Welcome to my stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour for Case of the Bayfront Murder: A Macaroni on Wheels Mystery by S.K. Derban. Stop by each blog on the tour for interviews, guest posts, spotlights, reviews and more!
Case of the Bayfront Murder: A Macaroni on Wheels Mystery by S.K. Derban
Case of the Bayfront Murder: A Macaroni on Wheels Mystery
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – Little Italy, San Diego and San Diego Bay
Publisher : S.K. Derban (March 27, 2024)
Paperback : 278 pages
Little Italy in San Diego, once a thriving fishing community, has blossomed into a prominent tourist destination. Nestled in the heart of this vibrant neighborhood, both travelers and residents find the Tiepolo Mercato a favorite spot to stop and shop. Ezio and Benedette Tiepolo are the proprietors of the Mercato, while their daughter owns Macaroni on Wheels, the catering company located directly next door.
There’s more than pasta cooking in the Macaroni on Wheels kitchen. Meet Terza Tiepolo, a feisty Italian caterer who fills her free time solving crime. She belongs to a local murder mystery book club, and leads the other participants in their monthly whodunnit contest.
Terza also works diligently to grow her catering business. But when a prominent doctor hires Terza’s company to cater a dinner party, she never expects murder to be on the menu. The prestigious bayfront event should enhance the Macaroni on Wheels portfolio, and Terza anticipates meeting many potential new clients. On the day of the party, Terza arrives early to prepare, only to discover her grand expectations are as dead as the body on the kitchen floor.
Fans of cozy mysteries will revel in solving the murder along with Terza, and will appreciate her zest for life. Readers will also treasure the introduction to her vibrant Italian relatives. They will enjoy getting to know the Tiepolo family, and will smile at the special relationship Terza has with her mother and father. The fun never stops when the animated relatives join together each Sunday for dinner. Consider this your personal invitation!
Character Guest Post from Olive Tiepolo – Terza’s Cat
A Special Blend of Beauty and Brains
My name is Olive Tiepolo, and I’m a gorgeous Chocolate, Seal Point Siamese cat. My human mom is Terza, owner of the Macaroni on Wheels catering company. (By the way – she is an amazing chef.) You might expect me to begin with the phrase, “it’s nice to meet you,” but I rarely like meeting anyone. I’m a loner to the core, and spend most of my days under Terza’s bed, or basking in the sun. The back of our sofa is another favorite spot in the late afternoon, until I hear the front door open, of course. Then I race under the bed and wait to make sure Terza is alone. There are a few exceptions:
Terza’s friend Moheenie is very nice. I grace her with my presence whenever she comes to visit. She has long, straight black hair. Sometimes she tilts her head and lets me swat her braid with my paws. I also like our little niece, Charley. She is very gentle with me, and her tiny hands are just the right size for rubbing my neck. Her hair is similar to Terza’s long curls, but still a bit lighter in color. Terza and I share the same breathtaking color of chocolate.
S.K. Derban, the writer of my story, had a blue-ribbon, award-winning Seal Point Siamese cat when she was a child. It was her first pet, and she loved Coco very much. Ms. Derban was devasted when someone stole her precious cat. I think that is why she decided to feature me as one of the main stars.
Terza is extremely busy, and leaves me in charge of our Little Italy condominium. She rewards my excellent behavior with a delectable assortment of wet and dry cat food. And fortunately I have her trained well. One meow means I am not a happy camper, and will only accept my favorite food from a tin. (Sometimes I’m very contented, but use the one meow method to snag an extra treat.) Don’t tell Terza as she has no idea. Oh what a crafty kitty I can be!
Some people think I’m spoiled. Of course, I’m not. I am simply loveable. It’s hard to resist such beauty. Over the years I’ve learned to use my magnificence to garner favor with my human mom. She purchased me an exquisite, crystal bowl. If I am in the mood for more food, I stand directly in front of the empty dish and use my paws to slide it back and forth. Of course it makes a noise, and captures Terza’s attention. She pretends to ignore me, and I’ve heard her say that she doesn’t always give in. I know differently. If I continue to push my crystal bowl for long enough, Terza will eventually give me a treat. Sometimes the treat is a massage, and not more food, but either way I still win.
I also like to sit on top of Terza’s shoes. She always laughs at me, and thinks it’s not comfortable. In reality, it is my way of convincing Terza to pick me up for a cuddle. (If I want to be picked up.) When I yearn to be left alone, all I have to do is avoid her shoes and camp out under the bed. Humans! They are extremely easy to manipulate. If only they knew! Sometimes I feel sorry for the lot of them.
Mondays are my favorite as Terza sleeps longer than usual. First, we snuggle together after she does wake up. Then I have the entire bed to myself when she leaves to make breakfast. I stretch out my paws, yawn a few times, and settle in to enjoy the warmth of her body as it lingers on the mattress. Terza calls to me when breakfast is served, but sometimes I stall. Maybe I feel like getting up, and maybe I don’t. As the queen of the household, and ultimate boss, I decide when and if I want to join her in the kitchen.
Terza works too hard, and I know she wants a steady boyfriend. Sometimes I hide around the corner and listen to her telephone conversations. Readers of the Macaroni on Wheels series will learn how I deal with any potential boyfriends coming around. Bottom line, I will decide who will be an acceptable mate for my very special mom. There is an interesting scene in book three of the Macaroni on Wheels mystery series. The title is Case of the Paella Party, and S.K. Derban gives me a starring role.
That’s all for now. I hope you enjoy reading about me in this first book. Well, maybe I don’t, or maybe I could care less either way. I know Terza cares, and so does our writer, S.K. Derban. She thanks you for spending time with us.
About S.K. Derban
S.K. Derban resides with her husband in Southern California. Although born in the United States she moved to London within the first three months and remained in England until the age of five. Her father, an American citizen, was a decorated veteran of the Second World War. Her British mother was involved with the London Royal Ballet Company and a great fan of the arts. After returning to the United States, Derban’s life remained filled with a love of the theatre and a passion for British murder mysteries.
S.K. Derban’s personal travel and missionary escapades are readily apparent as they shine through into her characters. Readers are often transported virtually across the globe. She has traveled to Hong Kong on five separate occasions to smuggle Bibles into China and has been to Israel on seven missionary trips. Derban’s other adventures include visits to Bangkok, Greece, Egypt, Italy, and the Caribbean.
Beginning with her faith in the Lord, S.K. Derban relies on all aspects of her life when writing. She hopes her books will allow readers to go on holiday without having to pack!
Author Links
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/awriterofmystery/
Twitter/X – https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fskderban
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/s.k.derban/
Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7394015.S_K_Derban
BookBub – https://www.bookbub.com/profile/s-k-derban
Website – https://childofthecarpenter.com/
Purchase Link – Amazon
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Case of the Bayfront Murder TOUR PARTICIPANTS
August 12 – Mystery, Thrillers, and Suspense – SPOTLIGHT
August 12 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – RECIPE
August 13 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST
August 13 – Lady Hawkeye – SPOTLIGHT
August 14 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – REVIEW
August 14 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT
August 15 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT
August 15 – Novels Alive – REVIEW
August 16 – Cozy Up With Kathy REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW
August 16 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
August 17 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT
August 17 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR GUEST POST
August 18 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
August 18 – StoreyBook Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST
August 19 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW
August 19 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT
August 20 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT
August 20 – Eskimo Princess Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
August 21 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT
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This sounds like a fun mystery that I will enjoy reading!
Sounds like a book I will enjoy reading.
Looks like a fun read. Love the package.
Looks like a great read!