
Member Reviews

I have been enjoying the Grilled Cheese Mystery series from book 1, Up to No Gouda, so I was delighted to learn there would be a fourth installment. It's been a long time coming since there was a change in publisher, but it was well worth the wait. I really enjoyed Brie Careful What You Wish For, by Linda Reilly.
It's summertime in Balsam Dell, Vermont and Carly's business is going strong. Soon-to-be college student Ross Baxter has started his own business delivering food from various restaurants to senior citizens, and Carly's Grilled Cheese Eatery is one of those establishments. Unfortunately, things go awry when a dead body is found and Ross is the prime suspect. Much to the dismay of her loved ones and of the authorities, Carly is confident they have the wrong person and she is determined to find out who the culprit really is. Carly has in the past found herself in some dangerous situations. Can she get to the bottom of this latest investigation before she or anyone else gets hurt?
I had fun visiting Carly and her friends again in Balsam Dell, Vermont. It was like coming home to my own friends. Grant remains my favorite of her employees, but even as Carly's business grows, all of them are very likeable. I also enjoyed visiting with her neighbors and boyfriend again. It was wonderful to see that there is still room for the introduction of new businesses. The setting is growing, while maintaining a cozy feeling.
The mystery is strong, with plenty of suspects who have motives and opportunity. I did have a hunch who the culprit was not long after that character was introduced. My guess turned out to be correct, but it was just that - a hunch. There was something I picked up on early that Carly didn't at first, but it certainly wasn't concrete proof this person was the killer. It was fun to see the mystery unfold as Carly was doing her sleuthing.
While I do enjoy the self-contained mysteries, it's the subplots with the main cast of characters that really hold my interest throughout the series. In this installment there are a few storylines that progress. One of them was bittersweet for me, but I'm happy for all of the characters as they move on in their personal and professional lives.
There are a couple of recipes for gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches at the end of the book. This is one type of culinary cozy I can handle. Grilled cheese sandwiches are typically simple to make, versatile, and comforting.
I really hope there will be a fifth installment in this series because I will definitely read it. I'm excited to see where the characters' lives will take them next and what their next mystery will be. Despite the growing crime rate, I still find Balsam Dell to be a cozy town that keeps me coming back.
If you are up-to-date with this series, then Brie Careful What You Wish For is definitely one that you'll want to pick up as well. It releases today, April 9, 2024. If you haven't read any books in the series yet, I highly recommend beginning with Up to No Gouda, which is the first one. You will enjoy getting to know the town of Balsam Dell and all of the characters who make it feel so cozy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for providing me with an eARC of this book. Thank you also to Linda Reilly and her team for choosing my suggestion for the title, Brie Careful What You Wish For. It is an honor to be a part of this series in this way! All thoughts and opinions expressed in my review are my own.

An ooey, gooey, delicious mystery.
I really enjoy this series.and the fact that cheese plays a role just makes it even better~ How yummy can one! series get? Can’t wait for my next serving as each and every entry has as solid whodunit with a side of cheese! YUMMMM

This is the first time that I have read anything by this author, having not heard of this culinary mystery series before. I have to be honest with you, what drew me to Brie Careful What You Wish For, aside from the rather charming cover (Yes, I do judge books by their covers.) was the fact that the main character in the book, Carly Hale, operated a grilled cheese restaurant, and recipes were promised at the end of the story. I am an avid fan of grilled cheese sandwiches of all kinds, like books that offer recipes, and am rarely let down. That is until this one, where only two were provided, neither of which, alas, really blew my skirt up, but I digress.
One thing that I didn’t like about this book, besides the cutesy title, was the repeated mention of the pandemic. First of all, I think in the long run that’s going to date this book. Second, I think that is a time that is best left behind all of us, so mere mention raised my hackles just a bit. I’m also wondering how she manages to stay in business considering she gives away so much food, I know, it’s fiction, but that annoyed me because it seemed as though she gave away more food than she sold, and I found that unbelievable.
All of that said, the book is nicely paced with largely likable characters in a vibrant setting. The mystery is a good one, and I was surprised by the culprit, something I always find pleasing. I found the restaurant setting to be a lot of fun. I enjoyed reading about the customers, the goings on in the kitchen, and all of those delicious sounding grilled cheese sandwiches.
I would have appreciated (and this is not just limited to this book, but most books in general) a listing of characters at the beginning of the book to refer back to during the course of my reading.
All in all, I think this is a good, solid, four stars, and I would recommend it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Beyond the Page publishers for providing me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

I was so happy to see this series picked back up since I’m sure the author’s got more stories to tell about these characters. I was really pleased with the outcome of this book as far as Carly and Ari’s relationship went. As for the murder, I was totally surprised at the reveal and its why of it as well.
Carly’s got an amazing team working for her and now maybe she won’t have to worry so much when it’s time for Grant to head off for culinary school. I can’t wait to read more in the series!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Beyond the Page via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

This is book four in the series A Grilled Cheese Mystery. I highly recommend this book. Linda Reilly does a great job of writing cozy mystery books. I have enjoyed all the books in this series.
Carly Hale runs a restaurant that specializes in grilles cheese sandwiches.
Balsam Dell, Vermont is where she calls home.
This time Carly must figure out who killed a woman who happens to be a not so pleasant person. Ross has been delivering orders from her restaurant. The one customer is not so nice to him and when she turns up dead fingers are pointed at Ross. Carly, knows she has to clear his name.
This mystery has twists and turns and kept me guessing who the guilty person was.
I like the way the characters interact, and this adds so much to the mystery.
Thank you #NetGalley, Linda Reilly and Beyond the Page Publishing for the copy of Brie Careful What You Wish For. This is my personal review.

This is the fourth book in the Grilled Cheese Mystery series. I've read all the prior books, but I think it would be easy for new readers to jump right in with this one. Carly Hale has been a widow for two years and is trying to move on in her life with a move to Balsam Dell, Vermont and opening a grilled cheese restaurant. The restaurant is doing well, and her employees have become friends. Carly works out an arrangement with a young man raising money for college by delivering food to the elderly to include her restaurant as one of the participating eateries. Things go well until Ross finds the body of a difficult customer when delivering her lunch and becomes the prime suspect in her death. Against the objections of her friends and the local police chief, Carly is determined to find the real killer. I think it's interesting that Chief Holloway is adamant that Carly stays out of it but doesn't seem to do much investigating on his own unless Carly brings information to his attention!
I have enjoyed all the books in this fun culinary cozy mystery series, and this one is no exception. I like that her boyfriend, Ari, strikes a balance between worrying about Carly and supporting her in her sleuthing. The victim had plenty of enemies and Carly doesn't see the harm in carefully questioning them to look for motives and challenge their alibis. I was very surprised when the identity of the killer was revealed, so I would have found myself in a risky predicament, just like Carly did! I really enjoyed the overall ending to the book and look forward to more in this series. Beware that the wonderful descriptions of food and the recipes at the end will make you hungry!
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing. My review is voluntary and unbiased.

This is such an enjoyable series and this book was. great addition.
Carly and her friends jump into some sleuthing when their kind delivery boy is questioned for the murder of one of his regulars. Against the warnings from the chief, and some family members, the Carly is determined to get to the bottom of the murder. But asking too many questions can also lead to danger.
The characters are awesome, like old friends you want to hang out with. The sandwiches also sound delicious.
Great story for lovers of cozy mysteries.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

These books just keep getting better! When an elderly customer is found dead by a young delivery driver, Carly Hale once again finds herself unofficially investigated the murder. The characters in the series continue to evolve as Carly continues to build a new life for herself.

An enjoyable light quick read with more than a dollop of humour. Plenty of twists and turns as a small town community in Vermont try to solve a murder of a, not particularly well liked, woman. Entertaining characters getting involved without really meaning to. This is the first one I've read in this series centred around Carly and a grilled cheese café/restaurant and I understand this is the fourth in the series but I don't think that mattered, I didn't feel I was missing out on anything except maybe Carly's previous brushes with murder cases. Nor did the American English (I am English) as it was fairly obvious what was meant. Fairly short book so an easy lighthearted read to fill in between longer books.

A cheese shop, a murder victim who was a truly dreadful old lady, and a young person wrongfully suspected of the crime--all ingredients for a fun cozy mystery. I spent an enjoyable couple of hours with this one. I thought the resolution had perhaps one more element than was really needed, but I still enjoyed the book.
Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

BRIE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR is the fourth book in the Grilled Cheese Mysteries by Linda Reilly. I was so happy to find out this wonderful series is continuing and couldn’t wait to get my hands on an early copy. With endearing characters, the author brings kindness and caring to the forefront of the story. She makes you want to become friends with protagonist Carly Hale and her close-knit group of friends and employees at her Grilled Cheese Eatery, which makes you invested in what happens to them. Ms. Reilly also gives the backstory of each character in bits and drabs, without slowing down the pace, so that readers who are new to the series can easily pick up the book and read as a standalone. Although once they finish with this book, they’ll want to read all the others. I also love the vivid imagery on the pages that brings the setting and delectable grilled cheese sandwiches to life.
Despite how cozy the characters are, and no matter how much they lull you into enjoying the small Vermont town, there’s still murder afoot. When Carly’s 18-year-old delivery kid, Ross, is accused of murdering one of her customers, Carly is certain he’s innocent. Despite her boyfriend, friends, and family being protective of her and not wanting her to get involved, she’s determined to clear his name and find justice. I like that she’s a cautious investigator, taking their concerns to heart. The plot moves at a quick pace, with twists and turns that kept me guessing. The author does an admirable job ramping up with the suspense and providing a heart pounding reveal, despite Carly’s careful questioning…I certainly didn’t have the culprit on my list of suspects. As the story concluded, I was left with a contented sigh and a smile on my face.
There are a couple of recipes at the back to satisfy your craving for grilled cheese after reading this book.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

"Brie Careful What You Wish For” the 4th instalment in A Grilled Cheese Mystery series by Linda Reilly set in the town of Balsam Dell, Vermont. This is definitely one of my favourite series. When a mean and quarrelsome woman is found murdered in her own home, most of the residents of Balsam Dell can only say feta late than never . . .
I really like the characters in this series and they are what have made me fall in love with it. Especially the Protagonist Carly, her bff Gina, and her co-workers Grant, Suzanne and Valerie.
The mystery was interesting and there are plenty of red herrings, and twists to keep you wanting to find out what will happen next. Loved the surprise ending too.
I read the book in one day it was that good, You will crave a grilled cheese while reading the book, I know I did. Luckily there are recipes at the back.
I cant wait for the 5th instalment. I highly recommend this to cozy lovers.
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Business is booming at Carly Hale’s grilled cheese restaurant this summer, thanks in part to Ross Baxter’s new cash delivery service. He’s saving money for college this fall by delivering orders to seniors. One, however, is giving him problems with her constant demands and complaints. But when Ross discovers her dead body one day, the police think he could be the killer. Can Carly clear him?
I’d fallen in love with this series, so I was happy to be back for book four. With the victim being difficult, we had plenty of suspects, although we soon focused in on a smaller group. They did their job well confusing me. I had a few pieces figured out, but most of it was still confusing to me until I reached the end, when things made sense. I appreciated other characters warning Carly about the danger of getting involved at first, but it felt a bit one note as the story went on. Still, that’s a minor complaint. All the series regulars have key parts in the story, and I loved getting updates on their lives. The two gourmet grilled cheese recipes at the end sound delicious. Fans will find themselves wishing for another book when they set this one down.

Teenaged Ross has made a name for himself with his summer job, delivering food from local restaurants to senior citizens in the area who can’t/don’t want to pick up the orders themselves. Carly is thrilled to have him deliver her food, and he enjoys his work except for one woman who is nasty and hard to please. When the woman’s body is found while Ross is making deliveries, the police – and half the townspeople – think Ross has killed her. Carly is convinced the rumors aren’t true, so she sets out to prove his innocence.
I enjoyed the first three books in this series, and for some reason thought the series ended after the third book, so I was pleasantly surprised to discover this fourth book. I like Carly, her family and friends, and her staff. When the series started, I had trouble seeing success for an eatery with such a narrow focus, but in real life, many similar places have opened near us lately and seem to be making it work, so maybe the concept isn’t as crazy as it first appeared.
The murder victim here was a nasty woman with very few friends, so there were plenty of suspects to think about, although many of them were ruled out early in the investigation. I was wrong about the identity of the killer, and should probably have figured out the motive earlier than I did.
I hope the series continues, and look forward to reading the next book if it does.

I was so excited when I learned I would get to visit Carly Hale and Balsam Dell again. It’s all fictional but when you get involved with a set of characters you want to find out how their lives are going.
The grilled cheese sandwiches are another reason to read Brie Careful What You Wish For. Carly has a grilled cheese restaurant. Delivery of her sandwiches within the area has to do with the mystery that develops.
A senior lady is murdered and the young man who delivers sandwiches becomes a main suspect. Carly is certain that Ross isn’t guilty, so she looks into the murder even though her friends and family and the chief of police disapprove because they are concerned about her.
I enjoyed seeing how the mystery was resolved. The situation around the resolution was unique for cozy mysteries I’ve read recently.
I happily recommend Brie Careful What You Wish For, and you’ll get a couple new grilled cheese sandwich recipes to try too.
Thanks to Netgalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.

Carly Hale owns a grilled cheese restaurant. The only sandwich is different varieties of grilled cheese. When an elderly resident is found dead in her home by the delivery server, most people are thrilled. She was not well-liked by most of the towns people. Unfortunately, the server, is a key suspect and Carly cannot let this go. This was an interesting mystery. Plus there was a lot of activity going on in our favorite characters lives. Read this and enjoy.

Oh man I wanted a grilled cheese so badly reading this book. I keep coming back for the sandwich suggestions alone!
Carly's grilled cheese restaurant is thriving in the small town of Balsam Dell, VT. She is in a good relationship and business continues to boom as the tourists come to town. A young friend has started a food delivery service for elderly who cannot or don't want to place orders online and use a credit card. When he unexpectedly stumbles across the body of the town's most hated resident (or so it seems), Carly steps in when the young man is fingered as a suspect.
I enjoyed this book, the whodunit and the red herrings. I didn't guess and I certainly didn't see the motive being what it was. It did get a little on the old side that Carly kept being reminded by EVERYONE that she needed to keep her nose out of harm's way. This is the fourth book in the series, we all know that's not going to happen.
I really enjoyed this addition to the series and do hope to see more of Carly and her delicious grilled cheeses!
My thanks to Beyond the Page Publishing and Netgalley for this ARC.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Linda Reilly for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Brie Careful What You Wish For coming out April 9, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This is actually the first book I’ve read by this author. I didn’t read the other books in the series, but I was interested in the description. I love cozy food mysteries. I think Carly is a really fun character! I really enjoyed the mystery. I loved the setting. I loved it! I thought the writing was great. It put me in a good mood. I definitely want to check out more books in this series.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy food mysteries!

“Brie Careful What You Wish For” is the fourth book in Linda Reilly’s Grilled Cheese cozy mystery series. There’s a lot to like about this book and series – starting with the grilled cheese restaurant and all the food it serves which all sound delicious. There are also the main characters – restaurant owner Carly, her coworkers, her boyfriend Ari, her best friend Gina, and more. The mystery is well done with plenty of suspects and twists and turns along the way – I was truly surprised at who the killer was. There were a few others surprises along the way that made this fun to read. The one thing that I did not like about this book was the way Carly acted at times – she came very close to alienating some of her closest friends with her incessant probing into the murder and questions and I wondered how any of them, especially Ari, put up with her. I did enjoy the book, I just wished Carly toned things down a bit.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.

For a mystery I found this novel too twee Too much relationships and friendships. I liked the characters of Ross and Grant but thought the female characters were too nice