Rosemary and Crime

This quality first in a Southern cozy series from Oust (Shake, Murder, and Roll and two other Bunko Babes mysteries) introduces Piper Prescott, who has invested the money she received from her divorce settlement into a specialty food shop, Spice It Up!, in Brandywine Creek, Ga. The morning of the grand opening, Piper calls on celebrity chef Mario Barrone at his Italian restaurant. As guest of honor at the opening, Mario is scheduled to demonstrate how to roast a leg of lamb to get the business off to a brisk start. Alas, Piper finds Mario dead on his kitchen floor—after picking up a steak knife and leaving her fingerprints on what later proves to be the murder weapon. The practical, vulnerable Piper turns to her colorful BBF, Reba Mae Johnson, for help in proving her innocence. Two possible love interests add spice—and that’s not counting Piper’s former husband. This is a must-read for fans of Carolyn Hart’s Death on Demand series, as well as those who like culinary mysteries. Agent: Jessica Faust, BooksEnds. (Dec.)