Friday, April 27, 2012

Book Review: Banana Split by Josi Kilpack

Sadie Hoffmiller needs this vacation. The last year and a half of her life has been one non-stop trial and tribulation, and after Boston, everyone hopes the time away will help her.

When she discovers the body of a young woman near Anahola Beach, her time off goes out the window; especially when the woman's son finds her and wants Sadie's help to figure out what happened to his mother. 

I haven't read any of the other culinary cozy mystery novels in this series, but I kept hearing about them. So, when Tristi Pinkston emailed me to see if I was interested in reviewing this book, I hopped at the chance.

Sadie's previous adventures in crime solving--and especially her time in Boston--have left her afraid and triple-locking her doors. Even being in paradise hasn't been the ideal medicine.

Invited by the Blue Muumuus to go snorkeling, little does Sadie know how much this dreaded trip is going to change her life. After a panic attack, she discovers the body of a known drug addict. The official investigation seems to be going in one direction, but after meeting the woman's son, Charlie, she's not so sure the police are looking at it the right way. For Charlie's sake she works to uncover the truth.

Banana Split is a page-turning read with a sea full of twists and turns. Just when you think you've figured out what happens, another clue leads you in a new direction. I honestly didn't see the ending coming.

Kilpack masterfully creates wonderful characters whose lives you soon become invested in. I can easily see why this series is so popular. Cozy mysteries are always fun, especially when you have a reluctant sleuth. Sadie definitely fits this bill. In addition, the reader will sympathize with her desire to get well again, while they applaud the support given to her by her family and friends. I also love how the author includes recipes from the story in her book.

My one tiny nitpick is that the events in Boston are kept so secret in this novel.In the previous book, Pumpkin Roll, she found herself involved in another mystery that based upon the references made to them in Banana Split, caused a good deal of Sadie's distress and was a reason her family encouraged her to go on this vacation. It's frustrating to know Boston played such a huge role in Sadie going away, but never really knowing even the tiniest part of why. It's the only aspect of the book I was disappointed with, and I would definitely read more from this author, but I came away feeling gypped.

If you like cozies with great characters and a mystery that will keep you guessing, you'll want to pick up a copy of Banana Split by Josi Kilpack.


  • Paperback: 368 pages
  • Publisher: Shadow Mountain (March 6, 2012)
  • ISBN-10: 1609089030
  • ISBN-13: 978-1609089030
  • SRP:  $18.99

  • I received a FREE paperback of this book from the author or her representative in exchange for my honest opinion. I received no monetary compensation of any kind for this review.

    This is the twenty-first book I've read the for the following challenge:


    It is the fourteenth book I've read for the following challenge:



    It is the sixth book I've read for the following challenge:

    1 comment:

    Anonymous said...

    Sounds like an interesting book. Thanks for sharing about it.