Southern Sass and Killer Cravings by Kate Young

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Southern Sass and Killer Cravings

by Kate Young

Series: Marygene Brown Mysteries #1
Series Rating:
Published by Kensington on May 28, 2019
Genres: Cozy Culinary Paranormal Mystery
Pages: 304
Format: Kindle
Source: Great Escapes Book Tours
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Get Your Copy at: Amazon, Book Depository, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, iBooks, IndieBound, Books-A-Million
Also in this series: Southern Sass and a Crispy Corpse

Life has always been sweet on Georgia’s Peach Cove Island, but a case of murder has Marygene Brown down in the pits . . .
For generations, the women of the Brown family on Peach Cove Island have been known for their Southern sass and sweet homemade desserts at their beloved Peach Diner. Since their mother's passing two years ago, Marygene has been stuck in Atlanta while her sister Jena Lynn has been running the family business. Now Marygene has left her husband and returned to her hometown, where she can almost feel Mama's presence.
But all is not peachy back home. Marygene has barely tied on an apron when a diner regular drops dead at the counter. When it turns out the old man's been poisoned, Jena Lynn is led away in handcuffs and the family eatery is closed. Now, to save her sister and the diner, Marygene must find the real killer. With some startling assistance from her Mama's spirit, Marygene will be serving up a special order of just desserts . . .
Includes Seven Recipes from Marygene’s Kitchen!

Murder, suicide and land developers. What has happened to Peach Cove?

Southern Sass and Killer Cravings by Kate Young is absolutely fabulous. Marygene is a magnificent character with as many flaws as attributes. The setting of Peach Cove is refreshing and filled with cranky and caring citizens. I loved it all.

Marygene Brown

We start with Marygene returning home to Peach Cove at the end of a bad marriage. She feels as though she is back with her tail between her legs and everyone is staring. She is welcomed by numerous people that are glad that she is home. I love that small town atmosphere that is portrayed in the story.

Marygene’s dad is the sheriff, and still, she turns into our sleuth to help her sister who is accused of murder. Marygene doesn’t do everything alone though. She has the help of her friend from school, Betsy. The two of them can get themselves in some trouble that is for sure. Then she also has the help of her Mother’s ghost.

Likes

What I liked about Marygene is that even with everything going on she still takes time to speak with her friends and make sure that they are all doing as well as possible. She is also a fabulous cook and baker. Marygene wants to return to a normal life, working at her family’s diner and fixing up her family’s home. No, dislikes for now.

Love Interests

Marygene’s possible love interests: Alex, a deputy who works for her father and is also her former boyfriend. Then there is the reporter Calhoun who likes her, but she doesn’t feel the same. I liked that Marygene is taking some time to deal with her issues before jumping into another relationship before she is emotionally ready.

Mystery

The mystery is thrilling. It moves relatively fast with different things happening and multiple items going on, but you don’t know if these things are related until the reveal at the end. I had my suspicions about the culprit but not until a couple of chapters before Marygene is confronted with the answers.

5 Stars for Southern Sass and Killer Cravings by Kate Young

My rating for Southern Sass and Killer Cravings by Kate Young is five stars. I love this book so much that I practically finished it in one sitting. The combination of foods, southern charm and realistic characters makes this book such a joy to read. I can’t wait for the next book.

Did I mention that there are recipes at the back of the book? Well, there are, and those berry bars are definitely on my to-do list. The recipes are The Peach Diner Potato Waffles, To Die For Chocolate Mango Beer Cake with Chocolate-Coconut-Raspberry Frosting, Bacon Dill and Gouda Cheese Scones, Sam’s Surf and Turf Burgers with Lemon Aioli, Marygene’s Berry Crumb Bars, Peach Rolls, and Marygene’s Lucky Overnight Chocolate Almond Cookies.

I recommend this book to all the cozy mystery readers out there.

Pre-Order Contest

Readers who pre-order Southern Sass and Killer Cravings before 5/28 are entered into this contest. Fill out the form and email a screenshot of your receipt to kayoungbooks@att.net​

* Grand Prize Winner receives a gorgeous Coach Avenue Tote and Coach wristlet pictured below (value $450) and a $100 gift card to either Amazon or B&N. 

​​* 2 Runners up will receive a $10 gift card to either Amazon or B&N and an autographed paperback copy of  Southern Sass and Killer Cravings.

Winners will be notified via email and on social media with a pinned post on my fan page, so make sure you like and are following on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKateYoung/ 

*You must be 18 years of age or older to enter
*The giveaway is limited to residents of the USA. Incomplete forms will not be eligible. Multiple entries from the same email address will be automatically disqualified. 
*The prize will be mailed via the USPS so a physical address will be necessary to win and receive the package. A returned package or undelivered package will not be re-mailed. Gift cards will be sent via email.  UNCLAIMED PRIZES WILL NOT BE AWARDED.
*Approximate value of prizes: $550 + postage
*Void where prohibited

Go HERE to the author’s website for more information.

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Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Southern Sass and Killer Cravings by Kate Young. Please take a look at the upcoming tour stops and check out the amazing pre-order giveaway.

Until the next time,

Happy Reading!

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2019 Cloak and Dagger
• 2019 Craving For Cozies Reading Challenge
• 2019 Cruisin' Thru The Cozies Reading Challenge
• 2019 Goodreads Reading Challenge
• 2019 New Release Challenge

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