Lemon Tart: A Culinary Mystery

love this book and the author

You will love Sadie Hoffmiller! When I read her comments I hear the voice of a younger Angela Lansbury. These books by Jodi Kilpack could be the basis for a TV Series. Each book in the series will make you adore Sadie even more. Sadie is spunky, resourceful and courageous and she likes to eat the delicious treats which she generously shares with everyone. I want to try her recipes. Please write more of these books, Jodi.

I’ve had this series on my TBR pile forever. I’m glad I finally got the chance to start it. “Lemon Tart” was a fun read. I enjoy that the main character, Sadie, deviates from the norm. I’m glad she is in her 50’s and sorting out the next chapter of her life. I can easily relate to her and her family. The author’s description of Sadie’s character being written to portray “Paula Deen (cooking show host) meets Angela Lansbury,” made me laugh. The mystery had lots of twists and turns and kept you guessing until the last minute. I look forward to seeing where relationships evolve from here. The recipes are an added bonus.

I am divided when it comes to my opinion of this book. On the one hand I quite enjoyed the whole murder mystery aspect of the book, although it is definitely light-hearted reading without any clever dialogue or anything, I still thought the plot was engaging and interesting. I liked the author's unique way of using cooking to solve a murder and judging by the titles of all her other books, they all do this. I think what really turned me off was the main character. She was very irritating. She was the annoying busy body, nosy neighbor that nobody likes and comes across as a bit condescending and self-righteous. I could probably get past this if she wasn't so determined in her thinking that she was better than trained detectives when it came to solving a murder (like she knows anything about it!) she honestly should have been tossed in jail for entering a crime scene. She needs to butt out and let the police handle it, but then the whole premise of the book wouldn't work! Anyway, I think I will read the next in the series just to see if her character will get better and grow on me and if not I am hoping that at least the plot will be as entertaining as this one was, excepting the dumb things that Sadie does sometimes!

I love this series! This is my 2nd time reading these books. What’s fun is that I probably read Lemon Tart about 4 or so years ago. I couldn’t remember “who done it”, so it’s like reading them for the 1st time.Josi S. Killpack is an amazing writer who keeps you guessing from beginning to end! Sadie Hoffmiller, main character, is a hilarious busybody who keeps stumbling in to sticky situations. And don’t get me started on the recipes... 🤤. They are fantastic!!!Thank you Josi for your amazing books!

Overall I liked this book. The mystery involved many characters and kept me guessing. It seemed to stray from pushing the mystery forward at times. Sometimes, I wanted to skim to get to the main story without so much side dialogue. The recipes are a fun addition.

Fun little story. I may consider purchasing more of the series.

The first in the series. I read another one and decided to purchase all of them and start from the beginning. There are different characters that are woven into the series and it helps to read starting with the first one so you know how each character takes part. The main character, Sadie, reminds me a little of myself. She's a little neurotic, but, a very endearing character. The twists in the plot keep me guessing. Think I have it figured out and it changes.

Lots of twists and turns and yummy recipes! You think you know 'who done it' multiple times, but no, you're wrong again! An enjoyable read.