ARC Review: Murder Served Neat by Michelle Hillen Klump

Murder Served Neat
Author: Michelle Hillen Klump
Series: A Cocktails and Catering Mystery (Book 2)
Publication: Crooked Lane Books (February 21, 2023)

Description: Reporter-turned-mixologist Samantha Warren has already thwarted one murder. Now, her world is shaken— definitely not stirred—once again as another killing throws her world into chaos.

Samantha is mixing up traditional cocktails at the German Texan Lodge’s Fourth of July festival—a gig she was roped into by her mother. But amidst the bratwurst and brass bands, trouble is brewing. Lodge loyalties are divided over a proposal to build a private, country-club-style tennis center on the lodge grounds. Her mom’s best friend Patty Davis is vehemently opposed to the plan. Society matron Angela Clawson is all for it. At the festival, they’re seen in a heated argument—and hours later, Angela is found dead, killed by one of the ceremonial shovels intended for the groundbreaking.

Samantha’s mother begs her to help clear her best friend’s name, but can she handle another murder case or will the whole investigation go bottoms up?

My Thoughts: Former reporter Samantha Warren has changed her career to mixologist when her job was downsized. She and her good friend are trying to build new careers as caterers. One of their first jobs has them working at the German Texan Lodge's Fourth of July festival. 

Samantha is selling lots of her Sparkler cocktails when she witnesses an argument between her mother's best friend Patty who is one of the organizers and a woman who is spearheading the plan to add a tennis club to the facility. 

When Angela Clawson is found dead, hit with one of the ceremonial shovels from the groundbreaking for the tennis club, Samantha has to investigate again because Patty is the prime suspect. She's a reluctant investigator since her previous investigation almost cost her life. But she does find a number of suspects including the victim's family who seem better candidates for murderer than her mother's friend. 

This was an engaging cozy mystery with tempting recipes at the end.

Favorite Quote:

But a loud shriek and the crowd's gasp drew her attention to a fight near the picnic tables, where festival organizer Patty Davis appeared to be ready to throttle the regal figure staring her down. 

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.