A Macaroni on Wheels Mystery: Book 1
Publication Date: March 27, 2024
Little Italy in San Diego, once a thriving fishing community, has blossomed into a prominent tourist destination. Nestled in the heart of this vibrant neighborhood, both travelers and residents find the Tiepolo Mercato a favorite spot to stop and shop. Ezio and Benedette Tiepolo are the proprietors of the Mercato, while their daughter owns Macaroni on Wheels, the catering company located directly next door.
There’s more than pasta cooking in the Macaroni on Wheels kitchen. Meet Terza Tiepolo, a feisty Italian caterer who fills her free time solving crime. She belongs to a local murder mystery book club, and leads the other participants in their monthly whodunnit contest.
Terza also works diligently to grow her catering business. But when a prominent doctor hires Terza’s company to cater a dinner party, she never expects murder to be on the menu. The prestigious bayfront event should enhance the Macaroni on Wheels portfolio, and Terza anticipates meeting many potential new clients. On the day of the party, Terza arrives early to prepare, only to discover her grand expectations are as dead as the body on the kitchen floor.
Fans of cozy mysteries will revel in solving the murder along with Terza, and will appreciate her zest for life. Readers will also treasure the introduction to her vibrant Italian relatives. They will enjoy getting to know the Tiepolo family, and will smile at the special relationship Terza has with her mother and father. The fun never stops when the animated relatives join together each Sunday for dinner. Consider this your personal invitation!
Case of the Bayfront Murder is the first book in S.K. Derban’s A Macaroni on Wheels Mystery series. It has a cute cover and held my interest throughout. Set in San Diego, the story has amateur sleuths, detectives, several clues, plenty of red herrings, even a mystery board, and of course, there’s a murder to be solved!
Being Italian myself, this book hit the spot. I could taste and smell the food, hear the clash of the bocce balls, the waves, and the words spoken with love in Italian. There’s family and friends, jobs, God’s presence, and some potential love interests for caterer Terza Tiepolo. There’s also lots of food and deliciousness throughout.
Terza and her friend, Moheenie, who also works with Terza, are forever getting into trouble, and they are in a mystery book club together. They work well together and have an incredible bond. Terza also has her parents and siblings, a cute niece and nephew, and an endearing cat with her. What’s not to love?
There are twists and turns to the story, along with a few chuckles. Terza is always one step ahead of the detective on the case, Nico, and seems to feed him information that the police haven’t even uncovered about the murder scene and potential suspects. There’s closure, having the murderer revealed, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series. There are two delightful recipes at the back of the book, and I plan to try them.
Case of the Bayfront Murder is a nicely paced, cozy mystery with many clues to sift through while enjoying time with family and friends. Sit back with a glass of wine or a cool, refreshing gelato and try to figure out whodunnit!
S.K. Derban resides with her husband in Southern California. Although born in the United States she moved to London within the first three months and remained in England until the age of five. Her father, an American citizen, was a decorated veteran of the Second World War. Her British mother was involved with the London Royal Ballet Company and a great fan of the arts. After returning to the United States, Derban’s life remained filled with a love of the theatre and a passion for British murder mysteries.
S.K. Derban’s personal travel and missionary escapades are readily apparent as they shine through into her characters. Readers are often transported virtually across the globe. She has traveled to Hong Kong on five separate occasions to smuggle Bibles into China and has been to Israel on seven missionary trips. Derban’s other adventures include visits to Bangkok, Greece, Egypt, Italy, and the Caribbean.
Beginning with her faith in the Lord, S.K. Derban relies on all aspects of her life when writing. She hopes her books will allow readers to go on holiday without having to pack!
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