Book Review: Southern Sass & Killer Cravings by Kate Young

For generations, the women of the Brown family on Peach Cove Island have been known for their Southern sass and sweet homemade desserts at their beloved Peach Diner. Since their mother's passing two years ago, Marygene has been stuck in Atlanta while her sister Jena Lynn has been running the family business. Now Marygene has left her husband and returned to her hometown, where she can almost feel Mama's presence.

But all is not peachy back home. Marygene has barely tied on an apron when a diner regular drops dead at the counter. When it turns out the old man's been poisoned, Jena Lynn is led away in handcuffs and the family eatery is closed. Now, to save her sister and the diner, Marygene must find the real killer. With some startling assistance from her Mama's spirit, Marygene will be serving up a special order of just desserts . . .[summary via Amazon]

Summer is for reading cozy mysteries set by the sea! This setting is fast becoming my favourite as I've read several wonderful "island" mysteries lately, including the Seaside Cafe Mysteries by Bree Baker and the Cookie House Mysteries by Eve Calder. After finishing Southern Sass and Killer Cravings I can now add another wonderful "island" mystery series to the list!

Marygene is returning home to Peach Cove Island, recovering from an abusive marriage. She's ready to help her sister, Jena Lynn, with the baking at her family cafe, the Peach Diner. However, not all goes to plan when Jena Lynn inadvertently poisons a customer, who moments later turns up dead. Now it's up to Marygene to clear her sister's name and find the real killer.

From the first page I was instantly charmed by Southern Charm and Killer Cravings. For me, southern charm and island delights are the perfect pairing, and I'm happy to report that Kate Young does this combo justice with the first Marygene Brown Mystery.

I like Marygene. She's still licking her wounds from a terrible marriage, but she's all about family and she's determined to find a killer and clear her sister's name. Her adventure is somewhat complicated by her father, who she has a rocky relationship with, and is the Sheriff, and ex-boyfriend and now Deputy, Alex. However her best friend, Betsy, is by her side and ready to get them into lots of trouble!! All of these fun characters combined to create one of the best "firsts" I've read in a while. This was absolutely unputdownable!

If you love books oozing with southern charm, and mouth-watering treats, then you should race to your nearest bookstore/library and grab a copy of Southern Sass and Killer Cravings. It's a charming mystery that will keep you up late, as you try to devour it in one sitting! I absolutely can't wait for the next one!