Up to No Gouda by Linda Reilly

 Up to No Gouda

Book Summary

The first in a delicious new culinary cozy series featuring a grilled cheese eatery owner who must solve murders in her small town before she is put under lock and brie

Back in Balsam Dell to heal after the death of her husband, Carly Hale is finally pursuing her lifelong dream—opening Carly's Grilled Cheese Eatery. After only five months, business is booming as Vermont vacationers and townspeople alike flock to lunch on her Party Havartis and other grilled cheese concoctions. All but Lyle Bagley, Carly's one-time high school boyfriend and now town bully who just bought the building that houses her eatery and wants Carly out. After a muenster of a fight, Carly's forced to put her nose to the rind and find a solution to keep her business afloat.

That is...until Lyle is discovered dead behind the dumpster of Carly's shop, and one of her employees becomes the prime suspect. In order to save her eatery and prove her friend's innocence, Carly must sleuth out the killer before she's the one who gets grilled.

With a delightful cast of characters, an inventive amateur sleuth, and a whole host of cheesy hijinks, Up to No Gouda is the perfect cozy murder mystery to melt into.

My Thoughts

Up to No Gouda by Linda Reilly has Carly Hale enjoying the success of her new business venture.  After the death of her husband, Carly returned to her hometown to open Carly’s Grilled Cheese Eatery.  Carly is surprised when the bank tells her the building has been purchased in the foreclosure auction by a man who does not wish Carly to remain.  Lyle Bagley is the town bully, and he is giving Carly one month to get out before renovations begin.  Lyle’s girlfriend wants to open a high-end fashion boutique in Carly’s spot.  Suzanne, Carly’s part-time employee, does not take the news well and gives Lyle her two cents.  When Lyle is found dead behind Carly’s shop, Suzanne finds herself the prime suspect.  Carly knows that Suzanne would not kill someone and put her son in jeopardy.  She sets out to prove Suzanne’s innocence and serve up the killer up to the police.  

Up to No Gouda by Linda Reilly is the debut of A Grilled Cheese Mystery series.  I thought Up to No Gouda contained good writing, steady pacing, and relatable characters.  I enjoyed getting to know Carly and the rest of the cast.  I thought a grilled cheese diner was a clever idea for a cozy mystery series.  I looked online and discovered it is a new trend in restaurants.  Balsam Dell, Vermont is a charming town.  I enjoyed reading the descriptions of the scenery, shops, and homes.  The mystery was nicely plotted out.  There are a variety of suspects since Lyle was not well liked (putting it mildly). It depends on your sleuthing level on when (or if) you solve the whodunit.  I thought the reason for the crime was clever.  Carly conducted a good investigation.  The case was nicely wrapped up at the end and I enjoyed the drama.  I loved the little puppy in the story that gets named Havarti.  He is a cutie pie.  I do want to warn readers that reading this story will have you craving grilled cheese and tomato soup.    There are certainly some unique grilled cheese combinations served at Carly’s eatery.  I never thought of making grilled cheese dippers for tomato soup (I will be serving them to my mother soon).  Up to No Gouda is a quick paced story that was over too soon.  This is my favorite book by Linda Reilly.  Up to No Gouda is a tasty tale with grilled cheese cuisine, a dead dirtbag, a framed friend, a precious puppy, an interfering editor, a sexy sports coach, and a curious Carly.  

Up to No Gouda publishes Tuesday, January 25 and it can be ordered through Amazon*.  The next A Grilled Cheese Mystery is No Parm No Foul which releases July 26.  You can find Linda Reilly's other novels here.  I appreciate you stopping by today and reading my latest review.  Tomorrow I am featuring Show Me the Bunny by Laurien Berenson is the 29th A Melanie Travis Canine Mystery.  I hope that you have a joyful and warm day.  With the chilly weather we have been having, I actually get to wear clothes from the deepest recesses of my closet (the cold weather clothing such as pullovers with hoods, sweaters, knee hi socks).  I even had to drag out my electric blanket (you know it is cold if I need that) which was still in the box.  This is perfect weather for relaxing on the couch under a warm blanket with a good book.  Take care, stay safe, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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