Murder and Marinara
Rosie Genova writes what she knows, she is a Jersey Girl, an author, and she loves good food! Wonder if these characters are based on her family…Victoria did the unexpected when she left the family business behind, moved to New York and became a very successful mystery author. Now she is back to do a little research to write a non-fiction book about her heritage but she is barely unpacked before she is wrapped up in a murder investigation. Everyone thinks because she writes mysteries she can solve this one. The man died in her family’s restaurant so she feels obligated to do what she can but putting herself in danger was never on the menu.
Victoria is a strong protagonist and with her sister-in-law (SIL) as her sidekick what could go wrong….
The entire family dynamic is what makes me love this story. Her Nonna is quite a woman and she is not letting Victoria off easy when she returns. Victoria wants to learn to cook the family recipes and she finds herself planting tomatoes and working as a waitress. Her parents are involved with the restaurant but leave all the decisions to Nonna. Victoria’s brother, Danny, does not work at the restaurant either, but he is a police officer and Nonna finds that a reputable profession unlike that of being an author. I think she hates her family being separated more than anything.
In addition to the family there is sous chef Tim who just happens to be Victoria’s old boyfriend and is an honorary family member. Victoria thinks her Nonna loves him more than her own grandchildren. :) And there is Cal, a carpenter doing work at Casa Lido. He is not from Jersey and he is very secretive about his past but there is nothing secret about his feelings for Victoria.
Genova takes this characters and places them on the beautiful Jersey shore and stirs them all together in a very tasty story. The mystery is complex and keeps the reader engaged with each twist and turn. But I can’t forget the food. I swear I could smell the marinara sauce emanating from the pages and I was so hungry by the time I finished. Thankfully she includes recipes!
