5-stars
I absolutely loved Hummus and Homicide!! The completely convincing suspect list, sleuthing tactics and loyal family dynamic; including the cultural traditions the Berberian family so tightly clinged to, were all factors that made the book worthwhile. I cracked up many times while listening. The pace never wavered, and the ethnic dishes that Lucy’s mother prepared in Kebab Kitchen made my mouth water!!
And now a little summary of the book…
When Lucy Berberian returns home to Ocean Crest, NJ, after her professional life in Philadelphia as a patent attorney takes a nosedive, her parents welcome her with open arms and a waitress uniform so she can get right to work at their family-owned Mediterranean restaurant, Kebab Kitchen.
Before long Lucy bumps into former classmate and nemesis, Heather Banks. When Heather introduces her boyfriend, famous suspense writer Paul Evans, to Lucy and then exclaims “Lucy’s parents are foreigners who own that Mediterranean restaurant,” Lucy is mortified by Heather’s tactless, erroneous statement (her parents are citizens) and corrects her in front of Paul. The two women exchange words and Lucy later regrets the tiff after learning that Heather is the new health inspector, replacing her father who’d given Kebab Kitchen’s inspection a pass every year for the past 30 years. Heather inspects Kebab Kitchen shortly thereafter and cites the restaurant for several infractions and demands corrective action within 7 days or she will shut Lucy’s parents’ beloved restaurant down. So Lucy is surprised when Heather comes back to Kebab Kitchen to eat the following afternoon, engulfing various varieties of hummus from the very hummus bar she’d verbally assaulted just a day earlier. But when she’s found dead in the restaurant’s parking lot, Lucy comes under suspicion and must act quickly to find out what really happened to Heather before the negative publicity destroys her parents’ health and livelihood, and she gets put away.
Audiobook narrator, Rachel Dulude, did a fabulous job with the storytelling and numerous accents and dialects in the book. Her performance most definitely added to my enjoyment of it, being that I’m originally from NYC and thus familiar with various cultures, I felt that her imitations were quite realistic and thoroughly entertaining, making the book that much more enjoyable. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series, Stabbed in the Baklava.
Very highly recommended.
Thank you, Tantor Audio, for a complimentary download of Hummus and Homicide. In exchange I have provided an honest review
Have a wonderful weekend!!
Sometimes I’m just in the mood for a good cozy! Love the title and the cat on the cover! Fab review.
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Thanks Holly!! 😊
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Oh does sound like a fun listen. I love your graphics – the five star one is awesome. And the excitement of the girl with all the joy and stars. Sums up how it was.
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Thank you Kathryn. It was definitely a fun read.
I try to keep my posts lighthearted and fun. I’m so happy you liked it. ☺️
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This one sounds good…a cozy is a comfort read. Thanks!
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You’re welcome!! I really enjoyed this one.
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Thanks for reading my review of this book. I enjoyed your review as well. Nice job on the summary. I have not heard the audiobook. I would think that would enhance the experience!
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Thank you!! I got so much enjoyment out of listening. The various accents really brought the story to life.
Thanks for stopping by. ☺️
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wonderful review and what a beautiful cover!
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Thank you Diana!
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What a clever book. I don’t think I’ve ever read one that blends culture, cooking, and murder quite like this. Thanks for the great review.
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I think the author did an incredible job with this cozy.
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Oh this sounds fun! I have this series on my TBR and I love your enthusiasm and just the sound of the book. It does make me want hummus but hummus is better than cakes or doughnuts that other cozies have me craving.
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It was a lot of fun for me Katherine. The family dynamic and the cast of suspects were great. I chuckled many times while listening, and the mouth-watering recipes were a bonus. And you’re right…hummus is better for us than the cakes and doughnuts, but I must warn you, there are some scrumptious desserts, like baklava, explained too. 😃
Thx for stopping by, and for your comment. 😊
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Hi Katherine! You sound like me. I much prefer hummus over cake. I guess I don’t have a big sweet tooth, except for the occasional piece of chocolate.
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After your enthusiastic recommendation, I have to add this one. I didn’t want to start another series, but I have no willpower.
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This book was such a fun read for me Carla. And as I pointed out in my review, the audiobook narrator really brought it to life. I expect you will enjoy it either way. It was a welcome addition to my cozy lineup.
I know what you mean. When it comes to books and good food, my willpower is pathetic. 😂
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I hope you enjoy the book as well! Have a good weekend.
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Delicious! Lol. Sounds great.
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This sounds like a really fun read! I’m definitely going to add it to my TBR list. Also… I’m now hungry and need hummus
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It was so much fun!! I had a blast listening to it.
Hummus is so good and hard to resist. The book made my mouth water with all of the tempting descriptions of various varieties. 😃
Thanks for your comment Veeshee. Enjoy your day. 😊
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Thank you for hosting me and for this lovely review. Top Pick! It’s the highest praise an author can receive and I’m very grateful. I also thought the audio book narrator, Rachael Dulude, did a wonderful job. Thank you again and have a great Friday!
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You’re welcome!! It is such a great book!! I’m looking forward to book 2 in August. ☺️
Enjoy your weekend. And thanks so much for visiting my blog and commenting. I love it when authors take a moment to stop by.
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Of course! I’m very grateful for everything you do for authors. Especially, debut mystery authors like me. 🙂
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Wow! What an enthusiastic review, Laurie! I smiled the entire time I was reading it. I think I’ll have to pick up this gem! Happy Weekend!
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I loved this one Jill!! The audiobook version was a delight.
Thanks as always for stopping by, and have a happy Friday. 😊
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Thank you, Jill. I hope you enjoy the book. Have a great Friday!
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Off I go to purchase this. Also, adding hummus to my grocery list. That picture YUMMM!
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Yay!! You just put a big smile on my face Sara. 😊 I got such a kick out of this book. I LOVE hummus. I make it at home myself. It’s quite simple and tastes delicious. Doesn’t that picture make you want some?! 😃
I hope you enjoy Hummus and Homicide. Thanks for commenting and have a wonderful weekend. 😉
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Thank you again! Let me know what you think of my hummus recipe!
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Wonderful! Thank you, Sara. Hope you like the book and the hummus.
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