S'more Murders

Maya Corrigan

Jul 2018 · A Five-Ingredient Mystery Book 5 · Kensington Cozies

About this ebook

A sleuthing chef tries to keep her head above water when her Titanic-themed dinner turns into a prelude to murder—from the author of The Tell-Tale Tarte.

Managing a fitness club café and collaborating on a cookbook with her grandfather are Val Deniston's usual specialties, but she's about to set sail into nearby Chesapeake Bay—straight into a murder case . . .

Since catering themed events is a good way to make extra cash, Val agrees to board the Titanic—or at least cater a re-creation of the doomed journey on a yacht. The owner of the yacht, who collects memorabilia related to the disaster, wants Val to serve the last meal the Titanic passengers ate . . . while his guests play a murder-mystery game. But it is the final feast for one passenger who disappears from the ship. And that's only the tip of the iceberg.

Now Val has to reel in a killer before s'more murders go down . . .

Includes delicious five-ingredient recipes!

Praise for the Five-Ingredient Mysteries

“Cozy mystery readers will love the puzzle and the enjoyable look into this small tourist town by the sea.” —Nancy Coco, author of the Candy-Coated Mysteries

“Suspects abound and the puzzle solution is deftly handled in this charming cozy . . . With recipes included, this is definitely a starter for fans of Diane Mott Davidson, Lou Jane Temple, and Virginia Rich.” —Library Journal

“Corrigan keeps her simple mixture of pleasant characters, murder, and recipes in the oven.” —Kirkus Reviews

Ratings and reviews

Entertaining Cozy Murder Mystery I really enjoyed this book. This is part of the Five-Ingredient Mystery series. I would say that it stands alone well as I have not yet read any of the other books. That will be remedied soon as they are next up! This story revolves around a rich guy who is throwing a 'Remember The Titanic' party on his yacht. Our main character is the caterer who is serving the same 10-course meal that was served at the Captain's table on that ill-fated night. Things do not go as planned and that is where the real murder mystery comes in. The plot is very well done with plenty of suspects with more motives being uncovered all of the time. The final denouement is exciting in that I was way off the mark on this one! The food part of the book is great and not overbearing in the least. I really enjoyed the history part as I also have some souvenirs from the Cunard Ship Lines (no, not the Titanic) so I could easily picture the scenes. I truly enjoyed this book. The author has a fluid way of writing that made the book go quickly. I am sorry that I had this on my nightstand for so long before reading it!

S’more Murders by Maya Corrigan is the fifth novel in A Five-Ingredient Mystery series. Val Dennison has been hired to cater a special dinner hosted by Otto Warbeck who is a collector of Titanic memorabilia. He wants Val to recreate the last dinner served on the Titanic on his yacht, Abyss. It is a ten-course meal for eight guests and he insists it be held in a few days on Saturday, April 14 (the anniversary of the Titanic’s sinking). Val is reluctant to take this particular job, but the money she will earn will pay for the repairs needed to Granddad’s home (those blasted termites). On Saturday Val, Bethany and Granddad board the Abyss and begin their dinner preparations while the yacht heads out into open water. Bethany oversees the s’more appetizers requested by Otto’s wife, Cheyenne. After they sit down for dinner, Otto announces he has created a mystery game for them to play while they eat (he even has scripts). The water becomes choppy due to a storm, the pilot of the yacht is in distress and Otto cannot be found. Val, with the help of her friends, dives into the case. There are eight suspects with motive to harm the victim. Val wades through the clues with the hopes of spearing a killer. S’more Murders is nicely written, and it has some interesting characters. I find that Grandad (Don Myer) steals the show from Val. He is an eccentric and gregarious older gentleman with a zest for life. Val came across as bland and I am not a fan of her boyfriend, Gunnar. Gunnar is an amateur actor who wishes to expand his skills. He is contemplating a change and Val wonders how she will fit in with his plans. Personally, I would wish Gunnar good luck on his new venture and look for a boyfriend who is more compatible. I would like to see the author flesh out Val’s character and have her grow as a person. The mystery was intriguing with multiple suspects and misdirection. I think that many readers will be surprised when the full solution is revealed. I could have done with less speculation and rehashing of the clues (it gets old). I did find the pace to be a little slow, and I had trouble staying invested in the story (my attention wandered). Val whips up some delectable foods in the story and the descriptions will have your mouth watering (and your stomach growling). I like how friends and family come together to help and care for each other. S’more Murders can be read alone if you are new to the series. Welcome aboard Val’s high seas adventure in S’more Murders.

About the author

Maya Corrigan lives near Washington, D.C., within easy driving distance of Maryland's Eastern Shore, the setting for this series. She has taught courses in writing, detective fiction, and American literature at Georgetown University and NOVA community college. A winner of the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense, she has published essays on drama and short stories under her full name of Mary Ann Corrigan. Visit her at mayacorrigan.com.