Here Comes The Body
Mia is starting work at Belle View, her father’s catering hall, a popular spot for weddings, office parties, and more—despite the planes that occasionally roar overhead on their way to LaGuardia and rattle the crystal chandelier. Soon she’s planning a bachelor party for a less-than-gentlemanly groom. But it goes awry when the gigantic cake is wheeled in, and a deadly surprise is revealed.
Since some of her family’s associates are on the shady side, the NYPD wastes no time in casting suspicion on Mia’s father. Now, Mia’s going to have to use all her street smarts to keep him out of Rikers Island.
Series: A Catering Hall Mystery – Book #1
Author: Maria Derico/Ellen Byron
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Alternative/Event Planner
Publisher: Kensington Books
Page Count: 304
Rating: 
Here Comes The Body is the first book in a new cozy series from Kensington Books. Written by veteran author Ellen Byron using the pseudonym, Maria Derico, “A Catering Hall Mystery.”
Mia is an interesting character with quarks that make her instantly likable. Her father, Ravello, and brother, Posi, as well as other members of the family and employees, adds a great deal of entertainment and make this new cozy book come to life. Even though this is the first book in a new series, the characters are well-rounded and keep readers intrigued. The setting, however, is not your typical small-town setting. However, readers will forget that they are in one of the biggest cities in America and have the feeling of a small, tightly knit community.
The victim(s) are shady characters that many will feel got what was coming to them. The suspects are equally dubious in many regards, but some are very loveable and easily excused for their past and present connections and behavior. This new cozy series adds in the flavor of New York with all its intricacies, the residents who are as varied as the food, and the mob who will always hold a fascination for most people in the US. In the end, the killer is revealed and is not unexpected. The evidence is all there for readers to find, and it’s essential to keep everything straight, so you won’t lose track of whose-who and what their role is in the murder.
With original characters and plot, as well as some beloved pets, including families that are like any other family with faults and secrets, and this new cozy series has all the earmarks of becoming a fan favorite for years to come. I enjoyed Here Comes The Body and am happy to recommend it to lovers of mysteries, eccentric characters, and crazy families.
Other recommended cozy series are Dorothy St. James’ http://www.dorothystjames.com/ “A Southern Chocolate Shop Mystery” https://www.thecozyreview.com/playing-bonbon-fire/ or Isis Crawford’s https://isiscrawford.com/ “A Bernie and Libby Culinary Mystery” https://www.thecozyreview.com/catered-costume-party/.
About the Author:
Maria DiRico (the pen name of award-winning author Ellen Byron) was born in Queens, New York, and raised in Queens and Westchester County. She is a first-generation Italian-American on her mother’s side. On her father’s side, her grandfather was a low-level Jewish mobster who disappeared in 1933 under mysterious circumstances.
While growing up in Queens, Maria/Ellen’s cousin’s uncles ran the Astoria Manor and Grand Bay Marina catering halls. Ellen’s TV credits include Wings, Just Shoot Me, and Fairly OddParents. She’s written over 200 national magazine articles, and her published plays include the award-winning Graceland. She also worked as a cater-waiter for the legendary Martha Stewart, a credit she never tires of sharing. A native New Yorker who attended Tulane University, Ellen lives in Los Angeles with her husband, daughter, and two rescue dogs. She still misses her hometown – and still drives like a New York cabbie.
Represent by Doug Grad at the Doug Grad Literary Agency, Inc.
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Thanks so much for a wonderful review. I’m thrilled you enjoyed the book!