The Cornbread Killer

This is the second book that I have read in the Heaven Lee series. The characters are very quirky, and the setting of a Historic District Dedication in Kansas City, leaves all sorts of possibities for mayhem. These are all fulfilled, plus a few that I didn't think about.

I enjoyed this book by Ms. Temple a great deal. It centers around a revitilzation festival where and event's planner has suffered a mysterious accident. There are an array of suspects from an alleged farther to a bitter sister. It is up to Heven Lee, the food coordinato for the event, to handle the task. I stumbled on this author at my local library. I am a big fan of culinary mysteries and was pleasantly suprised to find this solid read. If you like Diane Mott Davidson you will enjoy this author.

A few years ago I stumbled across "Revenge of the BBQ Queens" at the local thrift store and was turned on to a new author: Lou Jane Temple. Since then I have devoured all her books. I was eagerly awaiting the release of "The Cornbread Killer" and was certainly not disappointed. I actually enjoyed this more than the last book (Bread On Arrival). "The Cornbread Killer" turns you on to soul food as much as it does to Jazz and will keep you hooked til you turn that last page. One of these days I am going to get around to trying some of the recipes she always includes in her mysteries. Bon Apetit!-Stacy Gibbs

In Kansas City, Heaven Lee is considered one of the top chefs. Her restaurant Heaven's Cafe is very popular. However, her personal life is on hold as her boyfriend is out of town attending two months of intensive training on new medical procedures. Heaven poccupies herself with the gala opening of a restoration project at Eighteenth and Vine. The district will host eateries, jazz clubs, and the Negro Leagues baseball museum.Events planner Evelyn Edwards coordinates the various festivities connected with the opening. Mona Kirk, a local mover and shaker Mona Kirk confronts Evelyn after learning she has demanded kickbacks from the vendors. At a committee meeting, the lights go out. When they come back on, Evelyn's electrocuted body lies near the circuit board in what is obviously murder. Heaven begins her own inquiries, as everyone is a suspect.THE CORNBREAD KILLER should carry a warning label for dieters: "Not to be read on an empty stomach" because each chapter opens up with a delicious food recipe that is easy to prepare. The characters make the novel a success. They seem so real they appear to be borrowed from Lou Jane Temple's life. The amateur sleuth story line is entertaining. Fans of culinary mysteries will want to devour this excellent meal.Harriet Klausner