Here Comes the Body (A Catering Hall Mystery #1) by Maria DiRico

Here Comes the Body

(A Catering Hall Mystery #1)

by Maria DiRico

Kindle Edition

Expected publication: February 25th 2020 by Kensington

Goodreads synopsis: 

After her philandering husband’s boat went down, newly single Mia Carina went back to Astoria, the bustling Queens neighborhood of her youth. Living with her nonna and her oversized cat, Doorstop, she’s got a whole new life—including some amateur sleuthing . . .

Mia is starting work at Belle View, her father’s catering hall, a popular spot for weddings, office parties, and more—despite the planes that occasionally roar overhead on their way to LaGuardia and rattle the crystal chandelier. Soon she’s planning a bachelor party for a less-than-gentlemanly groom. But it goes awry when the gigantic cake is wheeled in and the woman inside fails to jump out . . . because she’s dead.

Since some of her family’s associates are on the shady side, the NYPD wastes no time in casting suspicion on Mia’s father—especially considering that he and the victim had a previous encounter. Now, Mia’s going to have to use all her street smarts to keep him out of Rikers Island . . .

***

4.5 Stars

This is the first book in the A Catering Hall Mystery series by Maria DiRico.

WHAT A GREAT CONCEPT FOR A COZY SERIES! I am hooked!

I have to say right off that this was quite a unique take on a cozy mystery. Mia’s family used to work for the mob. Uh, what?! And I have a feeling these ties will factor into many mystery plots in the future. The field is ripe for a cozy of this type. So refreshing!

Mia is starting anew after her husband was lost at sea. I am sure this fact will pop up in a different novel. Like I believe he is really dead. You could use all the soap opera tropes in a book like this. Back from the dead would be perfect for a future book theme. She is living with her nonna and being the catering event planner for her Dad’s catering hall venue. I t is no wonder she falls into a murder mystery. The setting of Queens and NYC is so perfect for this series! I am salivating wondering what the future could bring with this whole concept.

Her dad seems like a kind of misunderstood character. People fear him, give him what he wants but he has really gone straight. But you ponder if maybe he is still in “the business” from time to time as you read along. Mia uses this fear of her father’s past to her advantage more than once in this book. The whole thing is just a hoot and a half.

Really enjoyed this and am looking forward for more to come.

If you love a good cozy mystery, you have to check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.