Step into the sizzling world of the Kebab Kitchen Mystery series, where mouthwatering Mediterranean dishes meet clever cozy mysteries! Written by Tina Kashian, this delightful series follows Lucy Berberian, a former lawyer turned amateur sleuth, as she solves murders in her family’s vibrant restaurant on the Jersey Shore. With a dash of humor, a sprinkle of romance, and recipes to tempt your taste buds, Kebab Kitchen Mystery is a feast for cozy mystery lovers.
Picture Ocean Crest, New Jersey—a charming seaside town buzzing with tourists, boardwalk thrills, and the irresistible aroma of shish kebabs. Lucy’s journey from a high-powered law firm to managing Kebab Kitchen pulls readers into a world of family, friendship, and intrigue, where every book serves up a fresh murder mystery alongside delectable culinary creations.
How Kebab Kitchen Mystery Began
Tina Kashian, who spent her childhood summers on the Jersey Shore, drew inspiration from her Armenian heritage and her family’s restaurant business to create this series. Her parents owned a Mediterranean restaurant for thirty years, filling her life with the flavors of hummus, baklava, and stuffed grape leaves. Kashian’s love for mysteries, sparked by her legal background as a former New Jersey Deputy Attorney General, blended perfectly with her passion for food, leading to the 2018 debut of Hummus and Homicide, published by Kensington Books.
Kashian’s goal was to craft a cozy mystery series that celebrated her cultural roots while capturing the nostalgic charm of the Jersey Shore. Lucy Berberian, a first-generation American with Armenian, Greek, and Lebanese heritage, reflects Kashian’s own experiences, making the series a heartfelt tribute to family and community.
The Heart of Kebab Kitchen Mystery
The series kicks off with Hummus and Homicide, where Lucy returns to Ocean Crest after quitting her Philadelphia law firm. When a health inspector drops dead after dining at Kebab Kitchen, Lucy must clear her name and save the restaurant. Stabbed in the Baklava follows, with Lucy catering a high-society wedding that turns deadly when the best man is skewered. One Feta in the Grave sees Lucy untangling a murder at a beach festival, while On the Lamb brings bikers and a poisoned dessert to the Easter festivities.
Each book weaves themes of family, cultural identity, and small-town charm into tightly plotted mysteries. The Jersey Shore setting, with its roller coasters, sandcastle contests, and boardwalk energy, feels like a character itself. Lucy’s growth—from a reluctant sleuth to a confident manager—adds depth, while her budding romance with chef Azad Zakarian spices things up. Kashian’s vivid descriptions of Mediterranean cuisine, paired with authentic recipes like hummus and shish kebab, make readers hungry for more.
The series’ cozy style shines through its humor, relatable characters, and red herrings that keep you guessing. Fans love the cast—Lucy’s meddling mom, Angela, her BFF Katie, and even Gadoo, the restaurant’s calico cat—creating a warm, inviting vibe that makes Ocean Crest a place you’ll want to visit again and again.
Why Kebab Kitchen Mystery Resonates
Kebab Kitchen Mystery has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre by blending culinary delights with diverse cultural representation. Readers praise its authentic portrayal of Mediterranean heritage, which celebrates the immigrant experience through food and family. Reviews highlight the series’ ability to balance lighthearted fun with gripping suspense, earning accolades like RT Book Reviews’ 4-star rating for Hummus and Homicide.
Its lasting appeal lies in its universal themes—coming home, finding purpose, and building community—paired with the escapist joy of a Jersey Shore adventure. For foodies and mystery fans alike, the series offers a perfect recipe: a pinch of danger, a lot of heart, and flavors that linger long after the last page.
- Publication Years: 2018–2020
- Number of Books: Five (Hummus and Homicide, Stabbed in the Baklava, One Feta in the Grave, On the Lamb, Mistletoe, Moussaka & Murder)
- Setting: Ocean Crest, New Jersey
Grab Hummus and Homicide and dive into the Kebab Kitchen Mystery series’ delicious blend of cozy mysteries and Mediterranean magic!