Up to No Gouda by Linda Reilly: Book Review

Linda Reilly’s newest cozy mystery series, Grilled Cheese Mysteries, will debut on January 25, 2022, with Up to No Gouda as the initial entry. Published by Poisoned Pen Press, Up to No Gouda is set in southern Vermont and introduces us to Carly Hale. Carly returns to her hometown after the death of her husband and pursues her dream of a grilled cheese restaurant. What could go wrong?

I want to thank Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Up to No Gouda. All opinions presented here are solely mine.

Synopsis from Goodreads

Back in Balsam Dell to heal after the death of her husband, Carly Hale is finally pursuing her lifelong dream—opening Carly’s Grilled Cheese Eatery. After only five months, business is booming as Vermont vacationers and townspeople alike flock to lunch on her Party Havartis and other grilled cheese concoctions. All but Lyle Bagley, Carly’s one-time high school boyfriend and now town bully who just bought the building that houses her eatery, wants Carly out. After a muenster of a fight, Carly’s forced to put her nose to the rind and find a solution to keep her business afloat.

That is until Lyle is discovered dead behind the dumpster of Carly’s shop, and one of her employees becomes the prime suspect. In order to save her eatery and prove her friend’s innocence, Carly must sleuth out the killer before she’s the one who gets grilled.

Positives

Reilly nails the small-town New England feel. Balsam Dell is home to a small college, a town square, and green space for summer festivals. The town also has a collection of older buildings around that town square full of independent businesses, small restaurants, and a greeting card boutique.

The book talks about grilled cheese sandwiches, as quite a lot happens at the restaurant. The bonus is the addition of a few recipes at the end of the book.

Negatives

Honestly, I can’t think of anything I didn’t like about the book. There were a few characters that I didn’t care for, but that is to be expected in a mystery.

My Opinions

Up to No Gouda is a slice of small-town New England at the beginning of summer. A slice served up with a side of an incredible cast of characters. Carly is a fierce and loyal friend to all she knows. Grant is a teenager trying to figure out what he wants, and I hope he gets to chase his dreams! Also, I want to try his tomato soup recipe. I hope Suzanne gets the happily ever after she’s working toward, the same for Tiffany. I think I had better stop there, or I may spoil a few things.

One character I wish there were more of is Havarti! If you wonder who that is, he is the cute ball of fluff on the cover. I want to know more about him and see how Carly’s life changes with him around.

While I did guess who the murderer was early on, I did not know why until the end. As I read, I found myself doubting my guess, which is what you are supposed to do, right?

Up to No Gouda is a deliciously easy-to-read, cozy mystery. I can’t wait for the sequel, No Parm, No Foul, to be released.

Looking for some more books to read? Check out my other book reviews and my monthly reading wrap-ups.