Book Review of 'Case of the Bayfront Murder' by S.K. Derban

Happy Friday Bookworms!!

It's my birthday!!! 🎉

Yes, today I am 43 years young, and I am feeling every one of those years physically but mentally I'm barely 21! LOL I was born on Mother's Day 1981, so my birthday weekend always coincides with Mother's Day, so this weekend is all about celebrating me and mothers of all kinds out there. We really don't have much planned since illness has again descended on our home, but I do hope to either go bowling or possibly go to an escape room. Honestly, it doesn't matter what I do as long as I can spend time with my family.

Another thing on the agenda is lots of relaxing and reading some great reads, like the novel I am featuring today. I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this cozy mystery and, as always, don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours.

Case of the Bayfront Murder JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Case of the Bayfront Murder by S.K. Derban, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Case of the Bayfront Murder
Series: A Macaroni on Wheels Mystery #1
Author: SK Derban
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: March 27, 2024
Genre: Cozy Mystery

Little Italy in San Diego, once a thriving fishing community, has blossomed into a prominent tourist destination. Nestled in the heart of this vibrant neighborhood, both travelers and residents find the Tiepolo Mercato a favorite spot to stop and shop. Ezio and Benedette Tiepolo are the proprietors of the Mercato, while their daughter owns Macaroni on Wheels, the catering company located directly next door.

There’s more than pasta cooking in the Macaroni on Wheels kitchen. Meet Terza Tiepolo, a feisty Italian caterer who fills her free time solving crime. She belongs to a local murder mystery book club, and leads the other participants in their monthly whodunnit contest.

Terza also works diligently to grow her catering business. But when a prominent doctor hires Terza’s company to cater a dinner party, she never expects murder to be on the menu. The prestigious bayfront event should enhance the Macaroni on Wheels portfolio, and Terza anticipates meeting many potential new clients. On the day of the party, Terza arrives early to prepare, only to discover her grand expectations are as dead as the body on the kitchen floor.

Fans of cozy mysteries will revel in solving the murder along with Terza, and will appreciate her zest for life. Readers will also treasure the introduction to her vibrant Italian relatives. They will enjoy getting to know the Tiepolo family, and will smile at the special relationship Terza has with her mother and father. The fun never stops when the animated relatives join together each Sunday for dinner. Consider this your personal invitation!

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

My Review

It’s been awhile since I’ve delved into a cozy mystery and what better place to start than the beginning of a new series! Case of the Bayfront Murder is the first novel in the Macaroni on Wheels series. Macaroni on Wheels is the catering company of tenacious Terza Tiepolo, who works with her best friend and in the same building as her parents, food being the center of the family business. She also belongs to a murder mystery book club and is shocked when she finds herself in an actual murder mystery. It’s an interesting premise that takes her on a crazy adventure.

I quickly got Nancy Drew vibes as I got into the story. Terza is the Nancy of the story while her best friend Moheenie is the Bess character. Honestly, this parallel endeared me even more to the story, which I was thankful for as I did not really jive with the writing style, especially at the beginning. I also felt like there was a ton of unnecessary details and could’ve used more editing to tighten up the flow. Getting lost in the mundane details made many parts feel sluggish, which was disappointing but not as disappointing as how far-fetched the narrative was. There is no way a police investigation would be so blasé, so you do have to forego reality while reading.

What I really enjoyed about this novel was the characters. How can you not love Terza and Moheenie and the Tiepolo family! I enjoyed all of the family dinners, and the close-knit relationships give a very wholesome vibe and balances the novel quite nicely. It is a very cute story even if it is very predictable and borders the unbelievable. I am looking forward to seeing where this series takes us next.

My Rating: ★★★★

About the Author

S.K. Derban resides with her husband in Southern California. Although born in the United States she moved to London within the first three months, and remained in England until the age of five. Her father, an American citizen, was a decorated veteran of the Second World War. Her British mother was involved with the London Royal Ballet Company, and a great fan of the arts. After returning to the United States, Derban’s life remained filled with a love of the theatre, and a passion for British murder mysteries.

S.K. Derban’s personal travel and missionary escapades are readily apparent as they shine through into her characters. Readers are often transported virtually across the globe. She has traveled to Hong Kong on five separate occasions to smuggle Bibles into China, and has been to Israel on seven missionary trips. Derban’s other adventures include visits to Bangkok, Greece, Egypt, Italy, and the Caribbean.

Beginning with her faith in the Lord, S.K. Derban relies on all aspects of her life when writing.

She hopes her books will allow readers to go on holiday without having to pack!

Connect with S.K. at childofthecarpenter.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win an Italian Style Kitchen Goodies prize pack which includes Red and White Dish Towels, Oneida Spatula Set of 3, Oven Mitt, Pot Holder, Silicone Whisk, and Imported Italian Pasta!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 7, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 14, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!