I’m delighted to be participating in the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour introducing A CRUST TO DIE FOR! This is the second book in the Tiffany Austin Food Blogger Mysteries by T.C. Lo Tempio, but the first I’ve read in the series. I found it easy to connect with the characters since there was just enough backstory to help catch me up without slowing down the pace. I also appreciated that the book can be read as a standalone without feeling lost or feeling that threads had been left dangling in the plot from the first book. Protagonist Tiffany Austin, food critic and blogger, is quite likeable. She’s put her heart and soul into making the Bon-Appetempting Pizza Bake-Off contest a success as well as encouraging nervous contestants, one of which is her BFF’s sister. The author’s strong descriptive voice brings each setting to life so that the reader can clearly envision the action and the details.

The conflict starts early off with the introduction of a replacement celebrity judge for the contest. Horrified by the past critical review she gave his restaurant, Tiffany fully expects he accepted the position in order to exact revenge. Except it turns out the man clearly had made enemies of a multitude of others taking part and winds up dead halfway through the contest. Ms. Lo Tempio ratchets up the suspense through her well-plotted story, tempting the reader to turn page after page, to find out what happens next. With Tiffany’s BFF’s sister the primary suspect, it doesn’t take long for Tiffany to get involved to find the real culprit. Tiffany is fearless in asking questions and pushing people for answers. At times I felt like she crossed the line, but she does get results. As the clues came together, I had my suspicions, but with the final reveal, found I had fallen for misdirection. This is a well-written cozy mystery and I look forward to reading more in the series!

With all the tempting pizzas being created for the contest, I was pleased that there were a couple of pizza recipes included at the back of the book to satisfy your cravings. I loved the combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flour in the crust. It gave it a nice chew and a slightly nutty flavor. The sauce is easy to put together and customizing the toppings will make sure everyone in your family is satisfied. Since no one in my family likes bell peppers, I excluded those. I also used vegan cheese (a mozzarella/cheddar combo) so that my husband could indulge alongside us.

Amazon Synopsis

The Bon-Appetempting Pizza Bake-Off has the small town of Branson, Georgia buzzing. Not least its organizer, Southern Style’s food critic and blogger Tiffany Austin. But right before the finals one of the celebrity judges falls ill, and to Tiffany’s horror the magazine replaces him with none other than handsome TV star and restaurateur Bartholomew Driscoll.

Tiffany once gave his restaurant a poor review, and she’s convinced he’s only accepted the job to get revenge. She fully expects Driscoll will find a way to ruin the contest . . . but she definitely doesn’t expect to trip over his dead body backstage!

Soon, it’s clear Tiffany wasn’t the only person who had less than positive feelings towards the sharp-tongued Driscoll. She’s surrounded by suspects – but which of the motley crew of contestants, family members and scorned friends and colleagues had the guts to commit murder?

With the help of her BFF Hilary and annoyingly handsome detective Bartell, and with cat Lily and puppy Cooper as emotional support, Tiffany investigates, only to discover that revenge is indeed a dish best served cold . . .

A special thanks to T.C. Lo Tempio for providing one winner $25 Amazon gift card. Contest ends January 21, 2024 at 11:59 pm EST. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below to enter. Contest is administered by Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour and the winner will be announced on this page and notified by email (so check your spam folder!)

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Cheesy Easy Bake Pizza

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar (can substitute honey)
• 1-1/2 cups warm water (105*)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 cup sliced onion
• 2 bell peppers, cut thin
• 16 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• Toppings of your choice

Instructions

1. Prepare crust: In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar or honey in warm water, then add the olive oil and the salt.

2. In separate bowl, mix flours together. Add them to liquid mixture, stirring first and then kneading to incorporate. Let dough rise 30-40 minutes.

3. While dough is rising, sauté sliced onions in a pan over medium heat with a little olive oil to caramelize their sugars. Cook until transparent but not browned. Reduce heat, add a little water to prevent browning, and let cook another 10 to 15 minutes until glossy and sweet. Add sliced peppers and cook 5-10 more minutes.

4. Once dough has risen, preheat oven to 425 degrees (F).

5. Divide dough in half. On clean, floured surface, roll out two round, 12 in. pizza crusts, using fingers to roll the perimeter into an outer crust edge as thick as you like. Using a spatula, slide crusts onto well- floured pans or baking stones. If using fresh tomatoes, layer cheese evenly over crust, then scatter the onion and pepper mixture and your favorite toppings on top, finishing with the herbs. If using tomato sauce, spread over crust, top with cheese and then other toppings.

6. Bake pizzas in preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until crust is brown and crisp.
7. Note: You can substitute pre-made pizza dough if you prefer.

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

January 8 – Cinnamon, Sugar, and a Little Bit of Murder – REVIEW, RECIPE
January 8 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
January 9 – Cozy Up WIth Kathy – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST
January 9 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
January 10 – Mystery, Thrillers, and Suspense – SPOTLIGHT
January 10 – CelticLady Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
January 11 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
January 12 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT
January 13 – Brooke Blogs – RECIPE
January 14 – The Mystery Section – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT
January 15 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT
January 16 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT
January 17 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW
January 17 – StoreyBook Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST
January 18 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT
January 19 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
January 20 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee – SPOTLIGHT
January 21 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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