Pressing the Issue
- Author: Daryl Wood Gerber
- Publisher: Beyond the Page
- Print Length: 353 pages
- Release Date: February 20, 2018
- I Rate it:
- Genre: Cozy
- Purchase on Amazon
Book Summary
The Agatha Award–winning author of Grilling the Subject returns to the Cookbook Nook in Crystal Cove, where the annual Renaissance Fair serves up a helping of crafty courtiers, damsels in distress, and medieval murder . . .
As the annual Renaissance Fair comes to Crystal Cove, Jenna Hart’s Cookbook Nook is packed with tasty treats and all things medieval, while her pal Bailey is ready to swoon over her upcoming nuptials at a local vineyard. But when the two friends discover the body of the vineyard’s owner bludgeoned by a winepress, all their merriment fades, along with their hopes for a vintage year.
Which churlish varlet did the deed? Was it the victim’s errant brother, who stood to inherit the vineyards? Or the owner’s crestfallen ex-girlfriend? Mayhap it was the newly arrived comely wench, or her jealous husband. Fie on them all! Verily, Jenna can’t rest until justice is served, and she vows to track down the killer. But can she sniff out the truth before the villainous culprit strikes again?
Agatha Award-winning and nationally bestselling author DARYL WOOD GERBER ventures into the world of suspense with her gripping debut novel, GIRL ON THE RUN.
Daryl also writes the bestselling Cookbook Nook Mysteries.
As Avery Aames, she pens the bestselling Cheese Shop Mysteries.
Fun tidbit: as an actress, Daryl appeared in "Murder, She Wrote". In addition, she has jumped out of a perfectly good airplane and hitchhiked around Ireland by herself. She absolutely adores Lake Tahoe, where GIRL ON THE RUN is set, and she has a frisky Goldendoodle named Sparky.
Visit Daryl at www.darylwoodgerber.com.
Reader
What do you do when you are not writing?
Daryl
Good question. Well, I like to walk Sparky, cook, play golf, and I’m learning to play bridge. What a demanding game that is. I feel like my brain is in overload all the time trying to remember the rules and “tricks” of the game. In addition, I like to go to movies. By myself. I find watching a movie in a large theater very relaxing.
Reader
Have you ever written a scene that ‘creeped’ you out?
Daryl
Not really. Wait, I take that back. Yes, I did. It’s in a suspense that hasn’t been published yet. The killer is quite creepy. The scene is based on an incident that happened in my life. I was working at a private home as a temporary executive assistant. The man’s son lived in the house, too. He was a troubled young man and supposedly going through AA. On morning, I was at the place by myself, or so I thought, when all of a sudden, the young man appears at the office door in pajama bottoms, barefoot, and carrying a huge knife. I froze, and then as calmly as possible said (I’ll change his name) Me: “Danny, I didn’t know you were here.” Danny: “Yes.” Me: “Why are you carrying the knife?” Danny looked down at the knife very, very slowly, and then back at me. His eyes were blank. Danny: “Melon.” Me: “Melon?” Danny: “I’m cutting melon. In the kitchen.” Me: “Go back and get your breakfast.” Danny nodded blankly and turned around. In a haze, he returned to the kitchen. And I flew out of the house faster than a scared rabbit. I never went back. I put a semblance of that scene in a book I hope to rewrite and publish.
Reader
Do you have a favorite fictional character by another author you’d like to meet?
Daryl
I would love to meet Sophie Winston, from the Domestic Diva Mysteries. She is extraordinary when it comes to entertaining people. She is always ready to invite friends into her home and feed them. Her freezer is packed with ready to bake cookies and all sorts of meals. And Sophie is calm personified in a storm. I’d like to see what that looks like in real life. Me? I can be calm, but more often than not, I’m a bit like a tornado. LOL
Book Review by Bree Herron
The past has a way of catching up with you, and in a festival all about pretending to be the past the truth and murder will come out. I have loved this series, and have to say like a delicious cake, this series gets better with each book. It was riveting and as enticing as all the books by this author. I loved the idea of a Renaissance fair, and the flare it brought to this story.
Characters
If you haven’t had a chance to meet Jenna, our sleuthing extraordinaire, Tigger her lovely cat (partial to this guy here), Bailey, the best friend. The entire community of Crystal Cove is like one beautiful rainbow of personalities. Jenna has a flare for finding the mystery or the body, I like to think she is just always look for a way to wisk any boredom she has away. Her cat, Tigger is wonderful and my Ernest thinks they would make good friends, but he only sees other orange tabbies is such manner. Now I can’t forget about the man that is stealing Jenna’s heart, Rhett. I think his name says it all, and with that I am Gone with the Wind.
The community is one that feels like a home within the pages of the book. Crystal Cove is a delightful place to meet unique citizens that help keep Jenna on her toes or out of hot water. I also, enjoyed that Bailey and Tito finally got to tie the knot, I love seeing Bailey get a happy ending.
Enjoyable Moments
I really loved the Renaissance fair/festival idea. It was a great backdrop to this murder and mystery. I also loved that our favorite police gal, Cinnamon may be getting a bright reason to smile more. The author did a great job of weaving together clues and dead ends that certainly had me guessing who and why till the very end.
Synoptic
This book is worth more than five stars, it has all the angles and suspects a mystery fan could ask for. Jenna is on her A++ game in this book, and there is the perfect balance of murderous dark moments,and bright rosy light moments. I think all readers will just love the ending and the entire book. I know I did.
What type of fair or festival would you have a mystery set at?
**DISCLAIMER: I was provided an opportunity to read this book as an Advanced Reader Copy in return for a fair and honest review.
Cozy Blog Tour
- February 20 – The Power of Words
- February 21 – Moonlight Rendezvous
- February 22 – That’s What She’s Reading
- February 23 – Bibliophile Reviews
- February 24 – My Devotional Thoughts
- February 25 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews
- February 26 – The Book’s the Thing
BLOG GIVEAWAY: To one commenter today, Daryl is giving away commenter’s choice of one of the first five Cookbook Nook Mysteries or any of the Cheese Shop Mysteries PLUS some fun swag, including recipe cards and a utility measuring spoon. Now look to see the grand prize!
Grand Prize Giveaway:
If the commenter visits ALL the blogs on the Cozy Blog Tour (there are 7 in a row), he or she can be entered for the big prize. This is not a rafflecopter. Just drop in and visit them all and leave a comment. The links are above. What’s the prize? A Cookbook Nook Mystery, A Cheese Shop Mystery, a darling cat tea towel, a darling plush Tigger, and a Medieval Tapestries coloring book to honor the Renaissance theme in the book.
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I am grateful to be of service and bring you content free of charge. In order to do this, please note that when you click links and purchase items, in most (not all) cases I will receive a referral commission. Your support in purchasing through these links supplements the costs of keeping my website up and running, and is very much appreciated!
Thanks for the chance!
jelrobb(at)gmail(dot)com
Great review. I would love to read these books.
Carolyn, lovely to see you here. Enjoy the read! ~ Daryl
I haven’t read any of these books yet. Thank you for the review and giveaway opportunity.
Perrianne, I hope you’ll take the chance now that Bree has provided such a lovely review. ~ Daryl
Perrianne, I hope you’ll take a chance on them. ~ Daryl
I can’t wait to read this book.
Great review! I am so anxious to start reading this series and this book in particular. Thanks for the chance to win!
Thank you for the review on “Pressing the Issue” and being part of the book tour! Enjoyed the interview with Daryl too. LOVE her books!
Thanks, Kay. You are a lovely fan and so appreciated! 🙂 ~ Daryl
I love Daryl’s books and am looking forward to reading “Pressing the Issue” Love the cover, got me with the cat.
Paula, isn’t Tigger adorable? Definitely not happy about the hat. LOL ~ Daryl
Great interview! I would love to read this book, have enjoyed the series very much so far. Daryl, love your books and love how engaged you are with your readers and thank you for these giveaways!
Thanks, Tami. I love my readers. They have been so supportive. ~ Daryl
I don’t cook but I love this series! I went to one event and it was, well, different. I’m more Civil War fan
Jane, I’ve never been to a Civl War reenactment, but I felt like I did when I read one of Julie Hyzy’s White House Chef mysteries. 🙂 ~ Daryl
That was so scary what happened to you. I don’t blame you for getting out of there and not going back. It’s great that you were calm enough to handle it the way you did.
scarletbegonia5858(at)gmail(dot)com
No kidding, Margaret. Not sure what happened to that young man or his father. I cut off all ties. The father “never” asked why. Huh! ~ Daryl
Great review! Looking forward to reading it!
Jessica, thanks for chiming in! ~ Daryl
Thanks for the chance to win! I love this series and a festival is a fun theme. mcastor07(at)Gmail(dot)com
Thanks, Melissa. I had so much fun doing the research. ~ Daryl
What kind of festival would I like to read about? Anything having to do with wine or food. I never get tired of books that have food in them. Although I find that I’m always hungry when I’m reading them. 🙂
Kristin, I think a wine and food festival is so much fun. In my French Bistro Mystery, A Souffle of Suspicion, which comes out in July, I feature a Sweet Treats festival. I had FUN researching that. ~Daryl
So excited for this installment!
Thanks, Amanda. 🙂 ~ Daryl
That creepy scene was really unnerving! So glad it turned out OK for you, Darryl. Thanks for the continuing fun interviews!
Yes, it was pretty darned creepy, Autumn. I’m glad I survived. ~ Daryl
Can’t wait to read this book. I love this series!! Thanks for a chance to win!
Lori, thanks for chiming in. 😉 ~ Daryl
I have this book on my TBR list. Love the Renaissance Fair storyline and looking forward to reading the book.
diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
Dianne, don’t even talk to me about TBR piles. Mine is huge! LOL ~ Daryl
I absolutely loved this book as well, thank you for the giveaway! barbie17(at)gmail(dot)com
Tari, I’m so happy to hear that. I’m thrilled how many are enjoying it. ~ Daryl
Thoroughly enjoying this series and so looking forward to Crystal Cove’s Ren Faire!
Anne, I’m happy you’re enjoying the series. I’m working on book 7 right now and it features a Christmas theme. Fa-la-la. 🙂 ~ Daryl
Daryl’s cozies are captivating and special. Thanks for this lovely feature and giveaway.
Anne, thank you. That’s sweet of you to say. ~ Daryl
Looking forward to this one! I always love going to the Texas State Fair every October…I always have my food list planned ahead of time! cking78503(at)aol(dot)
Christi, it’s important to go with a food list. I was overwhelmed by how many choices there were at the Ren Faire. ~ Daryl
I am really enjoying all of the posts for Pressing the Issue! Thanks!! lindaherold999(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks, Linda. 2 more to go. (Or 3 or 4, depending on where you are at in the schedule). ~ Daryl
How about a mystery set at an author/reader event? That scene was really creepy, even more so since it really happened.
Jana, that’s a good idea. I’ve never done anything at an author event. Jenna would love that. She’s an avid reader. Hmmm. Book 8… Right now working on Book 7 with a Christmas theme. ~ Daryl
I love Christmas themes the most!
Wow “melon”. That is pretty scary, lol. Love this book and this series. Great interview and review. Thanks. kayt18 (at) comcast (dot) net
Gosh, I bet you were very afraid, but sounds like you handled the troubled young man well! Hopefully that book will be published! Can not wait to read this one though!
Sounds like you could be a hostage negotiator – calm under pressure. I hope you are enjoying your book tour.
karen94066 at aol dot com
All of these covers grab you and inspires you to read them …. thanks for the chance rosep(at)Maryland(dot)com.
I enjoy Daryl’s books no matter which name she uses! Congratulations on the new release!
Love Daryl’s books! Thanks for the chance. Maceoindo(at)yahoo(dot)com
Great interview. Thanks for the chance.
im2early4u(at)gmail (dot)com
Another new blog to me. How fun.
Forgot my email: catwoman-1(at)Comcast(dot)net
Thank you so much for the wonderful books you have written! cocanvaz[at]gmail[dot]com
Fascinating interview! I’m enjoying the book very much and this tour is neat too.
I have lived in Wisconsin for many years and near our lake home, the first weekend in October, there is a Cranberry Festival in a very small town. It’s fun to go to. Maybe a story could be written about that. And then there could be cranberry recipes…
Awesome review and loving the continuation of the interview.
I enjoyed reading this great interview. Daryl, that was one scary moment with the young man and his knife. Thanks for this giveaway.
Connie
cps1950(at)gmai
l(dot)com
Congratulations on the new release. I always look forward to reading one of your books. Dm_richards (at) yahoo (dot) com
I am really enjoying visiting these blogs they are a lot of fun. [email protected]
Have enjoyed reading questions and review.
Looks like a good book. Can’t wait to read.
Thank you for this opportunity! [email protected]
Like your interview and loved the book!