Step into the delectable world of the Cheese Shop Mysteries, where creamy cheeses and chilling crimes blend in a cozy mystery series that’s as addictive as a wedge of Gouda! Written by Avery Aames (a pseudonym for Daryl Wood Gerber), this delightful series follows Charlotte Bessette, a cheese shop owner in the quaint town of Providence, Ohio, who turns amateur sleuth when murders disrupt her small-town serenity. With clever cheese puns, heartwarming characters, and twisty plots, it’s a recipe for cozy mystery bliss.
Perfect for fans of culinary mysteries and small-town charm, the Cheese Shop Mysteries serve up suspense with a side of humor, making every book a savory escape. Let’s explore how this series came to be, its flavorful stories, and why it continues to captivate readers.
How Cheese Shop Mysteries Began
Avery Aames, the pen name of Daryl Wood Gerber, launched the Cheese Shop Mysteries in 2010 with a passion for cheese and a knack for storytelling. A former screenwriter who created the sitcom Out of this World, Gerber drew inspiration from her love of culinary arts and cozy mysteries. Growing up near a San Francisco cheese shop, she infused her childhood memories into the fictional Fromagerie Bessette, crafting a vibrant setting where cheese is king and mysteries abound. Her goal? To create a series that paired the warmth of small-town life with the thrill of solving crimes.
The Heart of Cheese Shop Mysteries
The series kicks off with The Long Quiche Goodbye (2010), which won the Agatha Award for Best First Novel. Charlotte Bessette opens her cheese shop only to find a body stabbed with one of her prized knives, sparking her sleuthing journey. In Lost and Fondue (2011), a murder at an abandoned winery pulls Charlotte into a case to clear her friend’s niece. Clobbered by Camembert (2012) sees a honeybee farmer’s death stir up trouble, while For Cheddar or Worse (2016), the series finale, tackles a locked-room murder during a cheese festival, blending suspense with a satisfying conclusion.
Themes of community, family, and resilience shine through, set against the quirky backdrop of Providence, Ohio. Aames weaves cheese facts and recipes—think caramel cheesecake or cheddar-chocolate ice cream—into each story, making your mouth water as you unravel clues. The series’ cozy mystery style balances lighthearted humor with well-plotted whodunits, while Charlotte’s sassy, engaging personality and her colorful cast of regulars, like her cousin Matthew and cat Rags, keep readers coming back for more.
The cheese shop itself is a star, offering a cozy hub where locals gossip and mysteries unfold. Aames’ clever wordplay (titles like To Brie or Not To Brie) and attention to small-town dynamics create a world that’s both familiar and thrilling, perfect for curling up with a cup of tea.
Why Cheese Shop Mysteries Resonates
The Cheese Shop Mysteries carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre by blending culinary passion with clever storytelling. Fans adore the series for its relatable characters and the way it celebrates food as a connector of people and stories. The Agatha Award win for The Long Quiche Goodbye spotlighted Aames as a fresh voice, while her ability to craft suspenseful yet heartwarming tales earned a loyal following. Though the series ended in 2016, its charm endures, inviting new readers to savor its mix of cheese and intrigue.
Reviews praise the series’ tight plots and vibrant setting, with readers on Goodreads calling it “a delicious mystery” and bloggers like Brooke Blogs hailing its “twisty, fast-paced” nature. For cozy mystery lovers, it’s a reminder that even in a small town, big adventures await.
- Publication Years: 2010–2016
- Number of Books: 7
- Award: Agatha Award for Best First Novel (The Long Quiche Goodbye)
Ready to slice into a cozy mystery that’s as sharp as aged cheddar? Grab The Long Quiche Goodbye and dive into the Cheese Shop Mysteries’ world of cheese, clues, and charm!