Dollycas’s Thoughts

Is there anything better than brunch? The people of Old Town Alexandria don’t think so. Everyone wants to hold one, and Domestic Diva Sophie Winston is ready to help them succeed. She is very busy, but when local designer Mitzi Lawson asks for her help, she can’t say no. Mitzi thinks someone is following her, and then Denise Nofsinger, her best friend and business partner, is found dead in the Inger House by Sophie. It is an old family home that Denise and her husband have inherited, and Mitzi was helping her renovate. At first, the death appears to be a medical accident, but it is soon determined to be murder, and Mitzi is afraid she could be next.

Sophie wants to know what happened as much as Mitzi, so she encourages her to tell the police about her fears. But then she goes missing after a frantic call to Sophie.

Could Mitzi be involved in Denise’s death? Or was she the next victim? Could someone upset about the inheritance be to blame? While Sophie gets ready for a big, important brunch that Natasha roped her into, she tries to find the missing designer and a killer.

I love this series.

Catching up with Sophie, Mars, Nina, Bernie, and even Natasha is always a good time. Ms. Davis has crafted such genuine characters with depth. They continue to grow with each story. In The Diva Poaches a Bad Egg she introduces the Inger Nofsinger family. Helena is at the helm of the family’s real estate business where several family members are employed. Robbie and his wife, Mary, were up next to inhabit the family home, but Mary would rather be in the country with her rescued horses. Mike is their son and is married to interior designer Denise. She was excited about renovating and moving into the Inger House. These characters were interesting and cleverly written. It was easy to be drawn into their family drama. We were also treated to a short visit by Holly Miller from the author’s Paws & Claws Mystery Series.

I really enjoyed that Mars’ Aunt Faye was remembered in this story and that we learned more about her past. She was an incredibly strong woman for the time, and admired for the way she affected people’s lives. Sophie now lives in her home. She bought out the house from Mars when they divorced. A picture of Aunt Faye hangs in the kitchen. Sophie feels the woman is watching over the goings-on in the house.

The mystery had a plethora of suspects. Sophie and her crew gathered around her kitchen table for some delicious meals while they went over the clues, threw out a few theories, and planned how to move the investigation forward. Ms. Davis filled the story with some fine twists and surprises. Clues were revealed at a perfect pace. Sophie was able to have people open up to her about things that happened decades ago, but were relevant to the current happenings. A found item answers a huge question after the killer is revealed. My eyes were glued to the pages as everything played out and was explained.

As always, the letters to Sophie and Natasha at the beginning of each chapter are fun. Sophie gives great common-sense, down-to-earth advice, while Natasha’s advice reveals more diva-ish. Both reflect the women’s personalities so well.

The book also includes 14 recipes appropriate for brunch or really anytime. Our family loves breakfast for our evening meal. Eggs Benedict, Sophie’s Butternut Squash Sheet Pan Breakfast, Quick and Easy Baked Pears, Frittata for a Crowd, and Apple Cider Mimosas are just a few that your family and friends would enjoy.

The Diva Poaches a Bad Egg is a fabulous addition to this fantastic, long-running series. 18 books so far, I just can’t get enough! Each book becomes my new favorite. I will be anxiously awaiting book #19! I can’t wait to see what the author has in mind for Sophie and her friends next.

I highly recommend this entire series, and you can jump in anywhere because the author provides details so you won’t feel lost, but I bet you won’t be able to read just one.

The Diva Poaches a Bad Egg by Krista Davis is the 18th installment in the Domestic Diva Mystery series. I have read all of the previous installments in this series, and I always look forward to reading the latest addition (and rereading the previous books, too!) I absolutely love returning to Old Town and reuniting with this cast of characters, especially our lead, Sophie Winston. The Diva Poaches a Bad Egg did not disappoint! The mystery was well-developed and provided plenty of twists and turns that resulted in a satisfying conclusion. The autumnal vibes and learning more about Aunt Faye made reading this all the more enjoyable. I already cannot wait to return to Old Town to solve another mystery alongside Sophie and her lovable friends and family.

5.0/5.0 stars!

Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of The Diva Poaches a Bad Egg by Krista Davis. My comments are an independent, honest review.

I always enjoy Sophie's mysteries. When Sophie's friend, Mitzi, asks Sophie for help, she is glad to help. But when she shows up, she finds a dead body. The person is Mitzi's business partner. It all revolves around a house they were redecorating, and the business partner was going to move into. The house has been in the family for many years. When someone else is found dead in the house and a skeleton is found closed up in the wall, it is up to Sophie to find the murderer. She even digs up some old family secrets. Is it one of the family members? Is it an outsider? Will the killer come after Sophie?

When a friend is suspected of killing her business partner, Sophie and the gang are on the case. But when you said friend disappears, the gang is trying to solve more than just a murder. Who would want to kill an interior decorator and why? That’s what Sophie and the gang aim to find out without becoming targets for the killer.

I fell in love with cozy mysteries while reading one of the books in this series. This is what changed everything for me. Not only this series, but everything that this author writes is a grand slam as far as I’m concerned.

This is one of those mysteries where everyone seems to be a red herring and they all want to accuse each other. I found it quite enjoyable, though I was still able to figure out whodunit despite a lot of misdirection.

Sophie Winston, an advice columnist and event planner, gets roped into a clandestine meeting with an interior designer after a brief encounter at a design convention she put together. When she arrives at the meeting site, a little early, she finds the designer's partner unresponsive on the floor of the meeting home. Unfortunately, she is too late to save the woman, the daughter/granddaughter-in-law of a prominent family in her suburb. No one understands why this woman was killed because she appeared to have no enemies. That doesn't stop the constant finger pointing within the family and Sophie is asked to find out who really "dunit." The motive goes back farther than anyone thought.

I read this book in one sitting. All the delicious food they make in these diva series makes me so hungry! I want to know the size of Sophie's freezer that she has all this food she can whip out and cook up in a matter of minutes. I wish I had her motivation. I love the friendly rivalry between Sophie and Natasha, though sometimes I think Natasha is more mean than she is portrayed to be.

I look forward to more books in this charming series. My thanks to Kensington Cozies and Netgalley for this ARC.

One of my top 5 series of all time and this one did not disappoint. This installment had a little bit of a different vibe for me but not in a negative way. I felt the crimes and reasons were a little more sinister, which I found very interesting. There was a historical element that shined a light on Aunt Faye and I was happy to learn more about her and what kind of force she truly was.

Can I please, please, please just say how much I want to be friends with Sophie, Nina, Mars, and Bernie?!?!?!

I was happy to see names like Francie and Humphrey mentioned in this book. I hope they come back soon.

OHHHH and a shout out to a guest appearance (no spoilers) but I sure hope there is a crossover in the future.

I rated this book 4.5/5 stars. The only reason for the less than perfect rating was that I did not like how dismissive Wolf and Wong were in this book.

I, of course, cannot wait for more!

I had the digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. I had the audio copy via Hoopla. Hillary Huber is my favorite narrator and she truly brings these characters to life. I will always recommend this series on audio and everything she narrates.

Bring on nook 19!!!

What a wild and tangled bunch of secrets and family drama Sophie stumbled into when an interior designer asked her to help find who killed her business partner. It’s always fun when Sophie sleuths with her friends either all together or usually just her and Nina or Sophie, Mars and Bernie.

When another body turned up along with a surprise found at a wealthy family home, Sophie and her pals had their work cut out for them. In true Sophie style, she quite literally beat the killer in the showdown. The story ended with all the explanations and everyone having a good time sharing food and fellowship.

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

Krista Davis returns with the latest installment in her long-running cozy mystery series (18 books and counting), featuring Sophie Winston. Living in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, Sophie’s job as an event coordinator brings her in touch with a diverse population in the Washington, DC, area. Luckily, the most interesting people live hear Sophie in Alexandria. These include her ex-husband, Mars, and best friend, Nina. Oh, and her frenemy, Natasha, makes another appearance.
In this outing, Sophie’s concluding a major event in DC when she encounters a fellow Alexandria resident, Mitzi, who wants a surreptitious chat the next morning at a historic property near Sophie’s home. Unfortunately, upon Sophie’s arrival, she discovers Mitzi’s dead partner on the floor and no Mitzi. This puts Sophie in the middle of both current and a historic mystery. Aided by her friends, Sophie’s up for yet another challend as the Domestic Diva.
I always enjoy this series. I will caveat that, in this one, you do have to suspend a bit of disbelief about them leaving skeletal remains instead of waiting for the police to arrive. While the reason moves the plot forward, this does beggar belief, given Sophie’s friendships with the local police.

The Diva Poaches a Bad Egg is book #18 in the Domestic Diva Mystery series by Krista Davis.

I want to be one of Sophie’s friends! She is so good at entertaining them at a moment’s notice. I enjoy how each chapter starts with a question for Sophie or Natasha. In this book, we learn more about Mars’ Aunt Faye. The mystery was interesting and kept me guessing until the reveal. As much as I enjoy the mysteries in the series, my favorite part is the characters: Sophie, Mars, Nina, Nina, Bernie, Natasha, Wolf, Wong, Francie, Daisy, and Mochie. Each book is like an annual get together with a group of friends. The way they treat each other and always there to support each other is wonderful! This book is a few hours of an entertaining escape from reality. I recommend this book and the entire series.

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.

The Diva Poaches a Bad Egg is the eighteenth cozy mystery in the A Domestic Diva Mystery series. Sophie Winston is in the middle of juggling events when Mitzi Lawson reaches out to her afraid someone is following her. Right after Mitzi contacts Sophie her business partner winds up dead. After finding the body, Sophie takes a personal interest in the case when it’s declared a murder. With the help of her friends Sophie is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery before it’s too late.

I have loved this series since I started reading it and this newest book didn’t disappoint. I love Sophie so much and she really makes this series for me. The supporting characters are also all really great and add so much to this series. This mystery pulled me in from the beginning and didn’t let me go until the secrets had been unraveled. I really enjoyed how everything tied together in the end. This is one of my all time favorite cozy mystery series and I really loved this book as well. I can’t wait to see if anything else comes for Sophie and her friends!

Krista Davis has yet to do any wrong by this series. Great setting- I loved the detailed descriptions of a historic home in this one- and the usual cast of characters enchant.

“One never knew what secrets people had and what they might be willing to do to protect them.”

I’ve loved every book I’ve read in the Domestic Diva Mystery series, but I think The Diva Poaches a Bad Egg might be my new favorite. And I think it’s because every single one of my guesses was wrong as far as whodunit and why. I know, that sounds weird, but I just mean that the twists and turns in this one really kept me on my toes and fully engaged in the story because they were so surprising. I thought for sure I knew who the victim would be. Nope. Then I thought for sure I knew who the killer was. Nope again, because that person winds up dead, too. I guessed (incorrectly) a couple more times before finally settling back and enjoying the reveals as they came. My mind still whirred with possibilities, though. I just didn’t voice anything officially after my third or fourth strike haha.

One of the things I love most about this series, besides the amiable and down-to-earth Sophie, is the fact that it’s set in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. This translates into homes that have compelling histories, like the Inger House in this particular book. And when you have houses with compelling histories, especially those long-owned by prominent and wealthy families, you have settings that are ready-made for mysteries. Such is certainly the case in The Diva Poaches a Bad Egg. Secrets, murders, a missing person, a possible affair… all somehow rooted in the Inger House… Sophie just keeps uncovering layer after layer and drawing me deeper into the investigation right along with her. And the house becomes its own character in a sense, which I loved. Of course this is all happening while she’s preparing to host a brunch that will filmed for a TV show, so also be prepared to battle food cravings with all the delectable dishes she whips up for her friends and acquaintances. (Seriously, I need a friend like Sophie who will cook yummy food for me no matter when I stop by!)

Bottom Line: The Diva Poaches a Bad Egg by Krista Davis blends stunning twists, engaging characters, and family secrets, along with decor tips and delicious recipes as only a cozy mystery can do. It’s always fun to hang out with Sophie, Mars, Bernie, Nina, Mochie, Daisy, Wolf, and Wong on the pages of a Domestic Diva Mystery, and this latest installment is no exception. The supporting characters also really intrigued me this time around, and so did all the different layers to the murders Sophie is trying to help Wolf and Wong solve. In fact, while I had just started to decide I knew whodunit when Sophie does the same, I was still honestly expecting it to turn out to be someone(s) else in the end. As a bonus, if you’ve read other books in this series and wondered about Sophie’s ex Mars’ Aunt Faye whose portrait hangs in what’s now Sophie’s house, you will enjoy getting to know more of her story in this book, too! I loved the role Faye played in the plot, right down to the very last word, despite having passed away long ago. Clever writing all around!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

THE DIVA POACHES A BAD EGG is the eighteenth book in the Domestic Diva Mysteries by Krista Davis. I just adore revisiting Old Town Alexandria and catching up with protagonist event planner Sophie Winston and her pals. I especially enjoy her close friendship with her BFF, Nina, and her ex-husband and co-dog parent, Mars. They show how to support each other no matter the circumstances, and their banter brings a lightness to the story. The author keeps each new installment in the series fresh and inviting with the various themes, and this newest book is no exception. I also greatly enjoy the advice column starters to every chapter, with Sophie answering some of them and her frenemy, Natasha, answering others. It gives a good glimpse of the personalities of both women and you can’t help but admire Sophie and her genuine good nature. This series is a strong example of a character driven cozy mystery, and while you can read this as a standalone, it’s been a joy following along with Sophie over the course of the series and seeing the growth of the individuals.

This time around, it seems interior designers are being targeted by a killer. One of Sophie’s friends, Mitzi, is fearful of her life after her business partner was murdered, and begs Sophie for help. When Mitzi disappears, Sophie and her pals put their heads together to try to find her and find out who might be targeting the interior designer. There are twists and some surprises I didn’t see coming that kept me on my toes. The author keeps the pace on track, interspersed with strategy sessions around meals, to discuss clues and share what the friends know. As the pieces fell into place and the culprit was apprehended, the details of why the crimes were committed were brought to light, going back decades. The author does a wonderful job weaving the old with the new, and bringing the story to a cohesive and satisfying conclusion.

The Diva Poaches a Bad Egg by Krista Davis has Sophie Winston trying to solve a murder case and a stalking case while working her own job.

Can Sophie keep Mitzi from going into hysteria over this?

Sophie Winston
Sophie Winston tries to stay busy with her advice column and her catering business. She doesn't want to get involved in another murder investigation—except our sleuth always ends up getting involved. Sophie is getting a lot better at her investigations and always thinks of things that don't make sense. I still like Sophie a lot, and I learn some things about cooking from her. Sophie does have a hard time saying no to people, and that is something that I can relate to.

The Mystery
Mitzi Lawson approached Sophie Winston during a convention to meet at Mitzi's client's house to talk. Sophie found Mitzi's business partner and current client, Denise. Mitzi thinks she may be next and does not want to be seen or talk to the police, which makes it hard for Sophie to talk to her. Sophie had a hard time with this one, and I was surprised at who did it. I didn't see it coming.

Five Stars
My rating for The Diva Poaches a Bad Egg by Krista Davis is five stars. I love coming back to Old Town Alexandria to be with Sophie, Mars, Nina, and the others to solve a new crime. Ms. Davis is an awesome writer, and I always love to imagine the places in the stories and the wonderful food she talks about. Escaping the heat to cool off in the fall in Virginia is nice and short-lived.

Ms. Davis has recipes in the back of the book. The recipes are Eggs Benedict, Sophie's Butternut Squash Sheet Pan Breakfast, Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin, Hazel's Doughnut Holes, Frittata for a Crowd, Applesauce Spice Sheet Cake with Caramel Frosting, Pumpkin Spice Ice-Cream Roll, Easy Baked Apple Parfaits, Quick and Easy Baked Pears, Apple Sharlotka, Sweetened Whipped Cream, Apple Cider Mimosas, and Pumpkin Spice Brunch Coffee.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of The Diva Poaches a Bad Egg by Krista Davis.

Until the next time,
Karen the Baroness

If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out Baroness Book Trove.

The Diva Poaches a Bad Egg by Krista Davis Is the eighteenth A Domestic Diva Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series or who may have missed a book (or two) along the way. Each chapter begins with a letter from a reader asking either Natasha or Sophie for advice regarding various household dilemmas (how many throw pillows is the right amount for example). As you would expect, Sophie offers helpful, friendly advice while Natasha’s reveals her character. I like all but one of the characters in this series (Natasha grates on my nerves after a while). I enjoyed catching up Sophie, Bernie, Nina, Mars, and the rest of the gang as well as the darling fur babies. I like the setting of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. I can envision the area thanks to the author’s vivid descriptions. The mystery had several suspects, some twists and turns, and a red herring or two. The story had a slow start, but the pacing picks up as the story progresses. I was delighted with Holly Miller’s cameo appearance (from A Paws & Claws Mysteries). It was nice to learn more about Faye, Mars’ deceased aunt, who used to own Sophie’s home (I’m glad Sophie got the home in the divorce). There are delectable food descriptions throughout the story (recipes at the end of the book). The Diva Poaches a Bad Egg is a charming cozy with scrumptious brunch recipes, a possible stalker, a dead decorator, shared canine custody, a fearsome Mitzi, odd occurrences, and a historic house.

Is someone targeting interior designers in Alexandria VA? That's the problem on Sophie's hands after first one then another is murdered. This latest in the long running series will be fine as a standalone because it's a classic cozy with recipes and decorating tips as well as a villain. I like that each chapter starts with a letter asking for advice. Sophie is a treat as are her friends. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. An easy read for fans of the genre.

4.25 stars
This is one of my favorite cozy series. I love the setting (Old Town Alexandria, Virginia as well as the characters. Although I'm not a fan of Natasha, I do love the rest of the main characters. I love event planner Sophie and her best friends Nina, Bernie, and Mars, who is also Sophie's ex-husband. They have a wonderful comradery whether they're just hanging out together or solving a case. In this book, they investigate the death of a local interior designer and how it might be related to events from the past.

This story involves a brunch that Natasha has convinced Sophie and Nina to help with. There are many descriptions of dishes that sound so good, along with recipes for many of them at the end of the book.

I also really like the clover format. Each chapter begins with a letter asking for advice on various domestic dilemmas and are answered by either main character Sophie Winston or her frenemy Natasha. The letters in this book are all related to the topic of brunch and the difference in tone and advice between Sophie and Natasha highlight their differences with Sophie being kind and down-to-earth and Natasha being self-centered and materialistic.

I enjoyed this book overall. I think it starts out a little slow, but definitely picks up as the book continues. In addition to the regular characters, fans of the author's Paws and Claws series will appreciate the cameo appearance by Holly Miller. In addition, Faye, the deceased aunt of Mars, plays an important role in this story. I highly recommend this cozy series.

I received an advance review copy from Kensington Books, Kensington Cozies, and NetGalley, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

I really enjoyed this book because it's more than just a mystery book. It gives you some great recipes and decoration tips too. I'm always learning something new on how to entertain at home.

I love a trip back to Sophie Winston's world!

The latest adventure is a good one.

"Stylish brunches are all the rage this autumn in Old Town Alexandria, and everyone’s posting their parties on social media. But while Domestic Diva Sophie Winston juggles her event-filled calendar, she’s approached by local designer Mitzi Lawson—who is afraid someone is following her. The very next day Mitzi loses her best friend and business partner, Denise. The two were renovating a generations-old house where Denise died unexpectedly, and Mitzi fears that it wasn’t a medical condition to blame, but murder."

Sophie's knack for solving crimes continues to gain traction in her Virginia town and now people seek her out to help solve murders as they pop up.

In this one, there's a lot of support from her usual team of pals-- Mars, Bernie and Nina. Any previous hints of romance rekindling with Mars are not mentioned here at all and I still want it!

Natasha is also back to her original form. I am still missing Francie.

The mystery is kind of meh. I figured out some aspects of it and was underwhelmed by other aspects. But it was just nice to be back in Old Town.

Sophie gets tangled up with an interior designer, Mitzi, whose partner Sophie finds dead in an older home in the area.. While Mitzi is sure she is next, Sophie works to keep her safe. When another designer is found dead in the same house, the mystery grows. A great read which tells us a lot about Aunt Faye and paints Natasha in a softer light. It takes all of Sophie's group of friends to help solve the murders and the identity of a skeleton found in the same house. Well written and wonderful recipes at the end of the book. Can't wait for the next adventure!
Thanks to netgalley for an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.