Step into the deliciously thrilling world of the Pizza Lovers Mysteries, where every slice comes with a side of suspense! This cozy mystery series by Chris Cavender, a pseudonym for Agatha Award-nominated author Tim Myers, follows Eleanor Swift, a spunky pizzeria owner in the charming small town of Timber Ridge, North Carolina. Alongside her lively sister Maddy, Eleanor whips up mouth-watering pizzas while unraveling crimes that spice up their quiet community.
Perfect for fans of culinary mysteries, the series blends heartwarming sisterly banter, intriguing whodunits, and the irresistible aroma of fresh-baked pizza. Whether you’re a cozy mystery lover or just craving a light, engaging read, Pizza Lovers Mysteries serves up a delightful escape.
How Pizza Lovers Mysteries Began
Chris Cavender launched the Pizza Lovers Mysteries in 2009 with A Slice of Murder, introducing readers to Eleanor Swift’s cozy yet crime-filled world. Writing as Tim Myers, Cavender had already made a name in the cozy mystery genre with series like the Donut Shop Mysteries. His inspiration for Pizza Lovers stemmed from a love of small-town settings and the universal appeal of pizza, crafting a series that combines culinary creativity with amateur sleuthing. The result? A recipe for a fan-favorite series that ran for seven books through 2014.
The Heart of Pizza Lovers Mysteries
The series kicks off with A Slice of Murder, where Eleanor delivers a pizza only to find her customer stabbed to death, making her the prime suspect. With Maddy’s help, she dives into a web of secrets to clear her name. In Pepperoni Pizza Can Be Murder, a deliveryman’s brother is found dead in Eleanor’s pizzeria, prompting the sisters to investigate a tangled family feud. A Pizza to Die For sees a rival pizzeria owner murdered, threatening Eleanor’s business, while The Missing Dough, the final book, explores Maddy’s past when her ex-husband turns up dead.
Set in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, the series thrives on its cozy, small-town vibe, where everyone knows each other’s secrets—or so they think. Themes of family, resilience, and community shine through, with Eleanor’s pizzeria, A Slice of Delight, acting as a comforting hub. Cavender’s light, conversational style balances humor, suspense, and culinary details, complete with pizza recipes that leave readers hungry. The sisterly dynamic between Eleanor, a grounded widow, and Maddy, a free-spirited sleuth, adds warmth and relatability, making each mystery a heartfelt adventure.
Why Pizza Lovers Mysteries Resonates
Pizza Lovers Mysteries has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, captivating readers with its blend of food, family, and fast-paced mysteries. Fans praise its relatable characters and the way Cavender weaves pizza-making into the narrative, turning each book into a sensory delight. The series’ focus on sisterhood and small-town life offers a comforting escape, while its clever plots keep readers guessing. Though it concluded in 2014, its charm endures, inspiring cozy mystery enthusiasts to revisit Timber Ridge.
- Publication Years: 2009–2014
- Number of Books: 7
- Setting: Timber Ridge, North Carolina
- Genre: Cozy Mystery
Grab A Slice of Murder and dive into the Pizza Lovers Mysteries for a cozy, suspenseful treat that’s as satisfying as a warm slice of pizza!