Step into the deliciously thrilling world of Culinary Mysteries, where amateur sleuth Sadie Hoffmiller whips up mouthwatering desserts while unraveling chilling murder cases! Written by Josi S. Kilpack, this cozy mystery series blends heart-pounding suspense with the warmth of a home-cooked meal, captivating readers with its unique fusion of culinary creativity and clever detective work.
Each book in the Culinary Mysteries series, named after a delectable dessert like Lemon Tart or Baked Alaska, serves up a fresh mystery set in diverse locales, from quaint Colorado towns to vibrant English manors. With Sadie’s knack for stumbling into crimes and her recipe book in hand, this series is a treat for mystery lovers and foodies alike.
How Culinary Mysteries Began
Josi S. Kilpack’s Culinary Mysteries series was born from a serendipitous spark in 2005, when a writing contest prompted her to craft a mystery novel. Initially titled something else, the manuscript caught the eye of Deseret Book, who saw potential in its LDS-friendly cozy vibe. During editing, the protagonist’s name changed from Betty to the sassier Sadie, and recipes were added to complement Sadie’s culinary flair, transforming it into a true culinary mystery. Published in 2009, Lemon Tart launched a 13-book journey that’s been delighting readers ever since.
The Heart of Culinary Mysteries
The series kicks off with Lemon Tart, where Sadie Hoffmiller, a cooking aficionado, dives into the murder of her neighbor Anne Lemmon, whose two-year-old son is missing. Armed with her recipes, Sadie uncovers secrets in her quiet Colorado neighborhood. In English Trifle, Sadie and her daughter Breanna stumble upon a body in an English manor, unraveling a web of aristocratic secrets. Devil’s Food Cake sees Sadie investigating a murder during a library fundraiser in Colorado, while Rocky Road takes her to St. George, Utah, to probe a doctor’s disappearance.
At its core, the series weaves themes of community, resilience, and curiosity. Sadie, a lovable busybody, grows as an investigator, learning to collaborate with police while navigating personal challenges. The ever-changing settings—from Miami to Kauai—add vibrancy, while the dessert-themed titles and included recipes (like Sadie’s Lemon Tart or Crumpets) make each book a sensory delight. Kilpack’s clean, suspenseful storytelling, free of gore or profanity, appeals to fans of cozy mysteries seeking light yet gripping reads.
Why Culinary Mysteries Resonates
The Culinary Mysteries series has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, earning Kilpack multiple Whitney Awards and a loyal fanbase. Its blend of relatable characters, intricate plots, and culinary charm offers an escapist retreat, as readers join Sadie on adventures that feel like a warm hug with a side of suspense. Fans on Goodreads praise the series for its unpredictable twists and Sadie’s endearing quirks, cementing its status as a beloved staple for cozy mystery enthusiasts.
- Publication Years: 2009–2019
- Number of Books: 13
- Awards: Whitney Award finalist for Lemon Tart (2009), Best of State in Fiction (2012)
- Main Character: Sadie Hoffmiller, amateur detective and culinary expert
Grab Lemon Tart and dive into the Culinary Mysteries series—a delectable blend of cozy mystery and culinary adventure!