Step into the deliciously thrilling world of the Cooking Class Mysteries, where burnt toast and amateur sleuthing make for a recipe you can’t resist! Written under the pseudonym Miranda Bliss by author Casey Daniels (aka Constance Laux), this cozy mystery series follows best friends Annie Capshaw and Eve DeCateur as they fumble through cooking classes in Arlington, Virginia, only to stumble upon murders that need solving. With humor, heart, and a sprinkle of romance, these books serve up a delightful blend of culinary chaos and whodunit fun.
Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries who crave a side of laughter with their suspense, the series captures the charm of friendship and the thrill of uncovering secrets—think Lucy and Ethel with a knack for solving crimes. From its quirky characters to its Food Network adaptation, Cooking Class Mysteries proves that even kitchen disasters can lead to tasty triumphs.
How Cooking Class Mysteries Began
Miranda Bliss, a pen name for Casey Daniels, launched the Cooking Class Mysteries in 2006 with Cooking Up Murder. Daniels, inspired by her father—a Cleveland police detective who loved Sherlock Holmes—infused her love for mysteries into this lighthearted series. Set in the bustling suburbs of Arlington, the books were born from the idea of two unlikely heroines, Annie and Eve, whose lack of culinary skills leads them into a world of intrigue. Daniels’ knack for blending humor and suspense made the series an instant hit among cozy mystery readers.
The Heart of Cooking Class Mysteries
The series spans five books, each dishing out a fresh mystery alongside Annie and Eve’s culinary misadventures. In Cooking Up Murder (2006), the duo enrolls in a gourmet cooking class, only to find a man dead in the parking lot after a heated argument. Their bumbling investigation, fueled by Eve’s bubbly charm and Annie’s cautious determination, sets the tone for the series. Murder on the Menu (2007) sees them working at a restaurant, probing a friend’s suspicious suicide, while Dying for Dinner (2008) ramps up the stakes as Annie manages the restaurant and uncovers a deadly scheme. The series wraps with Murder Has a Sweet Tooth (2009), tying up loose ends with a wedding-themed mystery.
Themes of friendship, resilience, and self-discovery simmer throughout. Annie, a bank teller reeling from a divorce, and Eve, a glamorous ex-beauty queen, complement each other perfectly, their banter reminiscent of classic comedic duos. The Arlington setting adds a relatable suburban backdrop, while the cooking class premise—complete with recipes at the end of each book—appeals to foodies and mystery lovers alike. Daniels’ witty prose, like “I chewed over the thought and I didn’t like the way it tasted,” keeps the tone playful yet suspenseful.
Why Cooking Class Mysteries Resonates
Cooking Class Mysteries carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre by blending culinary themes with heartfelt storytelling. Its Food Network adaptation brought Annie and Eve’s antics to a wider audience, cementing the series’ cultural footprint. Fans adore the relatable characters and the series’ ability to balance humor with gripping plots, making it a comfort read for those who love a good puzzle. Though it concluded in 2009, the series remains a beloved escape for readers craving lighthearted suspense.
- Publication Years: 2006–2009
- Number of Books: 5
- Setting: Arlington, Virginia
- Genre: Cozy Mystery
Grab Cooking Up Murder and dive into the Cooking Class Mysteries’ world of friendship, food, and fiendishly fun whodunits!