Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Case of the Bayfront Murder by S.K. Derban, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About Case of the Bayfront Murder
Title: Case of the Bayfront Murder
Series: A Macaroni on Wheels Mystery #1
Author: SK Derban
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: March 27, 2024
Genre: Cozy Mystery
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!
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub
My review of Case of the Bayfront Murder
Case of the Bayfront Murder by S.K. Derban is the charming first book in the Macaroni on Wheels cozy mystery series. If you’re a fan of food cozies with lots of character development, this is for you!
I don’t have even the tiniest bit of Italian DNA in my body, but when I read cozy mystery books with Italian families, I wish that I did! They always seem to have weekly meals with every family member (the ones who live close enough to go!) and several friends. The meals are lively and include delicious foods (of course)! And people don’t leave after they eat. They stick around and chat or in our main character Terza Tiepolo’s case, they play bocce ball! I love that game! This feeling of family and friends can be felt throughout Case of the Bayfront Murder.
This delightful cozy mystery introduces us to Terza Tiepolo, owner of the catering company, Macaroni on Wheels. Her company is right next to her parents’ market, Tiepolo Mercato, in Little Italy, San Diego. This is another thing that gives this cozy mystery its familial charm. The author brings this area to life with her descriptive language. You’ll feel as if you’re cooking right along with Terza and her best friend while in the catering kitchen.
This cozy mystery has a slower pace; however, it gives the reader a chance to mull over the clues and solve the mystery right along with the characters.
I absolutely recommend Case of the Bayfront Murder! I think that cozy mystery lovers will enjoy getting to know Terza, her family, and her friends! This cozy mystery is filled with charm, well-developed characters, a lovely setting, and a fun to solve mystery!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About the Author
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!
Connect with S.K. at childofthecarpenter.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will win an Italian Style Kitchen Goodies prize pack which includes Red and White Dish Towels, Oneida Spatula Set of 3, Oven Mitt, Pot Holder, Silicone Whisk, and Imported Italian Pasta!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 7, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 14, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
I loved reading S.K. Derban’s bio. I grew up doing ballet for 14 years. I was wondering if she followed her mother and also did ballet.
Hi Audrey. Yes, I took ballet, tap, and jazz dancing until my late teens. It was fun to perform in various musicals, and theatre productions. I always remained active, even when work and life filled my days. Thanks for asking!
Great review, thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Rita. Your comments continue to bless me!
Why Is it better to be an independent author ?
Thank you for your question, Susan. I am both traditionally, and independently published. I think both are good. It depends on the book, and the timing.
thanks so much for sharing your thoughts – wonderful review!
You’re welcome!
Sounds like a great book.
Sounds like a book I’d be interested in!
This is an awesome giveaway! Thanks so much for the chance and congratulations on your book.
Thank you Linda. I am very happy with this release!
Fantastic cover
Thank you, Nancy. I adore the cover, too!
Christy, thank you for the tour stop, and the amazing review! I just posted a Thank You on Facebook, and am heading over to Instagram now. Blessings!