Delilah and her crew leave the restaurant to cater a private event - a 1920s costume gala benefitting the library but the event is quickly derailed by the first winter storm of the season making this a fun Lake Geneva take on the classic secluded manor house mystery. The library and especially it‘s board have recently undergone some changes and when a death occurs there are plenty of potential suspects. Good thing that sleuth and pizza chef Delilah‘s love interest Police Detective Calvin Capone (yes, Al Capone‘s great-grandson) was playing the piano at the party and is on site.
This mystery is yet again well plotted, there are suspects galore and red herrings, which kept me guessing throughout the story. An interesting if slightly abrasive sleuth, a great cast of supporting characters, Jarka gets more of a backstory in this book, a fun setting, all the pizza (and fantastic flavor combination and topic ideas) and a slightly overweight cat who gets in quite a bit of trouble - what more could you want ?

"While Geneva Bay’s upper crust gets ready to party down at a Prohibition-themed fundraiser, pizza chef Delilah O’Leary is focused on seeing her struggling restaurant through the winter slow season. The temperature outside is plummeting, but Delilah’s love life might finally be heating up, as hunky police detective Calvin Capone seems poised to (finally) make a move."
Delilah is an amateur sleuth. It takes some time but she figures it all out.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.

I was given Public Anchovy #1 by Mindy Quigley for an honest review from the publisher on NetGalley. This book is the third in the Deep Dish Mystery series. It follows Delilah O’Leary who is the owner of Delilah & Sons Pizzeria as she caters a Prohibition themed library fundraiser.

I enjoyed this mystery, although some of the characters were a little over the top. Butterball is my personal favorite. A nice, cozy read that is an engaging plot and a good mystery.

Public Anchovy #1 by Mindy Quigley is a cozy mystery, but one I had trouble getting in to. Must be me. It revolves around the staff at Delilah & Son, an upscale pizzeria in Geneva Bay, Wisconsin, which earlier in its history had been a vacation spot for Chicago mobsters, and still had some of their descendants left. The crew was catering an event at a private home as a fundraiser for the local library. It was out of her wheelhouse and to say Delilah was nervous would be misleading. Everything was moving along well, despite problems that had made them late until an elderly man fell down the stairs and killed himself. Surely it was an accident? All that food. They sent as much home with guests as they could but there was so much left and there were some people behaving strangely, including a member of her own staff.

This was a good mystery, primarily, it turned out, about lies, big ones, as well as all sorts of other deception. The poor cat was wrongly blamed in the stairway death, a slight that would not be soon forgotten. Everyone got involved, as is typical in a cozy mystery. It was a good mystery, very compelling, but I never became invested. Just not for me, I guess. Good characters, decent plot, maybe the pacing? Not sure.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Public Anchovy #1 by St Martin’s Press, though Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #StMartinsPress #MindyQuigley #PublicAnchovyNumberOne

It’s my first book in the series I’ve read and this could be read as a standalone without feeling lost. All of the characters are locked in the house overnight as the mystery gets solved. It’s a pretty standard cozy mystery with several possible suspects and the tension ratcheting up as the story progresses. I didn’t feel a strong connection between Delilah and Capone, nor did I sense a lot of personality with some characters.

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martins for the arc.

Public Anchovy #1, the third book in the Deep Dish Mystery series, finds everyone’s favorite pizza chef, Delilah O’Leary, back for another adventure. Summer is over in Geneva Bay, all the tourists having fled for warmer climates. So what’s a restauranteur to do to make it through the lean winter months? Well for Delilah and her crew they’ll be taking part in a charity fundraiser at an old mansion. But of course things don’t go as planned and in typical Delilah fashion it’s not long before a body turns up! And with the weather being what it is, it’s not long before guests are trapped and we get a ‘locked’ room (errr mansion) mystery. Is the murderer still among the remaining guests? That will be up to Delilah and Detective Capone to figure out. While easily enjoyed as a standalone, this is another wonderful entry in the fun cozy mystery series. I’d like to thank St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an eARC of Public Anchovy #1.

https://www.amazon.com/review/R30H8XHIQGE7WT/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

Public Anchovy #1 had everything you could want in a cozy mystery - a themed fundraiser dinner party at a mansion, books, a love interest and a cat named Butterball.
Although I figured out one of the minor plot twists ahead of time, everything else managed to surprise and delight me. The flow of the book is fabulous and the characters are all very interesting. The locked room aspect makes it even more suspenseful and frightening.
This is book #3 in the series but can be read as a standalone.

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Mindy Quigley serves up a mouthwatering mystery in "Public Anchovy," the third installment of the Deep Dish Mystery series. Set against the cozy backdrop of a Wisconsin pizzeria, this delectable tale combines humor, romance, and a dash of danger that will leave readers hungry for more.

The story kicks off with the upper crust of Geneva Bay gearing up for a Prohibition-themed fundraiser, but pizza chef Delilah O’Leary has more pressing concerns—navigating her restaurant through the winter slow season. As the temperature plummets outside, the romantic heat is turned up inside as the charming police detective, Calvin Capone, hints at making a long-awaited move.

Quigley expertly weaves together the elements of romance and mystery, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Delilah's character is not just a pizza chef; she's a relatable and lovable amateur sleuth with a knack for finding trouble where she least expects it. The chemistry between Delilah and Calvin adds a delightful layer of tension and charm, making them a dynamic duo in crime-solving.

The plot takes an unexpected twist when a dead body crashes the charity bash, shattering Delilah's hopes of showcasing her new "free-from" pizza recipe. The story then catapults into a thrilling game of cat and mouse as Delilah, Capone, and her entire staff find themselves trapped in an isolated mansion. Quigley's narrative is sharp and engaging, keeping readers guessing until the very end.

One of the standout features of "Public Anchovy" is Quigley's ability to seamlessly blend humor and suspense. The quirky characters and witty dialogue add layers of charm, creating a lighthearted atmosphere even in the midst of danger. The setting in a pizzeria adds a unique culinary flair to the mystery, making it a treat for readers who enjoy a side of humor with their whodunits.

To catch the increasingly-desperate killer, Delilah must not only top her previous crime-solving accomplishments but also whip up a few pizzas. The fusion of culinary creativity and crime-solving prowess adds a delightful twist to the narrative, making it a truly satisfying read.

In conclusion, "Public Anchovy" is a 5-star feast for mystery lovers. Mindy Quigley's writing is a perfect blend of humor, romance, and suspense, making this installment a must-read for anyone craving a delectable slice of cozy mystery goodness.

I wasn't sure about this book when I first started reading it. But, as the book went on and the mystery was revealed, I liked it. The author did a great job of keeping who the murderer was up in the air. I am usually good at figuring things out, and I was surprised at who the killer was and what the motive was behind the killings. I could have done without the romance (it seemed forced).

This is the third book in the Deep Dish mystery series and Ms. Quigley has once again crafted a story that has twists and turns.

Delilah has been hired to cater a fundraiser for the town library at a mansion on the bay. You can almost feel Delilah’s tension as she is tasked at the last minute to create a pizza with a lot of dietary restrictions. She and Jarka go to the mansion via boat to get things set up and discover there is no mixer, but instead a fat cat (Butterball). As she is trying to get things underway, she runs across a man (Edgar Clemmons) who has been ousted as the library board’s chair and he tells her cryptic things about the incoming new chairman of the board, Pam, who is hosting the party.

Before dinner is served, a tragedy strikes in the form of Edgar tumbling down the stairs and dying. Did Butterball cause the accident by scaring or tripping Edgar? Due to the storm that has hit the dinner party, a few of the guests are trapped at the mansion. Are they locked in with a killer? Undoubtedly so. The man Delilah is interested in (Detective Calvin Capone) happens to be at the party with his mother, Lola, who was providing entertainment. Calvin takes charge of the guests and the investigation.

While I felt the killer was really obvious, the method was not and discovering how the death was accomplished was interesting. The investigation by Calvin and Delilah and how they work well as a team, even though she is not with the police, was entertaining. There are plenty of tense moments as they work through the investigation and before help comes to rescue them as there is another death and an attempted murder.

The setting of the story (Geneva Bay, WI) along with the historic background provided makes me want to visit the town because it sounds so pretty. I really like the history she throws into the story about how the town was the playground for the rich and famous (or infamous).

One of the best things in this series is the inclusion of recipes. Also, the engaging cast of characters you’d like to be friends with, even the prickly Biz, Delilah’s great-aunt. I look forward to many more books in this series.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This mystery mirrored the noir films Dee’s pal Sonya liked so much and what a better setting too, a spooky old house, a storm—the perfect proverbial “dark and stormy night”. Add in the murders and it was movie-worthy. Oh yeah and various other unsettling things that happened along the way. Pretty sure I would’ve just curled up in a corner and told them to tell me when it was over, lol.

The showdown was pretty awesome and Dee was actually glad her cat ended up there. Who’s a good boy, Butterball? High paw! I really loved the ending and hope there’ll be more books in the series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book, and my opinions are my own.

Pizza chef Delilah O’Leary is focused on seeing her struggling restaurant through the the winter slow season. As Delilah’s love life is heating up detective Calvin Capone seems poised to finally make a move. As Delilah’s hopes of perfecting a new “free from” pizza recipe for a charity bash are dashed when a dead body crashes the party. Soon Delilah and her entire staff are trapped in an isolated mansion and caught in a dangerous game of cat and mouse. To catch a desperate killer Delilah will have to top all her crime-solving accomplishments and a few pizzas too. This was a very enjoyable story with fun characters and interactions going on. I recommend it to everyone.

Public Anchovy #1 is the third installment in the Deep Dish Mysteries series by Mindy Quigley. In this book, Delilah is catering the Friends of the Library fundraising gala which gives her a great opportunity to promote the delicious pizzas she creates in her restaurant Delilah & Son. However, a strange exchange is the first clue that things are amiss and this was not going to be an ordinary catering job. Then the party turns deadly.

Delilah is a likable and relatable heroine, who juggles her passion for pizza, her loyalty to her friends, and her attraction to a certain detective. The book is a satisfying and entertaining read for fans of cozy mysteries, especially those who enjoy a touch of romance.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Public Anchovy #1 is the third book in the Deep Dish Mystery series. It was great to get back to the colorful characters that make this series so much fun, particularly Delilah, Sonya, Biz and, yes, Butterball, the cat that is sure to make readers laugh. In Public Anchovy #1, Delilah is hired to cater a fundraiser. The event takes an unexpected turn when someone dies and everyone is trapped in the mansion. Delilah and her love interest, Detective Capone, investigate what is going on. The mystery was interesting and fun to read. Newcomers to the series can jump right in and enjoy the book as well. Well written, with a nice pace, Public Anchovy #1 is a great book for cozy mystery readers!

Always a pleasure to spend time with Delilah and friends! This time, they are catering a gala benefiting the library. At the last minute, there is a request for a "free-from" pizza (absolutely NOTHING that actually belongs on a pizza!) which causes a last minute scramble and puts Delilah behind on her schedule. The local long-winded gadfly tries to tell her something on her way into the mansion where the gala is being held but she puts him off and later regrets it when he is murdered in a spectacular way.
Most of the guests leave, but before Delilah and crew as well as a few guests can leave, a huge storm comes in and a mammoth tree falls across the drive. They settle down for the night, but there is a murder attempt on Sonia, Delilah's sous chef and best friend. Then, Delilah finds the body of Isobel, who hired them for the gala.
It leads to a show down at the top of the mansion and a daring escape attempt by the perpetrators.
Such great characters and wonderful development of their relationships. And a maybe romance for Delilah.
Highly recommend the whole series!

PUBLIC ANCHOVY #1 is the third book in the Deep Dish Mysteries by Mindy Quigley. I hate to admit that this was my first foray into this delightful series, but I was so smitten with the characters that I immediately went back and read the first two books. I easily found that each of them can be read as a standalone. Ms. Quigley has created an eclectic cast of characters whose antics and personalities bring entertainment to the pages. Protagonist Delilah O’Leary is a trained chef and owner of Delilah & Son, an upscale pizzeria in Geneva Bay, Wisconsin. I love how she’s a genuine friend to her staff and does everything she can to make them feel like family and keep them employed and paid, especially during the slow season. I also adored detective Calvin Capone, a descendant of the notorious Al Capone. There’s definitely some chemistry between Delilah and Calvin, which adds to the overall appeal of the story.

Hired to cater a Prohibition-themed fundraiser at a swanky lakeside mansion, Delilah and her team are prepared for hard work and a fun party. What they didn’t expect was the murder of the outgoing library board chairman. Ms. Quigley sets the stage for an intriguing “closed room” mystery, with the players trapped at the isolated mansion because of a vicious storm. Despite Detective Capone attending the party with his mother, there are several opportunities for Delilah to help solve the mystery. I appreciated how Det. Capone was happy to have her input and relied on her observation and sleuthing skills. As the clues unfolded, the author kept me on my toes and guessing. With the big reveal, I was on the edge of my seat as I turned the pages and when the last page was done, I couldn’t wait to dive in and start the series from the beginning!

The author has thoughtfully included several recipes at the back of the book for the home cook to try out. I appreciated that there was a pizza recipe for vegan and gluten-free individuals to make. The author also uses her characters’ voices to share the recipes, which I found entertaining.

Set in northern Wisconsin, Delilah is catering a Prohibition themed fundraiser for the library. It’s set in one of the old mansions on the lake which has been rehabbed by an industry ebook technology creator. A fall down the stairs causes the death of one of the guests. Capone who was accompanied his mother on the piano but a cop in real life dismisses the guests. However, a storm shuts down the road and a critical group of guests are forced to spend the night. Things go from bad to worst as no lights and the fall being reclassed as a murder causes a locked home scenario. This is a great mystery – don’t miss it.

Another delicious entry into the Deep Dish Mysteries (starring pizzas how cannot you love this!) set in a resort town in Wisconsin. The citizens are quirky and it turns out that a few are a bit murderous--but there are no cozies without murderous people.

Winter is looming large and the crowds that occupy this resort are largely gone so Delilah is catering a up-scale speakeasy themed party to get through the lean months. But just as things are getting started the party is crashed by a dead body. So one of the classical tropes: stuck in an isolated mansion with a killer on the lose and Delilah will need all her wits about her to find the murderer before someone else has their last meal...

I think the mystery was a step up from the previous ones. I couldn't explain exactly how. I also enjoy the characters. I love quirky characters and the cat is adorable. Delilah has toned down her obsession over every detail which makes me like her more. She still has her moments but I'm working on my tolerance so we are both a work in progress.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

Delilah, Sonya, and the pizza crew are catering a Prohibition-themed fundraiser during the slow season. One of the party guests dies after a fall down the stairs. Is it more than just an accident? What happens when everyone is trapped together in the mansion due to the storm outside? Can everyone survive the night?

This is my favorite book in the series. This can be read as a standalone, but I recommend starting with book 1. It really helps to see how the characters started out and where they are now.

If you are a fan of Detective Capone like me, then this is a must read. You will not be disappointed. This book had so many layers. There were so many things that happened that I was not expecting. Who would have thought that the lure of a cookie is what it takes to bring a killer out in the open? This cozy has everything you want. The ending was perfect!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Public Anchovy #1 is book #3 in the Deep Dish Mysteries series by Mindy Quigley.

This is the first book I’ve read in this series, but it won’t be the last! Delilah O’Leary’s team is an interesting group of characters. They all are different from each other and yet make a good team. And Butterball the cat was something else. The mystery had me holding my breath to see what would happen next. The setting was perfect for the mystery. I plan on reading the earlier books. I recommend this book.

Thank you to the author, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.