read 2022

French Fried by Kylie Logan is the second book in An Ethnic Eats Mystery series. Laurel Inwood has been in Hubbard, Ohio for the last six months running Sophie’s Terminal at the Tracks. It was supposed to be for a short time while Sophie had her knee surgery and recovered. Recently, Sophie suffered another knee injury requiring Laurel to extend her stay. Hubbard is getting ready for their Statute of Liberty Festival to celebrate the 130th anniversary of the landmark. Terminal at the Tracks will be offering French cuisine (French country/bistro type) in honor of the celebration. Laurel is waiting for Rocky Arnaud, a local farmer, to arrive with a few items before heading over to the Book Nook. Aurore Brisson, author of Yesterday’s Passion, is in town for a book signing event. Rocky arrives looking quite unlike herself and slightly drunk. At the book event, Rocky accuses Aurore of stealing the novel from her deceased friend, Marie Daigneau. They are watching the parade the next day when Rocky suddenly takes off. She sends a text assuring her friends that she is fine and will meet them for the fireworks. That evening Rocky is a no show. Worried about her, Laurel along with Declan Fury (a handsome Irishman) go to Rocky’s farm to check up on her. They discover all the lights on in her home and the music blaring. Inside, Laurel and Declan find Rocky dead in a chair. The police rule Rocky’s death a suicide which enrages Laurel. She knows that Rocky would not kill herself and sets out to find her killer. Can Laurel prove that Rocky was murdered? What happens when Laurel is offered a dream position that will take her out of Hubbard?

French Fried is the second book in the series, but it can be read alone. I have not had the opportunity read Irish Stewed (first book in the series), and it did not hinder my understanding in any way. The author provided the background information on Laurel and a synopsis of what occurred in the first novel in An Ethnic Eats Mystery series. I did, though, have trouble with the main character, Laurel Inwood. Sophie is family and asked Laurel to help out. Laurel, though, cannot wait to escape Hubbard which is mentioned in just about every chapter. Declan Fury (a very handsome Irishman with a large family) wants to date Laurel, but she is unwilling to make a commitment (does not want to form attachments that will hinder her from leaving town). I was shocked by Laurel’s choice at the end of the book after all her ranting throughout the novel (I would say more, but it would be a spoiler). Laurel’s personality was unappealing. She has no patience, trouble controlling her temper, and unreasonable. One thing I have discovered after reading cozy mysteries for over fifteen years—you must like the main character in order to enjoy the novel. I give French Fried 3 out of 5 stars (it was satisfactory). There are three storylines (murder, Laurel’s job prospects, and did Aurore Brisson write Yesterday’s Passion) in French Fried that keep the story interesting. The murder mystery was appealing, but I could identify the killer early in the book. One detail gave away the murderer’s identity. There is some repetitive information in French Fried along with numerous food descriptions (does every food item need to be described in detail). The writing style made the book hard to get into (it was not conversational). French Fried failed to capture and hold my attention. ( )

French Fried is the second book in the An Ethnic Eats Mystery series.

The residents of Hubbard are looking forward the celebration of the Statue of Liberty. Local organic gardener, Rachel “Rocky” Arraud, grew up in France and is helping Laurel and Sophie come up with a French menu for The Terminal at the Track diner. One of the items of celebration is the appearance of author Aurore Brisson who is town to sign books and a discussion of her book. As the discussion period is about to begin, Rocky stands and accuses Brisson of stealing the manuscript from a friend of hers, Later that evening Laurel and Declan, a local attorney and shop owner, go to Rocky’s farm to make sure she is okay after the outburst at the bookstore. Music is blaring from Rocky’s home and there is no response to repeated knocking on the door. They find the door unlocked and enter and soon find the lifeless body of lifeless body of Rocky with a glass of wine at her side. The police consider from the beginning that Rocky had poisoned herself. Laurel and Declan feel with all the good things going on in her life just then that it wasn’t suicide but murder.

Author Brisson, of course, is one person that needs further looking into. Also, Andrew MacLain, a historian, and expert on the Statue of Liberty is in town for the celebration and his actions set off bells to ring for Laurel. Minnie Greenway, a neighbor of Rocky, claims that she killed her, but Minnie has memory issues when she is off her medicine, but later provide a crucial piece of information for Laurel.

After pouring over newspaper articles that Rocky had is a safe deposit box and pictures taken during the Statue of Liberty Day parade, Laurel is pretty sure she is on the trail of the murderer, is she just can get the police to go along with her theory.

Another enjoyable visit with the folks of Hubbard. I’m looking forward to my next visit.

Recipes are also included. ( )