I remember when I read Tina Kashian’s first Kebab Kitchen mystery, Hummus and Homicide. At the time, I felt as if she ticked off all the boxes for a cozy mystery. Now, with the fourth in the series, On the Lamb, it’s a polished mystery. Kashian does an excellent job with an appealing cast of characters and a charming small town, touristy setting. If you’re a fan of Jenn McKinlay’s Cupcake mysteries, check out this series with its equally enjoyable cast.

Lucy Barbarian is the manager of her family’s Mediterranean restaurant, Kebab Kitchen, at the Jersey shore. She’s dating the chef, Azad Zakarian. But, she really needs an apartment that is not a bedroom in her best friend’s home. Her brother-in-law, a realtor, finds an upstairs apartment in a house.The apartment with a view comes with a few strings attached. One is Eloise Lubinski, the eccentric landlady. The other is Eloise’s smarmy nephew, Gilbert, who wants to put his aunt in assisted living so he can take over the house.

Lucy meets Gilbert for the first time when he shows up on the day she’s moving in, accusing her of moving in on his aunt. The second time is at the bonfire on the beach during the annual Bikers on the Beach motorcycle rally to raise money for injured veterans. Gilbert causes a scene, demanding money from one of Lucy’s fellow store owners. Melanie Haven, owner of Havens Candies, seems to hate Gilbert. But, when the man is killed on the beach that same night, Lucy knows Melanie didn’t do it. She tops the police suspect list, though, and begs Lucy to find the real killer.

Even with Lucy’s best friend, Katie, as her partner in criminal investigation, it’s not easy to question all the business owners who seem to have a grudge against Gilbert. His personal and business life is strewn with enemies, from his wife who was on the verge of divorce, to his tenants in his condo complex, to his aunt. With all the clues pointing to Melanie, though, Lucy has her work cut out for her.

Now, the Kebab Kitchen series is just what it should be. By the fourth book, we’re past that initial stage when the amateur sleuth is always a suspect. Now, it’s just what I like, a cast of interesting friends, community members, and suspects in an enjoyable mystery. On the Lamb is a story of a small community turned upside down, then righted again when a killer is found. And, what can be any better for an ending that a celebratory dinner with family and friends?

To top it off, Tina Kashian shares her own family recipes at the end of the book. Those Armenian American recipes are as enticing as this mystery itself. I hope you accept my invitation to return on Wednesday when Tina Kashian is guest blogger.

Tina Kashian’s website is www.tinakashian.com

On the Lamb by Tina Kashina. Kensington Books, 2020. ISBN 9781496726056 (paperback), 352p.

*****
FTC Full Disclosure – The author sent me a copy of the book, hoping I would review it.