Blurb:

A perfect opening night. A celebrity chef. A murder served before dessert.

When celebrity chef Dominic Hale opens his luxury waterfront restaurant in Bath, Maine, the town turns out in full force—even if half the guests secretly can’t stand him.

After all, Dominic has a talent for taking credit, crushing dreams, and making enemies with a smile.

So when he’s found dead before the final course, nobody seems entirely shocked.

Not even antique dealer Penelope Sinclair.

Penelope helped design the restaurant and had access to every corner of the building. Now she finds herself tangled in a murder involving bitter kitchen rivalries, broken business deals, stolen ambitions, and secrets someone is desperate to keep buried.

A furious sous chef with everything to lose.
An ex-wife armed with legal threats.
A charming nephew who knows more than he says.
And someone watching Penelope far more closely than feels comfortable.

Because in Bath, Maine, revenge is simmering...and somebody isn’t done cleaning up the mess.

Goodreads ~ Amazon

My Review:

Celebrity chef Dominic Hale has come to Bath to launch his new restaurant. Everything seems to be going well until Dominic is discovered dead just before the third dish is served. Penelope and her sidekick, Teo, are present at the opening because she contributed to the restaurant's design.

Numerous individuals harbored animosity towards Dominic and possessed their own motives for wanting him gone. Among them are his ex-wife, who has been silent since their divorce; an enraged sous chef facing significant stakes; a charming nephew who seems to know more than he reveals; and an enigmatic man whose presence is unaccounted for, with no known background or justification for being there.

Tessa Aura has skillfully created a deeply engaging atmosphere, presenting a group of highly suspicious characters. Penelope is intelligent, relatable, and easy to support. Motivated by her curiosity and a strong sense of community, she dives right into the investigation.

If you're seeking the ideal weekend read, this book is just what you need. It offers a clever, captivating puzzle devoid of the intense gore or harshness typically found in standard crime thrillers.

A cozy mystery at its finest! It is a comforting, clever, and highly entertaining whodunit you won't want to put down. Highly recommended for fans of lighthearted, character-driven mysteries.