Brie Careful What You Wish For

Book Review: Brie Careful What You Wish For by Linda Reilly

Rating: 3 Stars

When I picked up Brie Careful What You Wish For, I was immediately drawn in by the adorable cover. Isn't it just the cutest? It set the perfect tone for what I hoped would be a delightful cozy mystery. Set against the backdrop of Balsam Dell, a small town where gossip travels faster than the summer heat, the story pivots around the shocking murder of a mean and quarrelsome woman. Most residents seem to think her demise was long overdue, but for Carly Hale, the local grilled cheese restaurant owner, it's more than just gossip—it's a matter of defending her friend.

The plot unfolds with Carly's delivery guy, Ross Baxter, being falsely accused of murder after he discovers the victim's lifeless body during a sandwich drop-off. Determined to clear his name, Carly dives into an investigation that reveals a tangled web of motives involving estranged family members and a past filled with broken marriages. Each twist and turn was well plotted, keeping me engaged and guessing until the end.

However, my experience with this book was a mixed bag. While I appreciated the charming setting of Balsam Dell, I found myself frustrated with Carly's character. In this installment, she came across as unlikable and obnoxious at times, which made it hard for me to root for her. I had previously enjoyed her character in the last book, but here I felt that her actions were more self-serving than heroic.

On a positive note, the mystery itself was well-crafted, with enough red herrings and suspects to keep me intrigued. The recipes at the end were an absolute highlight—YUM! They made me want to whip up some grilled cheese delights in my own kitchen.

In conclusion, Brie Careful What You Wish For offers a compelling mystery set in an inviting town filled with quirky characters. Despite my frustrations with Carly's character development, the engaging plot and delightful recipes made it a worthwhile read. I would give it a solid three stars—there's potential for improvement, but it still has its charm.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️