Reviews

Up to No Gouda by Linda Reilly

macnsleaze's review

adventurous lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

yodamom's review

3.0

Meh. (Audiobook) it could have been the narrators voice, it was so "cheesy" always too bright, like a 50's sitcom woman. She was also stupidly nosey, so irritating. it started out so well, she was strong, self employed, loved cheese and animals I was all ready to love this book till I didn't. I finished it with a phew, glad that's over feeling. I will not be moving on with this author.

theavidreaderandbibliophile's review

4.0

Up to No Gouda by Linda Reilly has Carly Hale enjoying the success of her new business venture. After the death of her husband, Carly returned to her hometown to open Carly’s Grilled Cheese Eatery. Carly is surprised when the bank tells her the building has been purchased in the foreclosure auction by a man who does not wish Carly to remain. Lyle Bagley is the town bully, and he is giving Carly one month to get out before renovations begin. Lyle’s girlfriend wants to open a high-end fashion boutique in Carly’s spot. Suzanne, Carly’s parttime employee, does not take the news well and gives Lyle her two cents. When Lyle is found dead behind Carly’s shop, Suzanne finds herself the prime suspect. Carly knows that Suzanne would not kill someone and put her son in jeopardy. She sets out to prove Suzanne’s innocence and serve up the killer up to the police. Up to No Gouda by Linda Reilly is the debut of A Grilled Cheese Mystery series. I thought Up to No Gouda contained good writing, steady pacing, and relatable characters. I enjoyed getting to know Carly and the rest of the cast. I thought a grilled cheese diner was a clever idea for a cozy mystery series. I looked online and discovered it is a new trend in restaurants. Balsam Dell, Vermont is a charming town. I enjoyed reading the descriptions of the scenery, shops, and homes. The mystery was nicely plotted out. There are a variety of suspects since Lyle was not well liked (putting it mildly). It depends on your sleuthing level on when (or if) you solve the whodunit. I thought the reason for the crime was clever. Carly conducted a good investigation. The case was nicely wrapped up at the end and I enjoyed the drama. I loved the little puppy in the story that gets named Havarti. He is a cutie pie. I do want to warn readers that reading this story will have you craving grilled cheese and tomato soup. There are certainly some unique grilled cheese combinations served at Carly’s eatery. I never thought of making grilled cheese dippers for tomato soup (I will be serving them to my mother soon). Up to No Gouda is a quick paced story that was over too soon. This is my favorite book by Linda Reilly. Up to No Gouda is a tasty tale with grilled cheese cuisine, a dead dirtbag, a framed friend, a precious puppy, an interfering editor, a sexy sports coach, and a curious Carly.

anabatel1's review against another edition

3.0

This book was somewhat flat. Writing was coherent and the plot made sense for the most part.
There was an unexpected twist (at least for me, I could not see it coming!) which I'm unsure how I feel about.
The main character Carly was okay. I expected more Grant story (he totally went missing in the second part of the book, same as Suzanne).

Coziness 5/10

Still unsure if I'd continue this series.

yeppenny's review

4.5

If you want a simple, feel-good, hallmark-esque, cozy mystery, then this book is for you! I am craving grilled cheese and tomato soup, and I cannot wait to read the sequel!

kloughlin's review

mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

The characters were too similar, the pacing was rushed, there were plot threads that never went anywhere (

where was Janet Moody’s grandfather’s cane if it wasn’t in her backseat like she told Carly

), and the dialogue was unbelievable. I guessed part of the mystery at the beginning of the book (

Kevin and Officer Palmer were cousins and involved in the robberies

) but the rest of the mystery was unsolvable with the breadcrumbs the reader was given.

We were supposed to guess that Arlene was on the run from a bank robbery she committed as a young adult from the fact Lyle recognized her without sunglasses after she hit his car and the fact Lyle was obsessed with collecting magazines.

The only reason I’m giving this 2.5 stars is because of the grilled cheese recipes at the end.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Murder

Minor: Gun violence and Death

courtney_reads_stories's review

4.0

Great first book in a series. Totally didn’t see the bad guy coming. Adding this series to my TBR.

ekellogg's review

4.0

Pretty good, cute premise. Well written for the most part except one incongruous character who seems clumsily portrayed, but perhaps that character was a later addition to the plot, or was originally written differently and changed at the last minute.

megasaurus_wes's review

lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

kimdavishb's review

5.0

UP TO NO GOUDA, the first book in the brand-new Grilled Cheese Mystery series by Linda Reilly, is a scrumptious feast for the reader! Ms. Reilly is known for writing captivating cozy mysteries, and this hits the mark on all accounts. With a small-town setting in Vermont, a yummy grilled cheese shop, and a well-paced plot that balances mystery with friendships, I couldn’t put the book down. I’ve long appreciated that the author also creates kind, sweet characters, people you’d like to hang out with on a consistent basis. The protagonist, Carly Hale, is a delightful woman set on making a new life for herself and making her dreams become a reality after the death of her husband. Assisting her in her new grilled cheese eatery is her friend, Suzanne, and an older teen, Grant, who has his sights set on culinary school. I love the comradery of the trio and the care they take with each other.

It’s no wonder that when Suzanne is suspected of murdering Lyle, Carly’s ex-boyfriend, Carly and Grant jump in to clear her name. It doesn’t help matters that Lyle ended Carly’s lease and she has no choice but to close her restaurant and move out within thirty days. Ms. Reilly sets the murder up with strong motives for the suspects, and plenty of townspeople who disliked the victim. The plot was well-paced with some twists I didn’t see coming. I fell for the author’s misdirection several times and was taken by surprise at the suspenseful reveal. And best of all, you can always count on a heartwarming conclusion in Ms. Reilly’s books, making me eager for the chance to visit with Carly and her friends soon!

I’ve always enjoyed grilled cheese sandwiches but reading this book made me crave one! The author includes several grilled cheese sandwich recipes at the back of the book and they all sound fantastic.

I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.