Key Lime Pie by Josi S. Kilpack

Synopsis from Goodreads:  When Sadie Hoffmiller's new friend, Eric Burton, receives word that his missing daughter's body may have been found in Florida, he immediately packs his bags. Sadie is determined to stay home and prove to everyone that she is not a busybody. But when she senses Eric is hiding something, Sadie is compelled to take action. Before she knows it, she's in the heart of Miami, trying to piece together a trail that might just give Eric the answers he's so desperately searching for. In the process, Sadie finds herself in the company of some colorful characters and some good ol' southern cooking. But despite the drama and intrigue, all Sadie really wants is to go home ... as soon as she does just one more thing. 


My thoughts:  I received my introduction into Sadie Hofmiller's world when I read English Trifle earlier this year.  Key Lime Pie is the fourth in the Culinary Mystery series.  This had the mystery aspect that English Trifle had, but wasn't so much of a "whodunit" as it was a "what the heck happened" and a "do whatever is needed to save the day" kind of story.  While they are part of a series, each of these books is easily read as a standalone.  There are a few references to the previous stories, but not enough to confuse a reader who wasn't familiar with them.


If you have read any of the previous stories, you know that each volume has recipes scattered throughout.  I am really looking forward to trying some of the recipes that are included in Key Lime Pie.  The recipes range from Key Lime Pie (of course) to Southern BBQ Slow Cooked Chicken (which I really want to try).  There are also some Craisin Cookies that sound divine.  If you go to www.josikilpack.com you can download a PDF of the recipes in the book.


Sadie is a bit of a busybody, but that is exactly what makes her so easy to like.  She only has the best of intentions with everything that she does.  Its extremely amusing that she always seems to get herself in a pickle.  One of the things that I love about this series is that even though it is a mystery, there is still that sense that everything is going to be okay.  Key Lime Pie is a highly entertaining read that is perfect for enjoying on a lazy weekend afternoon. 

This will be making the rounds to all of my friends and family who like a satisfying and fun read. 

Disclosure:  I received my copy of Key Lime Pie from the author to participate in her blog tour through Pump Up Your Book. 

English Trifle by Josi S. Kilpack

Synopsis from Goodreads: High Crimes at High Tea Things to Do in England Visit Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and the London Zoo Take the Jack the Ripper tour creepy! Sample authentic English scones and crumpets Discover a dead body What begins as a holiday trip for amateur sleuth and cooking aficionado Sadie Hoffmiller and her daughter, Breanna, turns into a bizarre mystery when they discover a dead body in the sitting room of an English manor. Breanna's boyfriend, Liam, is heir to both the family title and the family estate of Southgate, where everyone seems to have a secret . . . or two. When the body in the sitting room disappears, Sadie and Breanna are stranded at the estate until the police can clear them to leave. With their departure delayed, they might as well solve the murder. Armed with a jogging whistle, her personal recipe collection, and an unfailing sense of American justice, Sadie begins her own investigation to find the killer. But as Sadie uncovers layer after layer of misdirection, secrets, and outright lies, she wonders if anyone is telling the truth or if the case is really as hopeless as it appears to be. Take a missing family history, toss in a secret romance, mix with a mysterious murder, and this is one vacation Sadie will never forget. 

About the Author: 

Has written several books on her own and in collaboration with others.  English Trifle is the second in the Sadie Hoffmiller series.  The others are Lemon Tart (which I have but have not read) and Devil's Food Cake was released on March 3, 2010.  She currently resides in Utah with her family and assorted animals.  For more info on Josi visit her website at   www.josiskilpack.com.

My thoughts:

What a fun book!  Don't read this one on an empty stomach.  The recipes, OMG the recipes.  I haven't made any of them yet, but each time I came across one I wanted to.  The story was engaging and while was able to figure out the "whodunit" before it was actually exposed, I still enjoyed it a great deal.  The characters were real people, you liked them sometimes and not so much at others.  I felt that Sadie was a little bit of a know it all at times but she does get put in her place a couple of times throughout the story.  

I loved reading about Sadie and Breanna's adventure through the Southgate Estate.  I will admit I've never been to England and would love to see this type of family estate.  How fun it would be to grow up with such a place with hidden staircases and secret rooms.

This book is for anyone who likes a little mystery, a little romance and a whole lot of fun.  I think that we all have a Sadie Hoffmiller in our lives and we love them for being that way.   

Disclosure:  I received a copy of this book from Pump Up your Book for review and participation in their  Blog tour.  The opinion expressed in this review is my honest opinion of the book.