BRIE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR is the fourth book in the Grilled Cheese Mysteries by Linda Reilly. I was so happy to find out this wonderful series is continuing and couldn’t wait to get my hands on an early copy. With endearing characters, the author brings kindness and caring to the forefront of the story. She makes you want to become friends with protagonist Carly Hale and her close-knit group of friends and employees at her Grilled Cheese Eatery, which makes you invested in what happens to them. Ms. Reilly also gives the backstory of each character in bits and drabs, without slowing down the pace, so that readers who are new to the series can easily pick up the book and read as a standalone. Although once they finish with this book, they’ll want to read all the others. I also love the vivid imagery on the pages that brings the setting and delectable grilled cheese sandwiches to life.

Despite how cozy the characters are, and no matter how much they lull you into enjoying the small Vermont town, there’s still murder afoot. When Carly’s 18-year-old delivery kid, Ross, is accused of murdering one of her customers, Carly is certain he’s innocent. Despite her boyfriend, friends, and family being protective of her and not wanting her to get involved, she’s determined to clear his name and find justice. I like that she’s a cautious investigator, taking their concerns to heart. The plot moves at a quick pace, with twists and turns that kept me guessing. The author does an admirable job ramping up with the suspense and providing a heart pounding reveal, despite Carly’s careful questioning…I certainly didn’t have the culprit on my list of suspects. As the story concluded, I was left with a contented sigh and a smile on my face.

There are a couple of recipes at the back to satisfy your craving for grilled cheese after reading this book. I opted to make the Zesty Pesto grilled cheese sandwich, which made my mouth water as I read through the recipe. I always make tubs of presto to store in the freezer whenever we get a bumper crop of basil each summer. You can always use store-bought pesto, of course. The pesto complements the creamy provolone while the crunchy exterior of the bread provides a nice contrast. Eaten on its own or paired with Grant’s Tomato Soup, this sandwich is a flavorful delight!

 

 

 

Amazon Synopsis

With the summer heat sizzling, grilled cheese restaurant owner Carly Hale is thrilled to have Ross Baxter delivering her sandwiches to local seniors. She’s never met a more polite or hardworking young man, and she brushes it off when one of her more difficult customers complains about him. But then Ross returns to the woman’s home to make another delivery—and finds her dead body. The police and half the town immediately suspect he killed her, so Carly steps in to investigate, determined to prove them wrong.

Carly soon learns that the victim had an estranged stepson and stepdaughter, both of whom needed her money to get their lives back on track. Worse still, in her younger days the dead woman had a reputation for preying on other women’s husbands, leaving broken marriages in her wake—and a list of suspects a mile long. But Ross’s fingerprints were found on the murder weapon, leaving Carly hungry for any clue she can find. Until she comes face-to-face with the killer, and realizes this time she may have bitten off more than she can chew . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

A special thanks to Linda Reilly for offering a print copy of BRIE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR, along with some swag, to one lucky winner! Contest ends June  2, 2024 at 11:59 pm PST and is limited to U.S. residents only. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below 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!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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