Up to No Gouda by Linda Reilly ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

I'm always on the lookout for new cozy mystery series. While I don't mind starting a series in the middle, it is always great when I discover a new series at book 1. Linda Reilly, author of the Cat Lady Mysteries, has penned a new series that starts with Up to No Gouda.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free audiobook was provided for an honest review.

January 2022; Dreamscape Media; 9781666531039
audio (8h 31m), ebook, print; cozy mystery

I've not read her other series, but if Up to No Gouda is representative of her writing then I'm going to have to look it up. Her new series Grilled Cheese Mysteries is off to a fun start. I think it might be added to my "must read" list. 

Following the death of her husband, Carly has decided to follow her dream of owning a grilled cheese restaurant in her hometown. She lucks out in finding a location - she takes over the lease from the former ice cream shop. But her luck runs out when the building is sold and the new owner, a former boyfriend, wants to the space for his girlfriend's clothing boutique. When he winds up dead behind her restaurant she is of course on the top of the suspect list.

I really liked the characters. I don't think any of the series I read with younger sleuths are widows so it's nice to have some variety. The police aren't portrayed as country bumpkins - they seemed pretty realistic for small town cops. There is a little dog and a potential love interest. While not totally original, they could provide fun moments (the dog) and a continuing story arc (the love interest).

I liked Mia Gaskin as the audiobook narrator. There are quite a few characters but I didn't have trouble keeping them straight. The story was easy to follow as well.

While this novel would technically be considered a culinary cozy, there are no recipes. There is some description of the grilled cheese sandwiches so if you are wanting to expand beyond American cheese between two slices of bread you will get some ideas. Listening to this book did make me crave a grilled cheese sandwich. Even though my favorite "fancy" grilled cheese wasn't mentioned, I really wanted an apple and gouda sandwich.

I look forward to more books in this series. I'm really curious about what titles Reilly will come up with that include cheese references.

Buy Up to No Gouda at Amazon

Donna Huber is an avid reader and natural encourager. She is the founder of Girl Who Reads and the author of how-to marketing book Secrets to a Successful Blog Tour.

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