Saturday, May 4, 2013

Blog Tour: Topped Chef

 * Book 3 in the Key West Food Critic series*

Hayley Snow just gave her first bad review for a restaurant. It killed her, but after eating there three times, she couldn't justify a positive review for Key Zest magazine. On the day it's printed, she gets called into the office as the owner of the restaurant's complaining about it.  She overhears the conversation between him and her boss - it's not pleasant.

Afterwards, her boss gives her another assignment. She's to represent the magazine as a judge for a reality TV show featuring chefs from Key West. One of the judges is none other than the restaurant owner she just reviewed.

When he ends up murdered, Hayley doesn't believe the show should continue. The producers disagree as the winner of Topped Chef could become the next cooking TV star. As the show proceeds, Hayley wonders if one of the contestants wants to eliminate the competition or if Sam's business practices and politics on the island made him a target. Could someone be targeting the judges?
My Thoughts: I'm a big fan of this series - I love the setting and all the talk about food. It makes me want to get into the kitchen and whip up something delicious. I loved the idea for this book - where a murder happens on a reality TV show setting. It was amusing to see the behind the scenes of TV series - the work that it takes, the encouraged drama, and people it draws. I loved Hayley and how she struggles making decisions, but has a team of great friends for support, including her tarot card reader Lorenzo. I like how she struggled over her critical review. I like that in this book, we learned more about some characters: her ex-boyfriend's secretary and her new house boat mate. I love the romance frustrations and the possibility of romance. All in all, Topped Chef is a  fabulous addition to this charming series!

Cover Thoughts: Perfect
Source: Sent for review for blog tour

I got to meet Lucy when her last book came out and she went to RJ Julia's. I wrote up a post about it. She'll be there next week and I wish I could attend, but I have a program at the library that night. If you're in the area and you like cozy mysteries and/or books about food - go check it out. It's sure to amazing.


Prizes:

To enter:
2. There is no requirement to follow any of the blogs participating, but we hope you will support these amazing blogs by following them. They do a great job, many of whom host for us every month.
3. Giveaway ends on May 15, 2013 at midnight and the winners will be contacted via email.

2 comments:

Edel said...

Awesome review... I can't wait until my copy of Topped Chef arrives!! Love this series sooo much! I esp love the setting in this series.

Lucy Burdette aka Roberta Isleib said...

Thanks again for hosting me Jennifer! I missed you last night but know you are busy at the library. Let me know if you guys would like an author visit sometime up your way. xo Lucy