Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Book Review: Edam and Weep by Linda Reilly (Grilled Cheese Mysteries #6)

Stars: 3 out of 5
Pros: The characters are charming as always 
Cons: Competing predictable storylines
The Bottom Line:
Grumpy vendor killed
Loses steam in second half
This one’s for the fans




Carly Finds Murder at a Fundraiser

When I found out that we were getting a new Grilled Cheese Mystery, I immediately cleared my plate to read it. Unfortunately, I found Edam and Weep a little under grilled. 

This is book six in a series set in a small Vermont town. Our protagonist is Carly Hale who has followed her dream and opened a grilled cheese diner in the town square. It’s turned into a popular destination for residents and tourists alike. And Carly has found herself involved in the occasional murder or two. 

As this book opens, it’s just over a month until Carly’s wedding to Ari. But today, she’s focused on the 50’s diner themed fundraiser for the local high school’s gym. While she’s selling simple grilled cheese (of course), some of the other vendors are offering various other offerings. But the man selling sodas clearly doesn’t want to be there, and his rude behavior leads to a confrontation with Carly’s mom. When the man is found dead later with the scarf that her mom was wearing around his neck, Carly jumps in to figure out what really happened. 

Since this is book six in the series, it was great to spend time with the characters again. We have a core group that I enjoy. I would have liked to see more of some of the supporting players, but that’s a minor complaint. 

My major issue comes from the plot. Or, should I say, plots. The mystery itself was a little underwhelming. While I didn’t have the killer figured out, I knew where it was going early. And it had a too familiar feel to it. That’s all I will say. 

Unfortunately, that storyline was competing for page time with another A story involving a previously unseen sister that Ari has. While I was enjoying that story early on, it got a bit predictable by the half way point as well with one character involved wearing thin. 

On the other hand, fans of the series will definitely want to read to the end. 

And fans of the series will want to pick up this book overall. Obviously, we love the characters if we keep reading the series. And the time spent with them in enjoyable as always. 

Since this is a culinary cozy, we get two more cheese centric recipes as well. 

Edam and Weep isn’t the strongest entry in this series. While fans will still want to pick it up, those new to the series should start with an earlier book. 

Here are further servings of the Grilled Cheese Mysteries

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book. 

No comments:

Post a Comment

Thanks for stopping by. In order to combat spam, I moderate most comments. I'll get to your comment as soon as I can.