge fan of Sophie Winston books they are great and realistic.