Death al Dente — from the jacket — from other authors

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Leslie Budewitz

I thought for sure I’d shared with you the cover copy for Death al Dente — out in just over two months — and the marvelous quotes other authors kindly gave me, but apparently I only thought about it. So — if you can stand me talking about “the book” one more time — here’s what the cover and some very smart writers are saying about it:

“The town of Jewel Bay, Montana—known as a Food Lovers’ Village—is obsessed with homegrown and homemade Montana fare. So when Erin Murphy takes over her family’s century-old general store, she turns it into a boutique market filled with local delicacies. But Erin’s freshly booming business might turn rotten when a former employee turns up dead…

Murphy’s Mercantile, known as the Merc, has been a staple in Jewel Bay for over a hundred years. To celebrate their recent makeover as a gourmet food market, Erin has organized a town festival, a Festa di Pasta, featuring the culinary goods of Jewel Bay’s finest—including her mother Fresca’s delicious Italian specialties.

But Erin’s sweet success is soured when the shop’s former manager, Claudette, is found dead behind the Merc on the Festa’s opening night. With rival chef James Angelo stirring up trouble and rumors swirling that Fresca’s sauce recipes were stolen from Claudette, Erin’s mother is under close scrutiny. Now Erin will have to hunt down some new suspects, or both her family and her store might wind up in hot water…

Includes fresh, delicious recipes!”

Praise for Death al Dente and The Food Lovers’ Village Mysteries:

“Small town charm and big time chills.　Jewel Bay, Montana is a food lover’s paradise – and ground zero for murder! A dizzying culinary delight with a twisty-turny plot! I’m totally enamored of Leslie Budewitz’s huckleberry chocolates, Shasta daisies, and Cowboy Roast coffee.　More please!”

–Laura Childs, New York Times best selling author

“Death Al Dente is the first book in a delicious new series. Leslie Budewitz has created a believable, down-to-earth heroine in Erin Murphy, who uses her sleuthing skills and the Spreadsheet of Suspicion to catch a killer. The supporting cast of characters from Erin’s mother Fresca, to her cat Sandburg, are charming. I’m looking forward to my next visit to Jewel Bay.”

–Sofie Kelly, New York Times best-selling author of the Magical Cats mysteries

“Clever, charming and completely yummy. Leslie Budewitz cooks up a delectable mystery! A tempting concoction of 　food, fun and fatalities that will have you racing through the suspenseful pages…then heading for the kitchen to try out the　irresistible recipes.”

–Hank Phillippi Ryan, Agatha, Anthony and Macavity winning author

“An intriguing sleuth, who loves gourmet food, family, and her hometown, plus　recipes　to die for distinguish　a delectable mystery.”

–Carolyn Hart, Agatha-winning author of Dead, White, and Blue, and Letters from Home

And coming in May 2014, Crime Rib. When a national TV cooking show comes to Jewel Bay to film the annual Grill-Off, things get hot. Can Erin find a killer–before the town’s reputation is toast?

Thanks again for sharing my excitement — it means the world to me!

The Last Best Book — The Other Woman, by Hank Phillippi Ryan

Posted on September 30, 2012 by Leslie Budewitz

Occasionally — meaning, when I remember — I tell you about the last best book I read. (Montanans will recognize the echo of an unofficial state slogan, “the last best place.”)

This one, I gotta tell you about. I’ll remember it for a long time–and I’m sure you will, too.

Hank Phillippi Ryan’s new book, The Other Woman, is the perfect read for campaign season. TV reporter Jane Ryland finds herself disgraced and dismissed–and sued for a million bucks–after refusing to reveal her source for a story. In her new job as a newspaper reporter, covering a hotly contested Massachusetts Senate race, she uncovers an even bigger story. Are the two related? Is there a “Bridge Killer,” killing young women and leaving their bodies near Boston bridges, or is Detective Jake Brogan right when he insists otherwise? Will Jake solve the killings? Will Jake and Jane get together? And what about her intriguing new boss?

The only question I’ll answer here is “Should I read this book?” You bet. Pour a glass of wine and sink into a comfy chair, because this is a fast-paced thriller you won’t want to put down.

Plus, it’s more fun than any old political debate!

(P.S. — no free review copies here. I checked this book out of the Flathead County, Montana Library.)

More Malicious Photos

Posted on May 2, 2012 by Leslie Budewitz

We’ll get back to the law next week. Meanwhile, it’s all about me — and Malice Domestic.

Celebrating with my Guppy sisters, Kendel Flaum, Hank Phillipi Ryan, Diane Vallere, and Gigi Pandian.

Six of the nine Guppies nominated for Agathas: Avery Aames (aka Daryl Wood Gerber), Kaye George, Krista Davis (in front), Janet Bolin, Rochelle Staab, and me.