Delicious Death by Byrd Nash - Book Review

Delicious Death by Byrd Nash

Series: Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #2

Publication Date: 27th December 2022 

Genre: Paranormal Historical Mystery (Gaslamp Fantasy), Novella 

4.5 Stars 

One Liner: Witty, entertaining, and fun 

*****

Elinor is bored. There don’t seem to be any gruesome deaths that need solving. However, she is excited to enjoy her holiday in a small town, Vouvant, and take part in the Winter Revels event. Why would she say no to delicious food? 

But Elinor is not without projects for long. She has to save a young society lady from a society brute and help a grieving widow. What’s more, she also has to step in when her favorite chef is implicated due to an attempt on the king’s life. Elinor has help from Dr. Charlotte. But the duke feels he can solve the case before she can. 

Elinor, being her, has to prove him wrong. But can she handle all issues at once and not end up risking her life?

The story comes from Elinor’s first-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

The book is the second in the series and another fast-paced novella where Elinor is entangled in crimes of the nobility. The book should work as a standalone, though I recommend reading the first to get a better idea of the characters. 

There wasn’t a death in this book though we had ghosts in plenty. How can there not be a dramatic ghost to create a scene and maybe help Elinor?

I enjoyed the dynamics between Elinor and the duke. This book has more chemistry and sparks, showing that their track is slowly progressing… you know. ;) 

Dr. Charlotte had a bigger role in this book. It was great to know her a little more. Maybe we’ll get some backstory about her in one of the next books? 

A certain subplot was pretty much ignored in this book. Also, an issue with a ghost seemed to be resumed (as a presumption). 

The writing was easy and flowed well. The blend of genres was seamless and just the way I liked it. The depiction of nobility, their superiority complex, and the disconnect with reality were well-presented without shadowing the main plot. 

There was a teaser for book three, which showed that the bar had been raised higher. I’m also hoping the book throws light on the subplot. 

To summarize, Delicious Death is a fast and wholesome entertainer if you like mystery and ghosts in a historical setting. 

Thank you, NetGalley, Rook and Castle Press, and IBPA Member Titles, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #DeliciousDeath

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Read the review of Ghost Talker (book 1).