Reviews

Case of the Bleus: A Cheese Shop Mystery by Korina Moss

mrsscare's review

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.75

rynflynn12's review

lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

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

4.0

louisekf's review

funny informative lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

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

3.75

 Case of The Bleus is another enjoyable mystery featuring Willa Bauer and her Curds & Whey cheese shop, set in a small town in California. This time, the mystery involves trying to find out where Max, Willa’s former employer and mentor, hid his rare/custom blue cheese, called Church Bleu, after the cheese shop he owned, which occupied a former church. Church Bleu won several prizes over the years and no one knows how Max made the cheese, where he made it and where he aged it. Now that he’s died, his cheese shop employees as well as his formerly-estranged daughter, are all on the hunt for this mysterious and valuable cheese. Sounds a bit loony, but the author made it all very believable. All these people are in Yarrow Glen for the Northwest Cheese Society Invitational, when Willa receives a mysterious letter from Max, via his lawyer, with a riddle, for Willa to solve, even though she’s not mentioned in his will. In addition to the puzzle of the blue cheese, there’s a murder to be solved. 

 

This series features fun regulars like Mrs. Schultz and Archie who work at Curds & Whey, Willa’s neighbor and friend Baz, Roman who makes mead, and Heath, the local detective, who may or may not become a love interest for Willa. The small town vibe is delightful. 

 

I guarantee you will hungry for cheese after reading this book, even if blue cheese isn’t your favorite. (There are a few recipes at the end of the book too.) 

 

Although this is the fourth in a series, I think this would work fine as a standalone. 

 

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. 

danadoesbooks's review

mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Thank you Minotaur and NetGalley for the eARC of Case of the Bleus!  All opinions in this review are my own.

I was in such a bad reading slump until I started Case of the Bleus. I should have known that the latest installment in the Cheese Shop Mystery series would fix it!

I fell in love with this series after reading Gone for Gouda (the second book) so it will always be my favorite. However, Case of the Bleus definitely rivals it! Not only is this a murder mystery, but there is also a puzzle aspect to it as well.  I had so much fun reading this one and I already pre-ordered the next mystery Fondue or Die set to come out in October!

kimdavishb's review

4.0

CASE OF THE BLEUS, A CHEESE SHOP MYSTERY by Korina Moss, is the fourth book in the series. I lament that this is the first book I’ve had the chance to read in this series and I’ll be remedying that and starting with the first book. I’m eager to catch up with Team Cheese—protagonist Willa Bauer and her employees—at her Curds & Whey cheese shop. Still, I had no problem jumping in with this newest release and getting to know the characters. Ms. Moss does an admirable job bringing the backstory onto to the pages in just the right amount so that I never felt lost. The core characters are relatable and I loved their interaction and close friendship. Willa is a dedicated cheesemonger and is more than happy to share her love for cheese and her experience with customers and the curious alike. And since cheese is one of my most favorite foods, I’d love to have the opportunity to visit her shop.

Of course, the book isn’t just about cheese, an inviting setting, and entertaining characters. The focus is, instead, on the dual mysteries of the secret of the legendary, award-winning bleu cheese and its deceased creator, and the murder of a cheesemonger in search of said bleu cheese. The author does an admirable job weaving the two mysteries together with plenty of suspects and cryptic clues to puzzle over. I love how the Team Cheese crew work together to solve the case of the missing bleu cheese and track down a murderer as well. It added to the appeal of the storyline and I’m looking forward to catching up with their previous antics!

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

natalie_deane's review

mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

I’ve been in the mood for cozy mysteries recently, knowing that while they’re fun and easy reads, they aren’t necessarily the best written books. But this one really surprised me! I’ve been enjoying the Cheese Shop series, and I think the fourth book is actually the best of the bunch. It feels like the author hit her stride with this one; the writing, mystery, and characters were all on point.

booklovingmom_'s review

4.0

Case of the Bleus is the fourth book in the Cheese Shop Mysteru series. Willa Bauer, owner of the Curds & Whey local cheese shop, has a way for finding herself in the middle of murder cases. After her old mentor, Max Dumas passes away, the mystery around his famous cheese recipe surrounds Willa. Never one to back down from a mystery, Willa and her friends work to uncover the secret behind Max’s cheese and the murder that hangs over them all.

I haven’t read any other other books in this series, but I was still able to enjoy this cozy mystery. Other than missing out on some of the background info, especially surrounding Max, I felt comfortable enough reading this as a standalone. I like the main character, Willa, a lot and the people she surrounds herself with. There were a lot of riddles in this mystery, which helped add to the story itself and I enjoyed this new aspect that I am not used to in my cozy mysteries. This book interested me enough that I am going to start this series from the beginning! If you are a cozy mystery fan, and a lover of cheese, give this series a try!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book!

pensivepelican's review

4.0

Gone for Gouda is the second volume in Korina Moss’ Cheese Shop Mystery series. Protagonist Willa Bauer is excited that her Cheese Shop, Curds & Whey would be hosting Phoebe Winston, a famous vegan chef and influencer. Not because Willa was a huge fan, but because she hoped Phoebe’s influence would help put her cheese shop on the map. Things soon go awry. First, it’s revealed that Phoebe is not vegan at all. Then, Phoebe is murdered and Willa’s young assistant, Archie is the prime suspect. It’s up to Willa to save him and her shop.

Looking forward to the next one!

I received this Advanced Reader Copy of Gone for Gouda from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

rebeccasreadingrambles's review

4.0

It’s no secret that I adore this series and this book is just as great. There is mystique around a world renowned cheese that is creating tons of drama. Full of puzzles and riddles, this book had so many aspects to enjoy, and of course the friendships that keep bringing us back to Yarrow Glen. The thing that really pulls me toward this series (other than the delectable sounding cheese) is the town. The descriptions make you want to walk along the street and visit all the shops, then go to the park for the farmers market. The people and community that Willa has surrounded herself with are such a great group and I love how they work together and take care of each other. I also have a secret hope for a romance to bloom, but it seems that might not happen or might go slowly. I enjoyed this very twisty story!

cyireadbooks's review

5.0

I thoroughly enjoyed Case of the Bleus. It is the fourth novel in the Cheese Shop Mystery series, but I didn’t have a problem reading it as a standalone.

Unlike most cozy mysteries, Case of the Bleus wasn’t heavy-handed with atmosphere. There was a lot more drama and suspense, especially due to the numerous plot twists. And because the novel is really two mysteries in one, I was kept guessing on the who, what, when, where, and why.

I loved all of the characters in the novel. And although the characters are new to me, I still managed to get sense of their personalities. The main characters of Willa, Archie, and Mrs. Schultz (Team Cheese as they called themselves,) were a joy to follow. I especially enjoyed the comic relief from Archie — the youngest of the group. And Mrs. Schultz with all of her wisdom balanced out the group’s dynamics.

Author Moss has done an excellent job of balancing the cozy atmosphere with the thrill of an adrenalin-filled mystery. Moss is a new to me author that I will add to my list of favorites. And extra kudos to her for sharing the recipes for those mouthwatering dips and spreads mentioned in her novel. Five delectable stars.

I received a DRC from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.