Anyone who follows Krista Davis’ Domestic Diva series knows that the book really should have been called The Diva and the Kiss of Death. Anytime Sophie Winston shows up in a book, there will be a murder. Actually, her latest bestseller, The Diva Steals a Chocolate Kiss is a celebration of chocolate, with a murder or two thrown in.
Sophie is responsible for all of the Old Town events surrounding the 60th anniversary of Amore Chocolates in Alexandria, Virginia. She has her hands full when domestic diva Natasha Smith starts bad-mouthing the family-owned company. However, Sophie is skillful enough to manipulate Natasha, the chocolate contest winners, and all of the events. It’s harder to deal with the disappearance of Joe Merano, the CEO of the company, who goes missing the night of the anniversary party. And, it’s even more difficult to handle a murder at the event, especially when Sophie becomes the number one suspect in the death of another chocolatier. As she desperately digs for answers, she finds a number of Merano family members have reasons to want the man dead. But, which of them really has collected all the ingredients for a recipe for murder?
Davis’ latest mystery finds Sophie a little too willing to fall in with the ridiculous sleuthing plans of her best friend, Nina. That only leads to trouble, pitting Sophie against the police who ask her to stay out of the investigation. But, Merano family members push Sophie to look for the missing Joe even while they keep secrets. This story becomes a little too tangled for my taste, with a few too many characters involved with the dead chocolatier. And, Sophie certainly seems to involve herself with the wrong men. Any reader can see the end of her current relationship on its way.
Sophie Winston is just a little too pushy in this particular story. The book itself contains hints and suggestions about using chocolate, along with a selection of recipes. Even with the character issues in this book, Davis’ The Diva Steals a Chocolate Kiss is still a fun romp through the world of chocolate.
Krista Davis’ website is www.kristadavis.com
The Diva Steals a Chocolate Kiss by Krista Davis. Berkley Prime Crime. 2015. ISBN 9780425258156 (paperback), 289p.
*****
FTC Full Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of the book, hoping I would review it.
Oh yes. I have read one of the Domestic Diva books: The Diva Haunts the House. I like it. It was a fun type of mystery. Quick read. I bet the series is good.
The series is good, Gayle. I really like Sophie Winston. I just had a few problems with this particular book. But, I've loved the last 2 in the series.