Laurel Inwood, who was a personal
chef to a Hollywood megastar, is working with her 'Auntie'
Sophie Charnowski, at Sophie’s Terminal in Hubbard,
Ohio. Laurel expected a white napkin restaurant, but instead
found a dive that she slowly turned into a successful ethnic
restaurant. Sophie’s friend, Rachel “Rocky”
Arnaud, who was involved in the 60s and 70s peace movement,
now grows herbs and specialty vegetables used at the restaurant.
Sophie, Rocky and Laurel gather at the Book Nook to hear Aurore
Brisson, the French author of Yesterday’s Passion, speak.
But after Rocky reads passages from the book, she publicly
accuses Aurore of stealing the novel from her friend who recently
died. The next day, at a celebration, a Statue of Liberty
expert, Andrew MacLain, appears to speak. When Rocky sees
him, she grows pale and takes off running. A short time later,
Rocky is found dead.
Declan Fury, Rocky’s attorney, has more than a passing
interest in Laurel. They both wonder if Brisson wanted Rocky
silenced. Then again, why did Rocky run when she saw MacLain?
Did the noted expert have something to do with Rocky’s
death?
I felt Laurel’s struggle with her desire to return to
the life of a personal chef, telling herself she can’t
get involved with Declan, and as she tries to fight the connections
that draw her to Sophie, the restaurant, and especially Declan.
I could feel her deep emotional struggle. Declan is a loveable
Irish charmer, and the secondary characters of Sophie and
policeman Tony add depth to a wonderfully wrought mystery.
French Fried is a delicious novel featuring savory
French food and exciting mysteries. The touch of romance was
a delightful bonus. Though this is the second release in the
series, I barely noticed. I was hooked from the beginning
and savored every page.
Reviews of other titles in this series
Irish
Stewed Ethnic Eats Mystery
#1
French
Fried #2
Italian
Iced #3
Reviewer’s Notes: Kylie Logan is the national
bestselling author of The League of Literary Ladies Mysteries
and the Chili Cook-Off Mysteries.
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