Christine Wenger

This book has several great things going for it. I will tell you about them first and then give a nod to the two things I didn't like.

There is sweet and some adult humor in the talk, the author is very clever at how she sneaks in and they are more clever than offensive. The mystery is complex and the author does really lead you astray, instead, there are many she lines up a long list of suspects and the list keeps growing through the b0x. The beginning romance between Trixie Matkowski and Deputy Ty Brisec is lovely and enticing. Her new employee is a computer nerd who would definitely be a great help at unwinding future mysteries.

All that makes it a six but I subtracted two stars for the momentary appearance of two words that make me squirm but maybe not you. And then there was the typewriter! A great source of information that all people like me who have used them would know but Trixie did not figure out until the story was close to the end. The irked me some. I do recommend reading it but beware.… (mere)

When the roof of the library collapses in a snowstorm, Trixie is “volunteered” to head a fund raiser. A famous chef is coming to judge a cook-off. She has plenty of demands, and Trixie meets them all, though a bit resentful of the diva’s attitude. Trixie doesn’t try to hide her displeasure, and when the famous chef is found dead, she is one of several suspects. It’s not a exactly a fun time as she and her close friend try to find the real killer, but is sure is exciting! The cozy is a fast read, Trixie’s diner is a great setting, and the plot is intriguing from beginning to end.… (mere)

The writing has improved. The MC shows slightly more maturity. 2 or 3 continuity issues (a 1 million dollar life insurance policy becomes 2 million a chapter later) that were negligible.

The mystery itself was average - the killer was obvious and I think the author was hoping for a plot twist but it didn't feel twisty to me at all. So, could have been better.

Still, I find something strangely compelling about the characters; if the series ended with this one I wouldn't blink an eye, but still I feel the need to read the next one. I don't know why - it won't be for the recipes at the back: I am fundamentally, philosophically, and theologically opposed to anything with velveeta as an ingredient.… (mere)

Following her divorce, Trixie Matkowski returns to upstate New York to run the family business, The Silver Bullet Diner. As a child, she spent summers there and the place is filled with pleasant memories for her. But she wonders if buying the Diner from her aunt may have been a mistake when the health inspector is poisoned by the blue plate special. Small town gossip spreads like wildfire and soon locals are avoiding the diner. To save her Diner from bankruptcy, Trixie joins forces with local deputy, Ty Brisco, to discover who murdered the health inspector.

This book was a fun read. The mystery portion of the plot was interesting and engaging. The characters were as well developed as they can be in a cozy mystery. Trixie is a likable main character. The mandatory local hunk, Ty Brisco, is steamily sexy. And the bad guys are despicable and horrid, as required. The diner background theme is great! I love"Dinerese'' ! At the Silver Bullet Diner, a cowboy on a raft, two lead pipes with zeppelins and one bowwow with bullets is actually a western omelet with toast, spaghetti with sausage, and a hotdog and beans.

As with most culinary themed cozy mysteries, Do or Diner has recipes in the back. After the murderer is dragged off to prison, warm up the kitchen! I was pleasantly surprised that the book includes two main course recipes, not just desserts. As someone who can't have refined sugars due to medical reasons, I get a bit bummed out when a foodie cozy has only cookie or pie recipes. It's understandable if it's a cupcake bakery or cookie themed book, but when it's a restaurant theme, bring on the meat and veg! :)

I read this book as part of the SaveOurCozies readathon. Recently Penguin/Berkely publishing cancelled at least 24 of its cozy mystery series. Some of the cancelled series were favorites of mine! Do or Diner is book 1 of the 5-book Comfort Food Mystery series, which is unfortunately on the list of cancelled series. I am hopeful that Wenger will be able to continue the series. If not, I hope she starts a new cozy series. I enjoyed her writing style.… (mere)