I was happy when A MEASURE OF MURDER, the second book in Sally Solari Mystery series, by Leslie Karst was released earlier this month. I’ve been looking forward to it for several months and I found this to be a nice addition to the series. Leslie combines a clever murder mystery (even the police think it’s a tragic accident) with a tenacious restaurateur, and inspiring music. Sally Solari is a very energetic protagonist…I wish I had half of her energy! But despite how much she’s involved in, Sally finds time for her family and friends while creating new friendships, showing she is a very caring person. The characters surrounding and supporting Sally add to the appeal of the book. The murder plot provides plenty of viable suspects to keep the reader guessing but interspersed in the plot is a lot of detailed information about performing in a choral performance of Mozart’s Requiem. I found it interesting (I enjoy learning new things while reading cozy mysteries) and it inspired me to search out a YouTube video of the piece. I’ve included a link to this classical piece at the bottom of the page for your listening pleasure. The author brings a passion for music and how it speaks to your soul.
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With Sally owning her own restaurant and working in her family’s Italian restaurant, A MEASURE OF MURDER has many mouthwatering mentions of delectable dishes! Fortunately for the reader, Leslie includes several recipes at the back of her book. She has graciously allowed me to share her recipe for Grilled Salmon with Papaya and Avocado Pico de Gallo. Rich, buttery salmon is topped with a tropical, slightly spicy, super fresh salsa, and tastes just as delicious as it is lovely to look at! In my opinion, the pico de gallo would be perfect as an appetizer served with tortilla chips and a chilled tropical cocktail as well.
Amazon Synopsis
Sally Solari is busy juggling work at her family’s Italian restaurant, Solari’s, and helping Javier plan the autumn menu for the restaurant she’s just inherited, Gauguin. Complicating this already hectic schedule, Sally joins her ex-boyfriend Eric’s chorus, which is performing a newly discovered version of her favorite composition: the Mozart Requiem. But then, at the first rehearsal, a tenor falls to his death on the church courtyard–and his soprano girlfriend is sure it wasn’t an accident.
Now Sally’s back on another murder case mixed in with a dash of revenge, a pinch of peril, and a suspicious stack of sheet music. And while tensions in the chorus heat up, so does the kitchen at Gauguin–set aflame right as Sally starts getting too close to the truth. Can Sally catch the killer before she’s burnt to a crisp, or will the case grow as cold as yesterday’s leftovers?
In a stew of suspects and restaurateurs, trouble boils over in the second in Leslie Karst’s tasty and tantalizing Sally Solari mystery series, A Measure of Murder.
Thanks to the publisher, I have a print copy of A MEASURE FOR MURDER for one lucky winner! Please be aware this is an advanced readers’ copy. Contest ends Thursday, February 23, 2017 at 11:59 pm PST, and limited to U.S. residents only. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below the recipe to enter. The winner will be announced on this page and on Cinnamon & Sugar’s Facebook page, as well as notified by email (so check your spam folder!)
Ingredients
- 1 cup papaya or mango, cut into 1/2" cubes
- 1 cup avocado, cut into 1/2" cubes
- 1/2 medium red onion, diced (about 3/4 cup)
- 1 jalapeno pepper (stemmed and seeded) finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (plus 1 extra lime, cut into wedges, for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 4 salmon steaks (or filets)
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Place all the pico de gallo ingredients in a bowl, and stir gently (so the avocado and papaya don't get mashed) to mix.
- Refrigerate covered until service (see note above about avocado).
- Mix the garlic with the olive oil in a small bowl, and brush it onto the salmon steaks, then sprinkle them with salt and freshly ground pepper.
- Preheat grill for medium heat, and lightly oil the grill grate.
- Grill salmon for 4 minutes and then carefully flip with a spatula.
- Continue cooking until browned on the outside but still moist and slightly pink in the middle (3-6 minutes, depending on thickness of steaks and heat of the grill) and the internal temperature reaches 120 - 125 degrees (F).
- Serve each salmon steak with a large scoop or two of pico de gallo (an ice cream scoop full makes for lovely presentation), half on and half off the fish. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges.
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I was inspired by this book to seek out a YouTube video of Mozart’s Requiem. It helped me better visualize some of the scenes and gave me a better appreciation for Sally’s passion!
Love all your recipes! No, I have never been a choir-but of course participated in group songs during elementary school!
I sang with our church choir for a period of time. The choir mistress was a former music teacher and she cracked the whip during practice. We received many requests to participate in many worship services. It was a time to share my joy and also my faith with others. robeader53(at)yahoo(dot)com
No, I’ve never participated in a choir.
I took choir classes in high school and sang with my church’s youth group choir…not that I had a great voice, I think they just needed bodies 🙂
Yes – I have sung in Church Choirs at various times. Also school choirs back in the 50s.
Yes I have been in a church choir before.
I was in a choir in grade school, I went to Catholic school. Thanks for this generous chance.
I went to choir practice at church a few times-can’t carry a tune though
No I was one of those told not to sing in school. I am not into music
I was in choir, jazz ensemble, and senior ensemble in high school. I miss singing.
Yes, I was in a choir in a couple of different churches (because of moving not from joining in all the churches around, LOL).
I used to be in a choir in high school. And ty for the chance to win a print copy A Measure Of Murder.
I was in school choir starting in 4th grade. I have been in adult choirs as well. Thank you for the giveaway.
No, I’ve never been in a choir. I love music, but I’m not that great at singing. Thanks for the recipe and giveaway.
I was in school choir for several years but I wasn’t very good. Thanks!
I was in choir in grade school. The recipe looks yummy. Thanks for the chance to win!
even though I can’t sing I was in my 9th grade choir. Loved it.
I loved choir…..even though I can’t hold a tune!
I sang in choir in middle school and high school. I loved it!
I loved performing the Requiem in high school and college! Thanks for reminding me!
The pico de gallo sounds good but I think I’ll try it on chicken since I don’t eat seafood.
It sounds like an awesome book and I would love to win it. Choir for me didn’t last long. We had a very difficult teacher so I didn’t stay around. barbie17 (at) gmail (dot) com
Have never participated in a choir
I have not participated in a choir but a friend of mine was and he would put his motorcycle or whatever magazine he wanted to read behind the song book and when they were sitting he would read his magazine. He was the pastors son and my girlfriend had a major crush on him and she would watch him and we knew that he was doing something behind the book. Well on her 1st date with him she asked and he told her. It cracked both of us up when she called to tell me that night. I would love to read your book though I have not read one of your books and would love to read and review on a few sites! Love that you gave Kim a print book to give away thank you so much.
I have been part of a choir. I enjoyed it but didn’t stick with it unfortunately due to family and work demands. I really like this salmon recipe and want to try it as soon as possible. Thank you.
I was in choir in grade school and sophomore year…both at Catholic private schools…..and I LOVE salmon!
I have never been part of a choir. Recipe looks amazing!
I was in our church choir for years when I was younger. Then in high school, as a freshman,l I was in choir. It was fun, and quite the social gathering. Recipe? I wish I liked salmon…so I’ll replace that with chicken.
I have not ever been in a choir.
I played piano for the high school choir—I was not allowed to sing due to the fact that I could not carry a tune.
No. I can’t sing
I can’t carry a tune in a bushel basket across the road. Love music even tho I can’t sing.
Thank you for this blog and the recipe, which looks delish. I’ve sung in choirs all my life – in school and church, at college and in a city symphony choir when I lived in San Francisco. I even used to sing in a barbershop chorus. I haven’t participated in one for years. When my daughter is a bit older, I want to again. I miss it!
I was in Choir in school.
Yes. I have. At church and on the stage (neighborhood theater). One of my favorites was the Mikado. I like the recipe. Had not thought to use papaya. In chutney yes. But salsa. No. I appreciate the heads up about this book. On my TBR
No, I’ve never participated in a choir.
In Junior High I discovered that it was best for everyone’s hearing if I did not participate any longer. =)
No. Love listening to them but not sure they would love listening to me!
I have never been in the choir. Was always a band nerd 🙂
The recipe sounds delicious and healthy.
I loved being in glee club 7 and 8th grades. We performed each December at the ellipse in D.C.
No, I have never sang in a choir as an adult, only in high school.
This recipe looks so refreshing and healthy. I cannot wait to try it as I have been adding more fish in my diet.
Choir, symphonic band, and orchestra. I am very musical. 🙂
Yes, in elementary school but only for a year.
I was in a church choir when I was in middle school. I joined with friends and loved every minute of
I was in a church choir because they were too kind to turn me away. The high school choir director and my family say I’m tone deaf…..
Thanks for highlighting another great book. I have not been in a choir. I believe they would ask me nicely to leave since I didn’t get the gift of singing.
This sounds very good thanks, no I’ve never participated in a choir.
Penney
I sang in our church choir in junior high and high school.
I have never sang in a choir and I’m positive that is a good thing. I have a horrible voice.
i’ve been in different types of choirs as well as in a band and a soloist. this salmon dinner will be on my table sometime this coming week. 🙂 each recipe you post is so scrumtious. thanks for sharing such great recipes!