Title: A Catered Costume Party
Series: A Bernie and Libby Culinary Mystery - Book 15
Author: Isis Crawford
Genre: Culinary Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Kensington

Bernie and Libby Simmons agree to cater a Halloween party in Longely, New York. They didn’t like a ghost being part of the experience, but it's not like they have a choice. Darius Witherspoon is determined to throw his party even though his wife, Penelope is missing. He never counted on his murder being the entertainment for the evening.

The Berkshire Arms is a haunted house at least as far as Bernie and Libby are concerned. Darius hires them to provide the treats. They wish they could say no, but bills need to be paid, so they accept the job. As soon as the guest start arriving the girls sense something is off with Darius. A short while later, Darius is found hanging from a rope outside one of the ballroom’s French doors.

Was it suicide? Bernie and Libby don’t think so. Once everything has been cleared away, and the decorations are taken down, the sisters begin their investigation and set out to expose a killer.

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A Catered Costume Party is the 15th book in this series. Even without reading any additional books in the series, it is fairly simple to follow the plot. The main characters created by Ms. Crawford are strong in personality and intellect.

Bernie and Libby are typical sisters; they torment each other, find fault with one another but care deeply for each other. They have distinctive personalities that are very dissimilar from each other. Where Bernie is bold and eager to take risks, Libby is quieter, less prone to do anything rash without her sisters goading.

The sister's father is an intelligent and caring man who delights in watching his children succeed, even when they don’t realize it. As a former police officer, he encourages the girls to dig into the crimes they unwittingly keep stepping into. Where most fathers would dissuade their daughters from taking chances or stepping on toes, he has no trouble driving the girls towards confrontation or danger in order to help them figure out a crime. The additional characters in A Catered Costume Party have similar roles to play in the plot, but none of them are as memorable as Bernie and Libby’s dad.

As the narrative unfolds, the reader is taken on a roller coaster ride as each suspect is exposed and their motives brought to light. When the murderer is exposed, many readers will be taken by surprise but satisfied by the outcome.

Although the writing is fluid, and the plot kept at the forefront, the story is not fast-paced. At times the story gets a bit bogged down in too many questions that never appear to go anywhere. More knowledge of the previous books could strengthen the overall story and keep the reader from scratching their head in puzzlement.

However, this book is engaging; the plot is unusual in and of itself. Readers will derive even more satisfaction if they go back and read the other books in this series. Even with some minor issues, this book is recommended. Readers will be inspired to keep turning the page to discover the killer's identity and witness the sisters triumph. Those who enjoy authors such as Jessica Beck or Leighann Dobbs will want to continue reading this series.

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A Catered Costume Party by Isis Crawford is the thirteenth A Mystery with Recipes novel. Bernie and Libby Simmons have agreed to cater Darius Witherspoon’s Halloween party at the Berkshire Arms (the old Peabody School). They do not wish to return to the building, but bills must be paid. They are surprised Darius was still going through with the party since he wife, Penelope went missing three weeks prior (methinks something hinky is going on). The celebration is in full swing, but the guest of honor has yet to make an appearance. Suddenly a scream rings out and the guests can see the Darius’ body hanging outside the French doors. The police rule it a Halloween prank gone wrong, but the Simmons sisters have other ideas. They waste no time in diving into their investigation to prove that Darius was murdered and identify the culprit.

A Catered Costume Party is the thirteenth book in the series, but it can be read alone (easily). While the book is easy to read (for the most part), it has a slow pace (the roof scene went on forever). The sisters’ constant speculation and questions bog down the story along with the repetition of details (the crime scene, Darius’ life, their business, Michelle and their father, Sean). I did like how the author started the novel with Darius offing his wife (this is not a spoiler). It sets the stage for the rest of the story. The killer’s identity is easy to discern. I knew how the story would play out after I read the beginning (do you think I have read too many mysteries?). While I identified the culprit early in the story, many readers will be surprised when the perpetrator is revealed. My rating for A Catered Costume Party is 3 out of 5 stars (it is okay). I am shocked that the sisters are still in business with the small amount of time they spend at A Little Taste of Heaven (no wonder they are having trouble paying their bills). Sean Simmons girlfriend, Michelle is irritating and dislikable. I wish the author had not written her into the series. The sisters’ childishness regarding Michelle has gone on far too long. I can certainly understand their disdain but does it have to be brought up so often in the story. Libby and Bernie’s squabbling got on my nerves (I read to be relaxed, not irritated). I ended up skimming through the last half of this book just to reach the end and verify the killer’s identity. I do want to mention that there is mild foul language in A Catered Costume Party. I read A Catered Murder (first book in series) when it first came out and after reading A Catered Costume Party, I notice a lack of growth/development Libby and Bernie Simmons. One thing I enjoy about cozies is how the characters develop of the course of the series. We get to know and love the characters. In this case, the Simmons’ sisters seem to be going backward with regard to their behavior. I have come to the conclusion that I am not the right audience for this series. ( )

I only finished this in order to find out "who done it".....

Some guy hits his wife on the head & throws her in the river... He seems to be afraid of someone following him... He hires the sisters to cater a costume party, with his payment he hands one an envelope to be opened in case something happens to him.

During the party he is found hanging outside the ballroom.... When opened the envelope contains $5,000 and a cryptic note asking the sisters to find out what happened to him.

There are these two sisters who investigate crimes together, but all they do is bicker & bitch, & bully each other.

There were FOUR chapters just on them arguing about being stuck on the roof in the rain! FOUR FREAKIN' Chapters!

Not Ever Again! ( )