FOUR PARTIES AND A FUNERAL by Maria DiRico
The Fourth Catering Hall Mystery

Reality TV has come to Belle View! The production company for The Dons of Ditmars Boulevard have arrived filming the pilot they hope to sell to the networks. Now Belle View Catering Hall is filled with wannabe reality stars, including some Family members looking to become TV celebrities. When the production company's smarmy CEO winds up dead Little D becomes the prime suspect, after all he is the son of a real Don and is romantically involved with the victim's ex-wife. Mia Carina will have to prove his innocence while corralling the dons and donettes as the film crew tries to create more drama. At least she can count on Shane for support. Or can she?

Oh, the lure of fame and stardom achieved without any real effort... or talent. While Mia is immune, she sees a solid money making opportunity for Belle View and takes advantage. Little D and many others, however, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes, look to promote themselves, whatever the cost. Reality television brings out the worst behavior in people-and so it is in the fourth Catering Hall Mystery. We see behavior that can be hilariously funny, jaw dropping, and murder motive making. The mystery is ingeniously woven through the scenes along with major character development.

While there are lots of laughs, there are also serious moments when a critical problem to Mia and Shane's future arises as well as health concerns for Mia's dad. This balance of laugh out loud moments (I can picture those bargain bin colors on Elisabetta's new knitwear) and sobering issues (and I'm not talking about the day after the bachelorette party kind of sobering) makes FOUR PARTIES AND A FUNERAL so great.

Belle View Catering Hall takes on reality TV in FOUR PARTIES AND A FUNERAL with plenty of drama, laughs, and love. It will tug at your heartstrings while you simultaneously hold your stomach from laughing too hard.

This was such a fun cozy! I actually enjoyed this installment more than the first one. This was a fun and funny cozy with great characters. The plot was well paced, and I could not guess who the killer was!

I am not sure what had me laughing more, Mia trying to not lose it while keeping it together when taking care of craft services for a reality TV show called The Dons of Ditmars Boulevard, or Cammie being not only helpful but almost a model employee while trying to get the hang of creating a podcast. In case you aren’t familiar with the Catering Hall Mysteries, you should know that Mia and her Dad, who used to work for the Boldano Family (that’s with a capital F) are running a family business (a legitimate family business) which tends to create moments of mayhem for Mia who is often asked by the head of the Family, Donny Senior, to help out. Completely legitimate help, this time it is with Little Donny, who seems a little lost and forlorn, so Mia is asked to hire him on at Belle View. From here, Little Donnie becomes involved with the reality show and its female executive producer, a Brit with a bit of a royal background. As far as Mia is concerned just about everyone involved in the show is a bit of royal pain. Turns out the production company owner is also a Brit and is also the ex-husband of Ariadne. Guess who dies and guess who is the #1 suspect? Yep, Giles St. James and Little Donny respectively, oh ad Giles St. James had a new bride that no one seemed to know about until she showed up as the mourning widow. To really add a little spice, somehow the show intersects with the pre-wedding plans of Donny Senior’s younger son, Jamie and his bride Madison which includes the bachelor/bachelorette parties in New Orleans. How anyone thought that was going to not be a nightmare is beyond me. Mia did not have to drink to end up with a massive hangover like headache. The film crew has been told to keep those cameras rolling no matter what, and Mia is doing her level best to handle damage control in addition to her temper and dismay at learning a little something something about her boyfriend and former model Shane Gambrozzo and an incident in Vegas. So many suspects, so much drama, and Mia just knows that Little Donny can’t possibly be the bad guy. Wondering where the tuna casserole comes in? You’re just going to have to pick up a copy and read for yourself. Another great Maria DiRico cozy complete with recipes, so many wonderful recipes.

I always have the best time reading this series! Mia makes me think of an Italian Fran Fine, well voice-wise anyway, lol. She had her hands full helping to babysit bridesmaids when Madison's maid of honor went into rehab, then she had to deal with a film crew doing a reality show of what else, wannabe dons of course! And their ladies, but one of the crew or someone had it in for the CEO so now Mia had a murder she couldn't resist snooping into as well.

There were so many funny scenes, you just gotta read it to appreciate everything! The showdown was a good one, and I hadn't really suspected the whodunit. The side story of Shane having something to hide was resolved nicely for him and Mia, and now I just have to wait (im)patiently for the next book!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

I loved this this book, and I don't usually like "Family" books (with a big F). The characters are relatable, dysfunctional and fun to be around. I hope Mia's brother gets out of prison soon, I think that would be a fun twist. I love that Little Donny was so relatable, and I felt bad for him. I hope he finds his path forward and his purpose.

Belle View is an event center that is run by Mia Carina and her father Ravello - in an effort to have a legitimate business unrelated to their mob connections. In this story, The mobster Donny Baldano Sr. (mobster) wants his son Donny Jr. to work at Belle View to try to ascertain what he is best at outside of the family business. An independent film operation is creating a reality show, The Dons of Ditmars Boulevard, and suddenly Donny Jr. gets involved with a very pretty producer much to the disapproval of Donny Sr.

The characters and plot lines are totally entertaining and the mystery well presented. Fun series!

OHHHHHHHH how I love this series. I miss NY so much on a regular basis, but even more so when I listen to one of these books. Because, truly, IMHO, you N E E D to listen to this book. The narrator does an excellent job with the Queens accent and the Italian and all. of. it. Her narration really makes the book come alive and makes you think you are right there, in the thick of it all.

This book had so much going on that IMO, it is better to just go in blind and enjoy the whole ride, unencumbered by preconceived notions [though I will say, as someone who LOVED her trip to NOLA, the trip to that amazing city was absolutely glorious sidebar I never expected we needed AND, never trust that your beloved Nonna is going to make you things that you will actually WANT to wear. You will see. ;-) ]. I found I like Mia more and more with each book [and would love to be friends with her IRL] and her staff/friends are just fantastic; even Terri is growing on me. WHO knew?? I will never be a fan of Cammi, but even she doesn't rub me the wrong way in this one. Everyone does their job and THEN sleuths, Mia takes care of her family and respects and loves her Nonna deeply and there is a real respect for Pete [the cop] and the job he has to do.

This is one of the best cozies I have read in awhile [WOW, the last really good one I read was back at the beginning of February!!!] and I will admit I CANNOT wait for the next one. I can only hope she writes faster [joke. kind of]!!! Well done.

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

It's just a home run every time!! Ellen/Maria just keeps knockin em outta the park!!

This book/series has it all... humor, mystery, family (and FAMILY lol), and even fun romantic relationships. I seriously LOL!

Think of The Godfather meets Hallmark Mysteries & Movies Channel.

This is a very character driven book/series and they are all so fun and interesting in their own way. They remind me of several members of my crazy Italian family, and I really just mean family (lower case). Nonna is just the best and one of my favorite book characters! She is an absolute hoot!!

I cannot wait for more, more, more!! Do yourself a favor and listen to the audiobooks if possible. The narrator nails it!

This series guarantees laughs. If you love watching The Real Housewives of New Jersey or a similar reality show than you must read this book.

Mia is back in book 4 in the Catering Hall series trying to run the family business and keep it clean from mobster crime while catering to the needs of a reality show being taped at the catering hall. Mia has also found herself in charge of the pre-wedding festivities for a “family” member. Unfortunately, murder finds its way to the catering hall and Mia must find the killer.

As with any series I suggest reading this one in order. I believe once you start you won’t want to stop.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy. All opinions expressed above are entirely my own.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Four Parties and a Funeral is the latest installment in the Catering Hall Mysteries series. In this book, Mia, the main character, has to deal with the filming of a reality television show at Belle View. The participants, producers, crew and others involved bring drama and murder to the location, and Mia investigates. As with previous books, Mia and her family are entertaining and fun. The book is smartly written and the mystery is solid and interesting. There are no spoilers so that a reader starting with Four Parties and a Funeral can go back and read the previous entries in the series. I really enjoyed reading this book, it took my attention away from unpleasant issues in my life.

Mia Carina runs Belle View, a catering hall in Astoria, Queens. The Belle View is the sight of the casting call for a new reality show. Some of Mia's friends go on the casting call. While the show is filming, Mia's childhood friend, Jamie, is getting married to his girlfriend, Madison. Mia ends up taking over the bridesmaid's duties. Due to Jamie's brother being in the show, cameramen and producers are following the whole bridal party around. The owner of the production company is murdered and Jamie's brother is the presumed culprit. Mia now has to prove his innocence.
I love this series. It gets better with each book. I liked the character development we saw in both Mia and Shane in this book. Mia's Nonna is great as always, as is the rest of the side characters we have come to know. The mystery was good. I was not expecting that ending at all. I am looking forward to reading more in this series.

This is the fourth in the Catering Hall Mystery by Maria DiRico, aka Ellen Byron.
Mia is saddled with watching over a mob bosses’ son and a reality show films at Belle View Manor, The Dons at Ditmar Boulevard. I couldn’t stop laughing at the stereotypical craziness and stupidity of the wanna-be dons.

I was not surprised at who was involved in the murders but there were a few pop-up characters. All these twists and turns added to the story.

Can’t wait for the next installment. I was given an advanced copy by Netgalley and am Not required to leave a favorable review.

I love this series! This book was such a fun read. The characters feel like old friends. I recommend reading the books in order because a lot of details carry from one entry to another.

Another visit with Mia in Astoria, NY is always a welcome treat! This series is filled with wonderful characters, interesting, multi-layered mysteries and lots of humor. The author has maintained the quality of the series throughout and I greatly look forward to the next installment!

Four Parties and a Funeral is book #4 in the Catering Hall Mystery series by Maria DiRico.

Mia Carina is busy running Belle View Banquet Manor and handing proms, graduations, and weddings. Then a reality show, Dons of Ditmars Boulevard, has a casting call at Belle View. Mia is sucked into the world of reality TV.

I love a series that makes me laugh and this series does. It Mia tries so hard but the world seems to be against her. Her family and “the family” keep her on her toes. The characters are wonderful. I enjoyed the reality TV setting and the mystery was interesting and I didn’t guess who committed the murder. I can’t wait to for the next book!

Thank you to the author, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Four Parties and a Funeral is the 4th book in Maria DiRico's engaging Catering Hall Mystery series. Maria has a full plate when a reality show books the Bell View Banquet Hall with the intention of filming casting call applicants for the Dons and Donettes of Ditmars Boulevard show. Her intuition tells her this could be a mistake--- and it proves to be a rocky endeavor. As with the former books in this series the characters are zany and so much fun! Maria and her dad run the banquet hall on the 'right' side of the law, completely separate from the "Mob family enterprise." Maria is roped into the drama when her cousin is in a dubious relationship with an older woman and then the first death occurs. The pace is swift, the storyline is varied and interesting, while the mystery is twisted and difficult to solve. A very enjoyable read. Oh, there is also romance---Shane and Maria have a few bumps to smooth out as their relationship blossoms.
Thank you NetGalley, Kensington Cozies, and Maria DiRico for the advanced EARC to read and give an honest review. I love Maria DiRico's humor and I think others will, too.

#FourPartiesandaFuneral #Netgalley #KensingtonCozies #MariaDiRico

June is a busy month for the catering business and Mia has her hands full with weddings, proms and such but she takes on another "event" that she later wonders why she did. A reality show about the Dons of Ditmar Boulevard hires the catering hall for some shoots and various catering events and Mia needs the money so why not. It becomes more of a three ring circus with the cast and crew and family and friends who want to be involved with the show. It isn't long before things get serious and a killer strikes. Who is hiding a motive that would lead to murder?
Mia and her family and friends are some of the funniest characters ever penned. Put them in a well constructed mystery and you have a laugh out loud reading escape that you will wish to be longer. I hope this series has a very long run. I have set aside space on my TBR shelf for however many more there will be.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

This is such a fun cozy mystery series! It is hysterically funny with storylines that are always interesting and entertaining. This is a series that I’ve read once and listened to once- if you can find the books on audio, I highly recommend because the narrator really adds a lot by encompassing the each of the character’s personalities. Highly recommend!

Worry is paying a debt you may not owe…
Maria DiRico, Four Parties and a Funeral, Kindle Loc. 254

The June events schedule at Belle View is busting out all over—proms, graduations, and of course, weddings. There are unexpected bookings too, including a casting call for the pilot of Dons of Ditmars Boulevard. But soon, Mia’s fears about the cheesy reality show are confirmed . . .

Belle View quickly becomes the site of a sea of wanna-be goombahs and phony girlfriends, and some of Mia’s friends insist on getting in on the action. The production company owner and his executive producer ex-wife—who’s also very minor British royalty—have assembled a motley crew that does as much infighting and backstabbing as the on-screen “talent.” Even so, it’s a shock when a dead body is found in the pool house of a local mansion rented by the show . . .

Murder might boost the ratings. But Mia intends to make sure the killer gets jail time, not airtime . . .
Amazon.com

Four Parties and a Funeral is the fourth book in Maria DiRico’s (Ellen Byron) Catering Hall mystery series. It was released yesterday.

This series keeps me guessing its backstory. Just when I think I know what is going to happen—it doesn’t—something else does. Of course, that’s also the reason I like the series. This is not predictable prose!

Please welcome Maria/Ellen back to WWK. E. B. Davis

Do you plot a series arc and work the backstory to an end point? I actually don’t arc my series. I have a general idea about the ongoing storyline for my characters but let one book inform the next in terms of their growth.

Mia and her boyfriend Shane complain to each other about being brought up in notorious families that caused hurt and shame in their youths. Did Shane also come from a mob family? Yes! The Gambrazzo Family, which was based in Florida. (Fictionally, of course. 😊)

The mob Godfather, Donny Boldano Senior and his wife, Aurora, are dangerous people. Even so, why do we like them so much? Because I focused on problems we can all relate to: marital discord, kids they don’t know what to do with, aging… I also made Donny semi-retired and more interested in legit than illegal businesses. It’s a cozy series. I always keep that in mind. The prototype is one of my favorite movies from the 1980’s, Married to the Mob.

The reality show, “The Dons of Ditmars Boulevard” showcases Little Donny, who needs a career since he isn’t cut out for the mob. Although “Don” in Italian is a title of honor, in slang, it also refers to a mob boss. Why would Little Donny go on the show when it associates himself with his father, the Don of the mob? Wouldn’t that be too much exposure? This is one of the reasons Donny Senior is very unhappy with his son doing the show. But he also knows DJ is at sea and loves his son and wants him to find his path in life. And he knows that even DJ would draw the line at revealing anything incriminating or that would endanger his loved ones.

If there is a real Ditmars Boulevard, what’s it like? It’s the main drag in Queens, with shops and restaurants.

Why is Connecticut called the “Nutmeg State?” I had to look this up! It’s an unofficial nickname and no one seems to know the origin. The official nickname is The Constitution State.

I found it hard to believe that Madison’s cousin, the Anglophile, Pickney, had such atrocious manners. Wouldn’t her upbringing and interest in English Royalty influence her manners for the better? That’s so funny, because she’s based on a real person I knew! A very good question. And one I’ll put to the person in question if I ever see her again, lol.

Many of the reality show associates displayed transactional behavior. What is transactional behavior? Is it a new term for being Machiavellian? Narcissistic? It’s more upfront than Machiavellian. It’s taking a certain action knowing it will get you something in return. I.e., on a reality show like The Bachelor, a contestant may throw a fit or be nasty knowing it will get them more screentime. The producers understand this and expect it.

In the past, journalist Teri has been helpful to Mia. But she’s a pain! Why? What is it about Teri that is so irritating? I like to think of Teri as affably annoying. She enjoys getting a rise out of Mia. And she’s completely comfortable with who she is.

What’s a cafone? Basically, it’s someone who’s low-class and boorish, male or female, although I think it’s used more for men than women.

What’s a sizzle reel? It’s basically a sales reel – a short promotional video that will get buyers excited about your product. In TV, if you’re producing a pilot without a pre-set buyer, you’d put together the juiciest clips to woo a buyer.

What’s a Frankenbite? This is a reality TV term for when they cut together disparate takes to create a manufactured moment. It looks like a single shot but is different clips edited together for more of a dramatic effect. I.e. – and this is exaggerated – a contestant might say at different times, “I hate strawberries” and “I’d like to talk to you.” A Frankenbite would be editing those moments together somehow into her saying “I hate you.”

What’s a second line? Technically, it’s the line of mourners marching after the band following a funeral in New Orleans. But it’s morphed into a celebratory quasi-parade for all kinds of events.

Is Little Island real? Yes, and it’s fantastic! It was primarily funded by Diane Von Furstenberg and her husband Barry Diller and is in the Hudson River around 14th Street at the pier where the old White Star ocean liners used to dock. Home - Little Island

What does Farkakte mean? It’s a Yiddish word that basically means “messed up” or “ridiculous.” It’s kind of a Yiddish verbal version of an eye roll.

What is Montepulciano wine? Is that a vineyard’s name? It’s a red wine varietal generally grown in the Abruzzo region of Italy, where my mother is from.

What’s next for Mia? The Witless Protection Program will launch in June 2024 and we’ll finally get to meet her no-good adulterer of a husband, Adam Grosso. And yes, he’s still her husband, which will complicate her personal life enormously – as you might expect!

This series definitely stretches the boundaries of what is typically found in cozies. I love the references (on the fringes, of course) to the Family, which adds a little more drama to the series. The addition of the reality show in this one made this funny with all the stereotypical characters. The mystery is well plotted and I had no idea who the guilty party was until the very end. I enjoyed the progressing relationship between Mia and Shane and the cliffhanger at the end. I look forward to seeing what they get up to next.