A Heartfelt and Humorous Look at the Chaos of Family Life

The Usual Family Mayhem by HelenKay Dimon is an engaging, emotionally layered story that explores the beautiful messiness of family ties. With her signature wit and a deep understanding of human relationships, Dimon brings to life a cast of characters that feel real, flawed, and ultimately lovable.

There’s a lot to appreciate in this book—the sharp dialogue, the moments of vulnerability, and the way it captures the push-and-pull of familial love and frustration. Dimon doesn’t shy away from showing how complicated people can be, and that emotional honesty gives the story real heart.

While there were moments when the drama felt a bit overdone or the plot stretched in several directions at once, I still found myself invested in the characters and their growth. The story might not have hit every note for me, but it had enough charm, warmth, and relatability to make it an enjoyable read.

If you’re a fan of stories that dive deep into family dynamics with humor and heart, The Usual Family Mayhem is worth checking out.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon Publishing for my DRC!

The Usual Family Mayhem: Or, How to Weaponize Pie and Still Get a HEA

Let’s get one thing straight: if you’re not immediately intrigued by the phrase “poison pie business,” then I don’t know what to do with you. HelenKay Dimon’s The Usual Family Mayhem is what happens when you mix Southern charm, generational trauma, and justifiable homicide into a flaky crust and serve it with a side of romantic tension. It’s cozy mystery meets chaotic romcom, and yes, it’s as messy as your aunt’s Facebook timeline—but way more fun.

Our heroine, Kasey Nottingham, is a 26-year-old professional disaster who pitches her grandma’s dessert business to her cutthroat investor boss in a moment of panic. Bold move, considering she forgot to mention that (a) it’s her actual grandma’s business, and (b) said grandma and her live-in “best friend” Celia are not interested in selling. Cue a forced trip back to Winston-Salem, where Kasey must convince two feisty older women to sell their soul-satisfying pies to corporate America. Except… there are locked cabinets. Cryptic ledger notes. And oh yeah, a suspicious number of dead abusive husbands in households that recently received dessert deliveries. You know, just your average small-town mystery with a sprinkle of murder.

Now, let’s talk characters. Kasey is a lovable hot mess who makes questionable decisions like it’s her job (which, to be fair, she’s always one bad pitch away from losing). Jackson Quaid, Celia’s nephew and Kasey’s long-time crush, is the human equivalent of a sigh—steady, skeptical, and somehow still into her despite her inability to adult. The real stars, though, are Mags and Celia, two Southern grandmas who may or may not be running a vigilante justice bakery. They’re sharp, secretive, and absolutely the kind of women who’d slip arsenic into a pie and still make you feel guilty for not calling more often.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for this ARC!

Kasey Nottingham works at a company that comes up with the next big thing for investors, but she hasn't gotten any hits, and the clock is ticking. A moment on the spot during a meeting makes her suggest her grandmother's company, Mags’ Desserts, in North Carolina, despite knowing neither Gram nor her live-in “best friend” Celia will ever accept an offer. She's sent home to land the deal, but what has her occupied is some suspicious findings that have her worried that Mags' is helping women get rid of their awful husbands. Now, she'll have to figure out what the truth is while navigating lying to her bosses and finding out that her long-time crush and Celia's nephew, Jackson Quaid, still makes her heart skip a beat.

An entertaining little mystery that is really just excuses to get Kasey and Jackson together for some sweet moments that are as fun as they are romantic. Everyone in this story is a character in the sense that they are unique and eccentric, so there were moments when they felt a little too close to being caricatures instead of people. However, it gets a bit of a pass because it's fun and silly while touching on the very serious issue of women who have to live with (and survive) bad husbands.

Overall, a perfectly enjoyable romance that was great while reading, but not particularly memorable. The equivalent of a popcorn movie.

Very happy thanks to NetGalley and Avon for the fun read!

Kasey wasn't my favorite main character but I liked the story otherwise. I would read another book from this author.

DNF at 28%

I loved the premise of this book: cozy mystery meets romance with lots of baking references sprinkled throughout. Unfortunately, it just didn’t land for me once I started reading. I couldn’t stand the main character (and it was told from her perspective so this was a major issue) and the plot was slow and felt disorganized at times. I loved the cozy mystery elements, especially the parts that featured Gram and Celia, but surprisingly, I found myself disliking the romance, so ultimately, I felt like I couldn't push through it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager/Avon for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

Oh, what a fun time this was! Kasey is a frustratingly relatable main character. While she's far too avoidant for me, it's understandable why she's the human equivalent of a ball of twisted up rubber bands. She's aimless, but not without reason, and her love of pastries makes her my honorary sister. Kasey's quasi-parental figures, Mags and Celia, provide such nuance to the narrative. Their backstories are dark, but they never feel like they're there for shock value. They represent the startling reality that women frequently face in their lives and it's thoughtfully approached. Then there's my darling Jackson. Straight away, I was truly charmed by him. He and Kasey have such magnetism as a duo with absolutely crackling banter and chemistry. What's most satisfying about their relationship arc is Kasey's realization of how they perfectly compliment each other in the most natural way. Genuinely, obsessed with them and Kasey's entire Winston-Salem world. Such an engaging and entertaining writing style.

4.5 stars rounded down

I found this book to be such a fun read. I picked this book up because I was in need of a change of pace from all of the mysteries and thrillers that I usually am reading. It was a great choice. Kasey was a fun main characters to read about even when the choices she made made me cringe at times. And her grandmother Mags was just perfection. I loved the relationship between them as well as her grandmother's partner Celia. The three of them together were hilarious at times. While reading I was constantly trying to figure out how Kasey was going to get herself out of the mess that she had gotten herself into. Add into all of that the mystery of what was really going on with her grandmother's business and a developing romance to equal out to one really great read. I haven't seen anyone really talking about this one on here (meaning Instagram) which is a shame. It's such a fun read perfect for spring or summer reading.

Readers who enjoy romances and especially romances with a thread of humor to them should pick this book up. I'm really looking forward to reading more by this author after enjoying this one so much. 4.5 stars overall but rounding down on Goodreads.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher. Honest thoughts are my own.

Super quick read, this was a cozy mystery with an equal amount of romance. It was like reading a Hallmark mystery where it's predictable but keeps you reading to see how we get there. While this type of mystery isn't exactly my cup of tea, the fact that it was well-written and had a witty FMC kept me reading. Will be recommending to my mom and her friends-- definitely their speed!
Sincere thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the chance to read this book in exchange for my honest review!

This took me a bit to get into, and unfortunately, I think it was too slow. I liked the concept but was so annoyed with Jackson for most of the beginning, and honestly, Kasey too. Loved Mags and Celia, though, and thought they were entertaining. This one just wasn't for me, but I think if you're looking for a funky cozy mystery with a bit of romance you may enjoy!

This is a fun romp that will keep you wondering what’s next. Dimon’s characterizations were spot on, though Kasey did drive me crazy when she kept not having an adult conversation. Best enjoyed with a large glass of sweet tea.
4 stars

This was exactly the book I needed right now! It’s part mystery, part romance, and all about family drama in the best way making this a FIVE STAR read for me!

Kasey Nottingham, a 26-year-old trying to prove herself at work, pitches her grandma’s dessert business, Mags’ Desserts, as a possible investment without talking to her grandma ahead of time.

When she travels to her hometown to see her grandma and casually throws the idea out there, she finds out her grandma and her partner Celia aren’t just disinterested, they are hell-bent against the idea of it!

While in back in her small hometown, she uncovers some suspicious secrets, including rumors that someone’s been using pies to poison abusive men.

With the help of Celia’s smart (and very attractive) nephew Jackson, Kasey has to figure out what’s really going on—without getting anyone hurt.

Once again, I was able to read the ARC before requesting the audiobook and I just LOVE doing that! I request any and all audiobook that go with the ARC’s because I feel it adds something so magical and creates a more immersive experience. The voice actress, Mia Barron, did a phenomenal job breathing life into all of the characters!

Thank you to HelenKay Dimon, Avon Books, Harper Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and listen to this AMAZING book in exchange for a review!

A solid 3 star read. It would have been 4 star if not for certain parts of the story felt rushed. This book made me laugh at times although it does mention domestic violence and spousal abuse. Revenge is an underling theme.
********************************I received an ARC for my honest opinion from NetGalley. *****************

Kasey hates her job and knows she is going to get fired. She just doesn't know what else to do with her life. Blurting out an idea based on her grandmother and her grandmother's special friend's baking business, she is shocked when the big boss is intrigued with the idea. Heading home to scout out her grandmother's feelings on selling, she is visiting on borrowed time. Her immediate supervisor shows up to prove that her idea has not merit and her long-time crush Jackson surprisingly shows up to back her up.

Very fun read in the vein of Jesse Q. Suntanto's "Aunties" series. Shocking family secrets plus a little matchmaking with a dab of getting one over on the boss makes for a great summer read.

I ended up enjoying this even more than I expected. Loved the relationship between Mags and Celia. And I loved how Kasey figured out who she was along the way. Jackson was a lovely foil for Kasey's more free-spirited personality while still loving her for who she is. I was a little surprised by the darker backstory of Mags, but perhaps I shouldn't have been given the murder mentioned upfront.

What do you get when you mix grandma's pie, small-town secrets, and a dash of murder? A perfectly baked cozy mystery you won't want to put down!

This book was a total delight! Funny, heartwarming, and full of surprises (three of my favorite things hehe) At first glance, it feels like your typical cozy mystery with small-town charm, a bit of family drama, and a slow-burn romance. But what really sets it apart is the powerful thread of female resilience and justice woven through every page.

Kasey, a lovable mess trying to save her career, impulsively pitches her grandma's pie business to her boss without their knowledge. The business, "Mags' Desserts" is run by her sharp, spirited grandma Mags and her equally fierce best friend, Celia. These two women have already survived life's worst: deadbeat husbands, financial hardship, and the weight of being underestimated. Now they run a successful, word-of-mouth dessert shop ~ with secrets literally locked behind closed cabinets.

As Kasey starts her amateur investigation, she realizes the business isn't just about pies. There's a darker, morally complex layer beneath it all: a string of mysterious deaths involving abusive men, all somehow connected to dessert deliveries from the dessert shop. The story raises a fascinating question; what if vigilante justice is the only justice some women ever get?

The story explores this moral grey area with a light touch but doesn't shy away from the deeper themes of female empowerment, found family, and women reclaiming control of their lives. Mags and Celia aren't just side characters, they are the heart of the story, showing what strength looks like in everyday moments and quiet defiance.

Add in the growing romance between Kasey and Jackson (Celia's sweet and sensible nephew), lots of playful banter, and some seriously mouthwatering dessert descriptions, and you have got the perfect cozy mystery for readers who love stories about justice, love, and unapologetically strong women!

If you are looking for a feel-good, fast-paced read that balances humor with heart and features women taking matters into their own hands, The Usual Family Mayhem is a slice of exactly that! 💙

Pies! That was the first thing that came to mind when Kasey was asked to pitch an idea at an office meeting. Kasey had been working for the company that developed business ideas for four months and the pressure was on to finally make a pitch. If she wanted to keep her job she had to think of something. What was better than two elderly ladies who baked mouthwatering pies and cupcakes. The business she described was owned by her grandmother and Aunt Celia. Now she had to travel home and try to convince them to sell their business, knowing that they never would. When she arrives, she gets the feeling that something is off. She is afraid that they may be having money trouble so she begins to snoop into their business. What she discovers leads her to believe that the ladies are selling more than their baked goods. There are stars next to some customers’ names, one of whom lost her husband right after receiving a pie. Kasey takes her suspicions to Jackson, a lawyer who happens to be Celia’s nephew. Kasey grew up with Jackson and he has always been a friend. Now that they are older there is an attraction that she tries to deny, but he makes that very difficult. As she dodges questions from Gran about her sudden visit and interest in the business, she also has to find a way to avoid her boss, who has shown up for a progress report.

Kasey is a liar and constantly makes plans to avoid trouble. She dropped out of law school and has had trouble settling into a job for any amount of time as she tries to find her niche. She was raised by Grams after her mother was killed by her abusive father. Grams and Celia have also both experienced abusive marriages. Their goal now is to help women who find themselves in a similar situation. Kasey’s goal, however, is to keep the women safe and out of jail. With two very nosey but lovable seniors, a kitchen filled with the scent of baking and a possible murder, HelenKay Dimon provides more than just The Usual Family Mayhem. I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House - Dial Press for providing this book.

3.5 rounded to 4 of 5 stars
Kasey is desperate for an idea to pitch to her company's investors. She decides to pitch her grandmother's pie shop "Mag's Desserts", but Mags and her partner, Celia, don't want anything to do with this idea. Kasey needs to keep her boss from realizing that the women aren't interested. What Kasey discovers is that Mags and Celia have a very big secret. Kasey, who has a big crush on Celia's nephew, Jackson together look into this secret, and wonder if their relatives are responsible for the deaths of abusive husbands in the community.
A rom-com with a different twist, and some funny moments.

Many readers are likely to alternate between recognition and exasperation at the familiar family dynamics in Dimon's latest, and relief that the straits 20-something Kasey Nottingham places herself in are strictly fictional. Kasey's well-intended floundering to establish a sustainable career puts her at odds with both her employer and her beloved grandmother; she is aided and obstructed in her efforts to resolve the difficult situation before a deadline by both her relatives and her own worst impulses. A fun low-stakes outing.

The Usual Family Mayhem is a cute, cozy and fun mystery read that will leave readers hungry (the bakery business alone-swoon) but satisfied. Featuring a cast of charming characters (Mags alone could have her own novel), Southern baking and HelenKay Dimon's storytelling, this novel is about more than solving a potential murder mystery. It's about chosen family, finding your own passion and challenging the norm. Pick this one up if you are looking for redemptive cozy mystery!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

I loved this! It was honestly so cute and I loved the idea of grandmothers poisoning people.
I thought that the characters were well developed, and I really rooted for Kasey, even if she was a little bit of a mess.