Cheddar Late Than Dead is the third book in the Grilled Cheese Mysteries series by Linda Reilly. With an anticipated release date of January 31, 2023, from Poisoned Pen Press, Cheddar Late Than Dead takes readers back to Balsam Dell, Vermont. Carly finds herself tasked to cater a bridal shower for a former school friend, only to discover the groom dead at the bottom of the stairs! Was the bride the killer, or was it another guest?
I want to thank Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Cheddar Late Than Dead. All opinions presented here are solely mine.
Synopsis from Goodreads
Winter in Balsam Dell is a snowy affair, and to add in some cheer after the holidays, Carly’s former classmate Klarissa Taddeo is hosting her extravagant bridal shower at the historic Balsam Dell inn. That is until a double-booking throws some mold in the cheese and leaves Klarissa scrambling. With the venue moved to the maid of honor’s family mansion and Carly rinding to create a new delicious treat, it seems the group is going to pull off the shower without a hitch.
That is until a rowdy band of groomsmen crashes the event. Klarissa is furious with her groom-to-be, and when a loud argument ensues, everyone is shocked by what they hear. When the groom is later found dead at the bottom of the stairs, his drink spiked with a hefty dose of poison, Carly must put her nose to the rind and save Klarissa from being suspect #1.
Because you know what they say: it’s always the (almost) wife.
Positives
- More interesting characters were added to the town of Balsam Dell.
- Another new grilled cheese recipe to try! And Grant’s tomato soup recipe is included this time as well. YUM!
Negatives
- The synopsis is misleading.
My Thoughts
Cheddar Late Than Dead is the third installment in the Grilled Cheese Mysteries. The series is set in the small town of Balsam Dell, Vermont. We follow Carly Hale after she returns to her hometown and opens a grilled cheese restaurant.
In this edition, Carly is reunited with Klarissa and Dawn, two former classmates. Dawn is a wedding planner, and Klarissa is a bride-to-be. After a misunderstanding, Carly finds herself catering Klarissa’s bridal shower. While there, Carly finds Tony, the groom, at the bottom of the stairs as if he fell from the second floor. A few days later, the town manager goes missing. Are the two events connected? If so, how?
Readers are treated to winter in Balsam Dell and all the coziness that comes with it. The relationship between Ari and Carly continues to grow. And, of course, Havarti makes several appearances!
If you enjoy cozy mysteries, you should give the Grilled Cheese Mysteries series a try!
Looking for some more books to read? Check out my bookish lists, book reviews, and monthly reading wrap-ups.
I loved this one too! Wonderful review, Pam
I’ve wanted to try these books for a while. They look fun! Plus, I love grilled cheese sandwiches, and the books have recipes included? Now I really must pick them up!