This was just what I like in cozy mysteries! I haven't read the first two but didn't feel like I was lost. There's just enough backstory slid in to keep you up-to-date but not bored if you read the first two. I liked the mystery itself, and the MC is likeable. I thought the narrator was just right.

Other than knowing who the killer was about the middle of the book [in all honesty, I am not sure how one could NOT see who the killer was, but that is just me] and at one point thinking the MC was TSTL, this was a really good read and a good addition to the series.

For the most part, I really like Carly as a MC, though in this book she works a LOT less [convenient since she just hired a manager] and that annoyed me. Typically she works hard and I know that a day off is a very good thing, but it does seem that she takes off for "just a minute" and is gone for 2 hours and will FINALLY think about work. She also disregards both Grant [her chef] and Ari [her boyfriend]'s concern over her "sleuthing" and that bothered me. AND...[sigh], there was some repetition [telling the same thing several times in the course of a chapter, just in a slightly different way OR asking the same question to someone in two different chapters] that I really hope doesn't become a thing in this series. I absolutely abhor this new trend and I really hope that authors stop using this trope sooner rather than later.

All that said, this still was a very good book. Even knowing who the killer was [AND the why], it still was a good read. Even with my teeny issues with Carly, I DO like her as a MC and I really like the interactions with her and her team at work and I REALLY liked her interaction with Dawn and how she is so kind to her, even when she is super-clingy. Carly is able to help her and it really made me smile. I hope we see her in another book as she was a great example of how someone can really change who they are with a little kindness. The reveal [which was kinda creepy and very sad] didn't feel rushed and most of the why was already known and there was a nice little bit after the reveal so it didn't feel like it was a last-minute dump and then the book was done, but a nicely fleshed out story and that was very refreshing. I am so hoping there is a book 4 and should there be, I am very excited to read it!

I was able to request and receive the audiobook ARC for this book and I am so glad I did. I really, really like this narrator [and totally wish she was narrating more of the series' that I read] and she really makes Carly and crew come alive for me. I enjoyed it so much and will continue to look for the narrator in other books that I read.

Thank you to Linda Reilly, Mia Gaskin - Narrator, Poisoned Pen Press, and Dreamscape Media for providing both the book and audiobook ARC's in exchange for an honest review.

First Audio ARC

Thank you so much to Linda Reilly, Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC of Cheddar Late Than Dead by Linda Reilly! I had the honors of reading the 3rd book in this cozy grilled cheese mystery series as an ARC from Netgalley. I rated the book 5 stars!

What drew me to request the book was that I had already read the first two books in the series. I buddy read the series with a friend and when she saw that Netgalley had the 3rd book as an ARC she applied and sent me the link too. Sure enough we both got accepted and were able to read and discuss the book together.

I figured since I enjoyed reading the previous books then I would like this one as well. I was right of course and enjoyed going back into the small town of Balsam Dell where we find our favorite main character Carly once again caught in between a murder mystery.

I loved seeing old characters from previous books back while reading but was disappointed that they werent as present as they have been in the past. New characters are introduced which is always nice to get some fresh faces and new personalities added to the mix. The book focuses on the side characters more and shows how they all connect together. I also love how Carly's dog Havarti was more present in this story. He had a hand in finding clues and helping Carly when trying to discover who the murder was. With me having a maltipoo myself I could totally relate to the bond that Carly and Havarti share and I love it!

I definitely recommend reading this Grilled Cheese mystery series as it is an fast pace book that gives you a cozy feel. I read this book in a day it had me hooked from the first page. I can't wait to read more books in this grilled cheese mystery series!

Thank you again to Linda Reilly, Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for my ARC copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Cheddar Late Than Dead was my first Linda Reilly book. It is the third in a series of cozy mysteries about amateur sleuth, Carly. This book has all the makings of a good cozy murder mystery: a small Vermont town, the amateur sleuth owns a cute pup, a side of romance, food and murder.

I enjoyed this book, but think that I was at a disadvantage because I had not read the first two in the series. This doesn’t seem like a series that you can just jump in at any book. There wasn’t very much character building, so you didn’t buy in to the MC or her relationship with her boyfriend. The boyfriend was essentially absent from the entire book, except for a couple of honorable mentions, so there romance did not really seem that realistic. It was a good cozy mystery, although the whodunnit was rather obvious to me.

I think that this book is great for people who love the genre, but they need to start from the beginning of the series. If you like a really good mystery, great character development or a good romance this book probably isn’t for you. It was very cozy and all the talk of grilled cheese donuts made me very hungry.

Overall, I am glad that I read this book as it gives me an option to go back and have another cozy mystery series at my disposal. The audio was very well done and I loved how the narrator voiced the story. It is a short, easy read that will not require a lot of thinking or emotional investment.

Release Date: TODAY!! February 14, 2023

📖📖📖📖

Carly’s former classmate Klarissa is getting married! She booked the swanky Balsam (hill) Dell Inn for her shower but an accidental double booking moves the shower to the maid of honors parents house. Everything seems to be coming together until the groom and groomsmen show up and cause chaos. Klarissa is livid and a major fight ensues. When the groom is found dead, can Carly help Klarissa prove she’s not a killer or will Klarissa be the lone cheese.

This is the third book in the #grilledcheesemystery series by @lindasreillyauthor and I am happy to report that I loved it just as much as books 1 and 2! I do miss that she wasn’t in the grilled cheese shop very much but I did like the wedding/family drama scenes. Like a grilled cheese this book hits the spot for a great series!

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

#cheddarlatethandead #lindareilly
#poisonpenpress #dreamscapemedia #netgalleyreads #cozymystery #cozymysterseries #bookreview #bookstagram #booklover #bookstagram #bookworm #booknerd #booktok #bookrecommendations #bibliophile #booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookblogger #igreads #goodreads #bookclub #bookreviews #bookblog

As with the previous books in this series, I enjoyed this read a lot. The mystery was compelling and kept me guessing until the end. I also enjoyed getting a bit of a change of scenery and explore some new parts of town that we haven’t seen before.
I loved the new characters that we were introduced to, I’m curious to see how they will pop up in the future. One thing I was a little bit sad about is that I felt we got less interaction with the side characters that I’ve grown to love in the previous books. Specifically her coworkers, while we got some it felt like less than in previous book. I think the side characters really make this series and I want more of them.
I would have loved a couple more scenes in the grilled cheese shop with all of the yummy food descriptions. It felt like she was always running and taking leave from the shop to find out things about the mystery. While that was a fun little change of pace from the previous books in this series. I like the slower pace scenes where they are working and serving and possibly finding out info from their customers.
Overall this is a fun series. I definitely plan to continue as they release.

This was the third installment of the Grilled Cheese Mysteries. I know they sound...cheesy *groan* but I am really enjoying them. They are quick, light reads with a great returning cast of characters. I received an advanced copy of the audio version this time and listened to most of it on a Saturday road trip. The narrator had a pleasant voice and even speeding it up to 1.5 narration speed didn't make the pace feel rushed. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, this series is worth a read or listen.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the advanced audio copy.

What could make for a cozier cozy mystery than grilled cheese, pet rescues, and a twisted family mystery.

I love the spotlight on pet rescues, mouthwatering food descriptions, and I certainly didn’t predict whodunnit.

Some of the characters are so likable (or truly un-likable), but I wish Carly had a little more personality come through (though I love her can-do attitude and nosy nature).

Would definitely recommend! Now I have to go back and read the second in the series.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMedia for the ARC!

Another fun installment to the Grilled Cheese mysteries!

This was my first audiobook of the series and it was excellently done! Once again, Reilly has made it so it isn't obvious as to who the culprit is, but weaves a tale so interesting that the reveal is the cherry on top of an already excellent sundae!

The wedding trope in cozy mysteries is not my favorite thing, but this is done really well. It isn’t a simple bridezilla with a jerk for a groom. There is more to all the characters than just that. As Carly is Investigating, she is being nosy and compassionate at the same time. That is a fine line that Carly is better at than most other people. The addition of Valerie with several cozy tropes was very clever and fun for a long time cozy reader.
As to the mystery, the clues were there and I completely missed them. So I was totally surprised by the revelation of the murderer. The way that Carly gets saved helped to develop the characters. And I appreciated the wrap up chapter as well. After getting to know these characters and beginning to care about them, I appreciated seeing what was going to happen to them next.
Carly was not in her restaurant as much as I would have liked, but that is bound to happen in some books in the series.

I did not see that reveal coming until the moment. Linda Reilly did a great job of making the hints and clues very subtle as it all made perfect sense once the killer was revealed. This was book #3 in the Grilled Cheese Mystery series and I will have to add the first two books Up to No Gouda (book #1) and No Parm No Foul (Book #2) to my TBR. I absolutely love the titles, can't wait to see what book #4 is named.

Mia Gaskin did a great job of narrating this novel and I look forward to listening to more books narrated by Mia in the future.

Loved this one!! This is the third book in the cozy series so far and I have loved each one more than the last. The setting is so fun and the characters are well described and feel like they are real. I can’t wait for more!! The narrator for the audiobook is perfect, she’s been the narrator for the whole series so far.

This book was a DNF for me at 40%. It’s a super cute premise, and I enjoyed the baking/cafe elements, but I did not care enough about the characters to be invested in who did it or why.

Thank you to NetGalley for proving the free ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Cheddar Late Than Dead was a fun read. I have not read previous books in the series but I don't feel like I missed too much besides some character development. I'll probably go back and read the first two eventually.

Thank goodness Carly is so observant! Even though she clearly pushes the limits of the town police force's patience she ends up being pretty helpful! This cozy murder mystery is a nice read and keeps you engaged throughout.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape media for the opportunity to read and review this story.

#CheddarLateThanDead #LindaReillyAuthor
#MiaGaskinNarrator #NetGalley #DreamscapeMedia
#Mystery #MurderMystery #CozyMystery #MysteryThriller

I read the first of the series and liked it, but I didn't enjoy this one very much at all. Our heroine came off as immature and really annoying. I was actively rooting against her for a lot of it. The premise is still cute and I like the small town feel, but I wish the heroine was shown to be mature or at least learning from her experiences.

Enjoyed this third book in the series. I liked that there was more than one mystery to solve. Even if the same person did both of the crimes. Linda wrote another winner.

Just like the grilled cheese talked about in this sweet book, one thing you can count on with a Cozy, you'll be satisfied after reading.

My one angst over the book is I did not realize this was book 3 in a series until I began listening. My OCD personality cringed once I knew because I'm a serial reader. If there is a book 1, starting on book 3 distracts me because I keep wondering what I missed. Who were these characters 2 books earlier?

That said, charming little way to spend an afternoon where murder feels delightful.

And, yes, like every other listener (I'm guessing), I too went to the internet to google donut grilled cheese. My waistline is grateful I live on a mountain where spotting a bear is easier than buying a freshly made donut.

This is quickly becoming a favorite cozy mystery series for me. Carly, Balsam Dell, and Havarti the dog are just delightful. Also, who doesn’t love grilled cheese and a good story!

Meeting two characters Carly went to school with and seeing her go through the process of finding the killer is always entertaining. I found myself laughing at the chief telling Carly to stay out of it and then being sure to keep her up to date on the case.

Carly really seems to be settling in and truly finding her home in Balsam Dell which is just lovely and I am excited to see her relationship with Ari grow.

I cannot wait to read the next book in the series and catch up with all of my characters.

Mia Gaskin does a fantastic job narrating this story. Her voices and inflection are perfect and make this series such a pleasure to listen to.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media for the copy of this book. All views are my honest opinion.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I’ve listened to the first two books in this series and liked them and this one was good as well.
Super cute cozy mysteries. And I swear I’m hungry for a grilled cheese of some kind and some tomatoe soup every time after listening.
My only complaint here would be for the narrator to distinguish better between the name Don and the name Dawn. Several times I got a bit confused on that part.
Otherwise another great addition to the Grilled Cheese series

The name implied that there would be more comedy involved. It was an alright murder mystery.

*Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC.