A great new series!

I was honored to receive a free audio copy of this book during the release party for a previous book of Catherine Bruns. I can honestly say that she is one of my favorite authors! This book was delightful and the audio was wonderful! Celeste Ciulla did a fabulous job with the characters. I am excited to see where local chef, Tessa Esposito will go next!

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5/5 Pots of “Rich” Sauce...Deliciously Engaging!

I am an eager fan of Catherine Bruns’ work, so it’s important to note that the writing, the mystery, and the characters are all her! I totally enjoyed “Penne Dreadful,” first-in-a-series page turner, which included several personal and professional motives to sift through, a satisfying conclusion, a bit of peril, and some great characters that I look forward to following. An Italian chef? Italian cuisine? Murder? She penned a well-written first-person narrative from our heroine Tessa Esposito’s perspective with a compelling plot using some contemporary issues, vivid (some mouthwatering) descriptions, and entertaining banter illustrating tone and personality. We are introduced to Tessa who is slowing emerging from the depths of grief after the death of her husband. However, grief turns to resolve when she learns her husband’s fatal accident wasn’t an accident. The authorities, including her cop/cousin, find the evidence suspicious and tracing his last moments have led them to a link with which Tessa can provide some assistance. She'll do anything to get answers and justice, so she goes undercover…as a cook.

The audiobook (9 hr. 38 min.) provided a delightful way to enjoy Catherine’s story with the marvelous voice talent of Celeste Ciulla. Her rich tones gave a warmth to the listening experience, much like Tessa’s sauce on a bed of al dente penne, bringing Catherine’s story to life. Celeste goes beyond the traditional reading out loud style as her steady-paced performance did well to illustrate the few accents and dialects (especially Carlita’s Spanish, Vincent and Anthony’s New “Yawk”), personalities (especially the excited Gabby and Olivia), different ages, and the male voices, a challenge for female narrators. She also did well performing the emotional complexities from Tessa’s range from grief to fear to angry then satisfaction. Even the points of peril were read in a way to put me literally on the edge of my chair. The audiobook gets 5/5 microphones!

Hurrah! My suggestions have been heard...by whom, I don’t know, but the recipes are included!! You can listen and copy down the three Italian favorites: Never-Fail Pizza Crust and Pepperoni Pizza, Tessa’s Tantalizing Tomato Sauce, and ‘Good to the Last Bite’ Stromboli. I love it!

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Excellent book, even included recipes

I loved all the twists and turns in this book. It was well written and worth my time to read it.

Yummy Food and Mystery

Characters were fully formed. the setting reminded me of when I lived in upstate NY. I especially enjoyed the descriptions of Italian food and the recipes. The plot was not predictable and kept me engaged.

A delicious cozy mystery

Mystery will keep you guessing and make you hungry for Italian food before the book is over.

Craving Italian food?

Start making your sauce now. You will want it before you finish the book. A clever mystery that had a few surprises. Some sadness, some suspense. some romance. Cozy mystery that kept me listening beyond my drive time. Can't stop here! Must keep going. Thanks to the author for providing a copy for my voluntary review.