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yeppenny's review
3.5
Just like the first installment of the Grilled Cheese Mysteries series, this second book upkeeps the same cozy mystery vibes and makes you crave delicious grilled cheese sandwiches.
However, Carly seems a lot more nosy and all over the place than the first book. In other words, her motivations for sleuthing and the manner with which she questions the people of Balsam Dell feel more contrived.
Nevertheless, I enjoy this series, and I'm looking forward to reading the third book!
However, Carly seems a lot more nosy and all over the place than the first book. In other words, her motivations for sleuthing and the manner with which she questions the people of Balsam Dell feel more contrived.
Nevertheless, I enjoy this series, and I'm looking forward to reading the third book!
shawn2024's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this book. I was surprised if who the killer turned out to be. I look forward to the next book in the series.
danniphantomreads's review against another edition
5.0
I LOVE COZY MYSTERIES. This book is a must read! I was on my toes from beginning to end and I plan to read every book in the series! I got everything I wanted from this book and more! Food, friends, death! I love halloween too so that’s a plus, this book was just so fun and so freaking great, i need moreeeee!
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
kimdavishb's review
5.0
NO PARM, NO FOUL is the second book in the Grilled Cheese Mysteries by Linda Reilly. With the delectable setting of the Grilled Cheese Eatery during Halloween, the reader’s senses are in for a treat! Scrumptious food—check. Close-knit friends—check. A Scary-Licious food competition—check. A dead competitor that bodes ill for protagonist, Carly, and her friends—check. A missing vampire cape that might be a clue—check. Ms. Reilly weaves together a tale worthy of Halloween with characters and clues alike lending spirit to the holiday.
Despite the murder mystery genre, the author creates kind and caring core characters, particularly Carly. She’s one of those people you’d love to count as a friend with her trusting nature and her loyalty to those she cares about. Despite the short time that she’s been in Balsam Dell, Vermont, following the death of her husband, she’s managed to fit right in and her grilled cheese restaurant has developed quite the following amongst the young and the old alike. And, of course, who can resist her little Morkie, aptly named Havarti? The sweet dog has such a delightful personality that complements Carly’s character.
With clues surrounding the murder pointing to Carly’s love interest, Ari, being the culprit, Carly can’t help but get involved trying to figure out who wanted her restaurant’s competitor dead. I loved how the author uses one of Carly’s elderly regulars as a source for clues via the former teacher’s unique poetry. As someone who loves to learn, I appreciated the inclusion of the poetry and was even more impressed with the author’s skill at writing it to fit the needs of the mystery. As the pressure mounts to clear Ari’s name, there are many suspects who pop up. I was kept guessing as the clues unfolded and at the surprising reveal the pieces fell into place with a highly satisfying conclusion.
With a variety of grilled cheese sandwiches being served throughout the story, I’d suggest having one on hand every time you pick up the book. Ms. Reilly includes a couple of recipes at the back of the book and they sound fantastic.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Despite the murder mystery genre, the author creates kind and caring core characters, particularly Carly. She’s one of those people you’d love to count as a friend with her trusting nature and her loyalty to those she cares about. Despite the short time that she’s been in Balsam Dell, Vermont, following the death of her husband, she’s managed to fit right in and her grilled cheese restaurant has developed quite the following amongst the young and the old alike. And, of course, who can resist her little Morkie, aptly named Havarti? The sweet dog has such a delightful personality that complements Carly’s character.
With clues surrounding the murder pointing to Carly’s love interest, Ari, being the culprit, Carly can’t help but get involved trying to figure out who wanted her restaurant’s competitor dead. I loved how the author uses one of Carly’s elderly regulars as a source for clues via the former teacher’s unique poetry. As someone who loves to learn, I appreciated the inclusion of the poetry and was even more impressed with the author’s skill at writing it to fit the needs of the mystery. As the pressure mounts to clear Ari’s name, there are many suspects who pop up. I was kept guessing as the clues unfolded and at the surprising reveal the pieces fell into place with a highly satisfying conclusion.
With a variety of grilled cheese sandwiches being served throughout the story, I’d suggest having one on hand every time you pick up the book. Ms. Reilly includes a couple of recipes at the back of the book and they sound fantastic.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
monarchbooks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
While I love this book and series, I still feel like the cast of characters is so cluttered! It had my thoughts spinning on who the killer could be - there were so many directions it could have gone and very few hints toward the actual killer. Feels like another writer scared of being "too obvious".
nicolemcfarland's review
5.0
No Parm No Foul by Linda Reilly
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book two of the grilled cheese mysteries was so fun! I love the relationships Carly has with her co workers and friends. This one kept me guessing and had so many red herrings! Just like the first book, I didn’t see the ending coming at all and I love that! Another great one from Linda Reilly. Bonus points for the unique recipes that are included !
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book two of the grilled cheese mysteries was so fun! I love the relationships Carly has with her co workers and friends. This one kept me guessing and had so many red herrings! Just like the first book, I didn’t see the ending coming at all and I love that! Another great one from Linda Reilly. Bonus points for the unique recipes that are included !
booklovingmom_'s review
4.0
No Parm No Foul by Linda Reilly is the second mystery in the Grilled Cheese Mysteries series. In this cozy mystery’s, restaurant owner, Carly, finds herself in search of a killer when her restaurant rival turns up murdered.
No Parm No Foul is the first book I have read in this series and I definitely enjoyed it. The characters were interesting and I enjoyed the storyline and the mystery itself. Sometimes I found Carly to be a little too nosy without tack but that was all part of her charm. I love the idea of a grilled cheese themed restaurant and would love to visit the restaurant in this mystery! I enjoyed No Parm No Foul and I look forward to going back and reading this first book in this series. If you are a cozy mystery fan, this is worth a read.
No Parm No Foul is the first book I have read in this series and I definitely enjoyed it. The characters were interesting and I enjoyed the storyline and the mystery itself. Sometimes I found Carly to be a little too nosy without tack but that was all part of her charm. I love the idea of a grilled cheese themed restaurant and would love to visit the restaurant in this mystery! I enjoyed No Parm No Foul and I look forward to going back and reading this first book in this series. If you are a cozy mystery fan, this is worth a read.
myameegirl's review against another edition
3.0
3.5⭐️ - I liked this one slightly better than Book 1, but I'm still having a hard time liking our protagonist in this series. I really enjoy the town, the setting, the rest of the characters in the book, and the cozy grilled cheese shop that makes me want to make one of the sweet grilled cheese on raisin bread they talk about in the book...YUM! I'll continue with the series and hopefully they continue to get better. The series is entertaining and fun to read, the author does a good job of giving us multiple suspects to choose from - it's just Carly... something about her.
themichellegray's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars - A cute addition to this cozy mystery series! I really enjoy the main cast of characters and their varying relationships along with the setting itself.
I'll admit, I thought there would be more of a fall/halloween ambiance when in reality this story could've taken place anytime of year after the competition ended. Otherwise, I still have the exact same complaints as the first book; millennial adults refusing to swear, blushing at the suggestion of romance, and unrealistic phrases which make it feel like a Hallmark movie.
With all that being said, this is still an easy & fun read (also highly recommend the audiobook since we finished it in one day) and I look forward to the next book in the series!
I'll admit, I thought there would be more of a fall/halloween ambiance when in reality this story could've taken place anytime of year after the competition ended. Otherwise, I still have the exact same complaints as the first book; millennial adults refusing to swear, blushing at the suggestion of romance, and unrealistic phrases which make it feel like a Hallmark movie.
With all that being said, this is still an easy & fun read (also highly recommend the audiobook since we finished it in one day) and I look forward to the next book in the series!
alireadsandknits's review
4.0
What an enjoyable cozy mystery!
Second in the series, I was pleased to find I liked this even more than book 1.
What I really liked is that the main character doesn't do anything outrageous in her detective work. Most of her "investigating" is talking to people during her day, not doing dangerous tasks. Too many times in cozies the main character is found doing dangerous tasks and can't for the life of them understand why those around them are upset with them.
Good, quick recap the characters backstory so if you haven't read book 1, you' wouldn't be lost.
Second in the series, I was pleased to find I liked this even more than book 1.
What I really liked is that the main character doesn't do anything outrageous in her detective work. Most of her "investigating" is talking to people during her day, not doing dangerous tasks. Too many times in cozies the main character is found doing dangerous tasks and can't for the life of them understand why those around them are upset with them.
Good, quick recap the characters backstory so if you haven't read book 1, you' wouldn't be lost.