How can you go wrong with Memphis barbeque, an eccentric group of characters, and even a wedding at Graceland? Riley Adams brings all those elements together in a fun mystery, Finger Lickin' Dead.Lulu Taylor, owner of Aunt Pat's Barbeque, knows none of her friends, docents at Graceland who call themselves the Graces, are crazy about their friend Evelyn's ex-husband and new boyfriend, Adam Cawthorn. When they prove to Evelyn he's cheating on her, she only intends to get even with him. None of them actually wanted to kill the man. But, the circle of suspects is much wider than the small group of friends. Under a pseudonym, Adam was a restaurant critic who destroyed restaurants and careers. He even attacked Aunt Pat's just before he was murdered. Now the suspects include Evelyn, Lulu's son, Ben, the cook at Aunt Pat's, and a number of others who had run-ins with the dead man.
Lulu was already involved in one investigation. She's reluctant to look for another killer. But, one of Lulu's beloved twin granddaughters found the body, and wants answers. Evelyn doesn't like being a suspect, and asks Lulu to ask questions. And, there are two many relatives and friends on the police list of people of interest. Would it hurt anything if a woman in her sixties, who knew everyone in their close circle, just poked around a little?
Riley Adams' second Memphis BBQ Mystery, Finger Lickin' Dead, is a humorous story with mouth-watering food and recipes, a terrific cast of unusual characters, Southern charm, and a solid mystery. But, this story comes with a warning. You'll want to sit down with the charming Lulu Taylor for barbeque, sweet ice tea, and peach cobbler by the time you finish the book.
Riley Adams is also Elizabeth Spann Craig. Her website is http://elizabethspanncraig.com
Finger Lickin' Dead by Riley Adams. Berkley Prime Crime. ©2011. ISBN 9780425241912 (paperback), 257p.
*****
FTC Full Disclosure - The publisher sent me a copy of the book, hoping I would review it.
