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Grilled Cheese Mysteries #6
Edam and Weep
When a fundraiser turns fatal, Carly Hale is confronted by a trail of clues that all point to her mother as the culprit . . .
When the local high school hosts a fundraiser, restaurant owner Carly Hale is happy to sign on and enlists her mother’s help selling her much-loved grilled cheese sandwiches at the school. But no good deed goes unpunished, and the vendor stationed next to them at the event turns out to be aggressively rude and bullies them both. Never one to be pushed, Carly’s mom gives the man a vicious tongue-lashing and assumes that’s the end of it—until later that day when the man is found dead, strangled with her scarf.
With her mom on the hook for murder, Carly has no choice but to find out who killed the man and why. It turns out the victim had always been bad news and had racked up a long list of enemies. One of those enemies may have been the menacing stranger Carly saw lurking on the edges of the fundraiser, but her intuition tells her the murdered man’s girlfriend may have been mixed up in it too. Certain one of them—or both—did the deadly deed, Carly realizes too late that all her sleuthing has landed her next on the killer’s hit list . . .
Includes tantalizing grilled-cheese sandwich recipes!
When the local high school hosts a fundraiser, restaurant owner Carly Hale is happy to sign on and enlists her mother’s help selling her much-loved grilled cheese sandwiches at the school. But no good deed goes unpunished, and the vendor stationed next to them at the event turns out to be aggressively rude and bullies them both. Never one to be pushed, Carly’s mom gives the man a vicious tongue-lashing and assumes that’s the end of it—until later that day when the man is found dead, strangled with her scarf.
With her mom on the hook for murder, Carly has no choice but to find out who killed the man and why. It turns out the victim had always been bad news and had racked up a long list of enemies. One of those enemies may have been the menacing stranger Carly saw lurking on the edges of the fundraiser, but her intuition tells her the murdered man’s girlfriend may have been mixed up in it too. Certain one of them—or both—did the deadly deed, Carly realizes too late that all her sleuthing has landed her next on the killer’s hit list . . .
Includes tantalizing grilled-cheese sandwich recipes!
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 9, 2025
29 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Linda Reilly
14 books784 followersLinda Reilly is a mystery writer living with her two feline assistants in southern New Hampshire. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and Cat Writers' Association.
Her Grilled Cheese Mystery series featuring grilled cheese lover Carly Hale debuted in January 2022, published by Poisoned Pen Press.
Her first cozy mystery, Some Enchanted Murder, was a finalist for the 2014 Silver Falchion Award in the category "Best First Novel: Cozy, Traditional and Historical."
Linda is also the author of the Cat Lady Mysteries published by Kensington Lyrical and of the Deep Fried mysteries published by Berkley Prime Crime.
ESCAPE CLAWS, her first Cat Lady Mystery, was selected by Modern Cat Magazine, Connie's Book Club, as a "must read" in the Spring/Summer 2018 issue.
CLAWS OF ACTION, her fourth Cat Lady Mystery, was awarded a Certificate of Excellence by the Cat Writers' Association in its 2019 Communications Contest.
Her Grilled Cheese Mystery series featuring grilled cheese lover Carly Hale debuted in January 2022, published by Poisoned Pen Press.
Her first cozy mystery, Some Enchanted Murder, was a finalist for the 2014 Silver Falchion Award in the category "Best First Novel: Cozy, Traditional and Historical."
Linda is also the author of the Cat Lady Mysteries published by Kensington Lyrical and of the Deep Fried mysteries published by Berkley Prime Crime.
ESCAPE CLAWS, her first Cat Lady Mystery, was selected by Modern Cat Magazine, Connie's Book Club, as a "must read" in the Spring/Summer 2018 issue.
CLAWS OF ACTION, her fourth Cat Lady Mystery, was awarded a Certificate of Excellence by the Cat Writers' Association in its 2019 Communications Contest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
September 1, 2025
This is probably my favorite one in the series so far and strangely, it's not because of the mystery but because of the family element. I felt like I got to know Carly and Ari better in this one as they welcomed his sister and her niece into the house. It seemed more personal and really let Carly's kindness and understanding shine through. The mystery, while complex, didn't really hold my interest and it annoys me so much when MCs are warned repeatedly to be careful and they just have to check "one more thing", which inevitably leads to them getting into trouble. Otherwise, I enjoyed the time spent in Balsam Dell with Carly and her circle and drooled, as usual, over the various snacks they all got to try.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
July 17, 2025
This was a totally fun and sweet trip to visit with Carly, Ari, and the whole grilled cheese crew at the Eatery as Carly and Ari prepare for their wedding, only a month away. Unfortunately, before we can get there, Carly has a fundraiser at the local high school, Balsam Dell High School needs a new gym floor, Ari's sister shows up with a young child in tow and oh yeah Carly's mom is a suspect in a murder that happens at the fundraiser. With the wedding only a few weeks away, the last thing Carly wants is to be worried about another murder but her Mom is a suspect! While trying to stay under the police chief's radar, can Carly keep her wedding on track, her business running, figure out Ari's sister's issue and clear her mother's name? Come along for the ride, there are plenty of delicious treats and all our favorite characters to add to our mystery, not to mention a wedding at the end! Many thanks to #Netgally, #BeyondthePageBooks, and the author for a chance to join the fun! #EdamandWeep #GrilledCheeseMysteries #LindaReilly #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader
July 22, 2025
It was so awesome what Carly and Ari did for Ari’s sister and the little girl she was trying to adopt by taking them in when they were a little down on their luck. Little Quinne was wise beyond her age and really grew on me as a character. I was definitely pulling for the adoption to go through and that they’d get to come live in Vermont—the kid was seriously over the moon about Carly’s little dog Havarti. They were best buds!
The murder mystery hit close to home for Carly who found herself investigating since her mom was a suspect. She did try to make good choices and take someone along with her when she’d sleuth, but there’s always that one time…and of course she found herself in a showdown with the killer. I’d guessed part of who was guilty and as always, Carly alway amazes me with her guts and bravery to plow into any situation, lol.
The book had the most amazing ending and I just wanted it to keep going, definitely a great book hangover! I’m not totally sure, but this almost seemed like it could be the last book, although I could think of more adventures I’d like to hear about now there’s two new characters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed and ARC of this book provided by Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
The murder mystery hit close to home for Carly who found herself investigating since her mom was a suspect. She did try to make good choices and take someone along with her when she’d sleuth, but there’s always that one time…and of course she found herself in a showdown with the killer. I’d guessed part of who was guilty and as always, Carly alway amazes me with her guts and bravery to plow into any situation, lol.
The book had the most amazing ending and I just wanted it to keep going, definitely a great book hangover! I’m not totally sure, but this almost seemed like it could be the last book, although I could think of more adventures I’d like to hear about now there’s two new characters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed and ARC of this book provided by Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
July 18, 2025
4.25 stars
Carly Hale, the owner of Carly’s Grilled Cheese Eatery in Balsam Dell, Vermont, is helping out at a fundraiser for the local high school. Her mom, Rhonda, is also happy to be helping for this worthy cause. Before it even gets started, Brice Keaton, who is selling sodas in the booth next to Carly, starts complaining and bossing people around. When he crosses a line with Carly. Rhonda swoops in and is overheard warning the bully to stay away from her daughter. When Brice is found dead in the school's locker room, Rhonda becomes the prime suspect. Carly has to juggle her restaurant, dealing with an unexpected houseguest, making final arrangements for her upcoming wedding to Ari Mitchell, and proving her mom's innocence. There are a lot of new characters in this book, which is the 6th in the Grilled Cheese Mystery series. Many of them are unpleasant, so at first it was hard to say who the real killer was. However, I'm proud to say I caught onto an important clue before Carly did, but there was more to the reveal than I had figured out.
Two new characters who were never suspects are Ari's sister and 8-year-old niece. His sister Leslie comes on really strong at the beginning, but does soften. I was disappointed that they pretty much take over the story, and there aren't as many scenes with Carly and her staff, her best friend, Gina, or her sister Norah. Even most of Carly's scenes with Ari also have Leslie and Quinne in them. Happily, there is a sweet, satisfying ending to the book. However, I am not sure parts are hinting at things to come or if the author was wrapping up the series. (I hope we get more of Carly and her wonderful grilled cheese concoctions!)
Thank you, NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for the review copy of this ebook. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
Carly Hale, the owner of Carly’s Grilled Cheese Eatery in Balsam Dell, Vermont, is helping out at a fundraiser for the local high school. Her mom, Rhonda, is also happy to be helping for this worthy cause. Before it even gets started, Brice Keaton, who is selling sodas in the booth next to Carly, starts complaining and bossing people around. When he crosses a line with Carly. Rhonda swoops in and is overheard warning the bully to stay away from her daughter. When Brice is found dead in the school's locker room, Rhonda becomes the prime suspect. Carly has to juggle her restaurant, dealing with an unexpected houseguest, making final arrangements for her upcoming wedding to Ari Mitchell, and proving her mom's innocence. There are a lot of new characters in this book, which is the 6th in the Grilled Cheese Mystery series. Many of them are unpleasant, so at first it was hard to say who the real killer was. However, I'm proud to say I caught onto an important clue before Carly did, but there was more to the reveal than I had figured out.
Two new characters who were never suspects are Ari's sister and 8-year-old niece. His sister Leslie comes on really strong at the beginning, but does soften. I was disappointed that they pretty much take over the story, and there aren't as many scenes with Carly and her staff, her best friend, Gina, or her sister Norah. Even most of Carly's scenes with Ari also have Leslie and Quinne in them. Happily, there is a sweet, satisfying ending to the book. However, I am not sure parts are hinting at things to come or if the author was wrapping up the series. (I hope we get more of Carly and her wonderful grilled cheese concoctions!)
Thank you, NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for the review copy of this ebook. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
July 23, 2025
"Edam and Weep (A Grilled Cheese Mystery #6)" by Linda Reilly has Carly extra busy. Not only is she planning for her upcoming wedding but she is hosting her future sister-in-law. Also, Carly's mom is a murder suspect. Carly's mom isn't a serious suspect to anyone who knows her but the state cops only have evidence against her.
Carly's sister-in-law is just needing a little help getting back on track with a good job, Carly's sister to the rescue! The sister-in-law is also struggling to prove she should be able to adopt her niece through marriage.
Carly spends a lot of her free time tracking down anyone who knew the victim. At least this series likes to point out how much it's affecting her job and what's done about it. In the end I was partly there on figuring out the culprit before the reveal really started happening. By that point I still had a few doubts though.
Carly's sister-in-law is just needing a little help getting back on track with a good job, Carly's sister to the rescue! The sister-in-law is also struggling to prove she should be able to adopt her niece through marriage.
Carly spends a lot of her free time tracking down anyone who knew the victim. At least this series likes to point out how much it's affecting her job and what's done about it. In the end I was partly there on figuring out the culprit before the reveal really started happening. By that point I still had a few doubts though.
July 23, 2025
Carly is volunteering her food/time to help raise money for new school gym floor. When a grumpy fellow volunteer gets in their faces, Carly’s mom gives him a piece of her mind. Unfortunately that’s puts her on the top of the suspect list when the unlikable pop seller winds up dead. Add in a family issue in her finance’s family & the fact that their wedding is only a month away, Carly has her hands full.
This is an incredibly charming series, the idea of a grilled cheese eatery is perfect for cozies. The supporting cast of characters are strong, which is always a good thing for these kinds of series. I feel it gets stronger & better with each book. This has a fantastic twisty conclusion, one of the best one in the series. And there’s a lot of forward motion when it comes to the character development. Lots of changes, but good ones. I can easily recommend this book & the whole series.
Thank you Netgalley & Beyond the Page Publishing for the ARC of this book for an honest review.
🧀
Read if you like:
* Cheese Shop series by Korina Moss
* Bake Shop series by Ellie Alexander
This is an incredibly charming series, the idea of a grilled cheese eatery is perfect for cozies. The supporting cast of characters are strong, which is always a good thing for these kinds of series. I feel it gets stronger & better with each book. This has a fantastic twisty conclusion, one of the best one in the series. And there’s a lot of forward motion when it comes to the character development. Lots of changes, but good ones. I can easily recommend this book & the whole series.
Thank you Netgalley & Beyond the Page Publishing for the ARC of this book for an honest review.
🧀
Read if you like:
* Cheese Shop series by Korina Moss
* Bake Shop series by Ellie Alexander
July 30, 2025
Edam and Weep is the 6th book in the Grilled Cheese Mystery series by Linda Reilly. I absolutely love this series and have to say that this was my favorite book so far. It made me smile, laugh and even brought a few tears to my eyes. The love and interaction between the characters is amazing. Once I started reading, I didn't want to stop. I highly recommend Edam and Weep and the whole series..
August 18, 2025
What a fun series! I love that all the quirky characters are back for a twisty mystery and a happily ever after.
July 27, 2025
I really enjoy the grilled cheese mystery series and given the ending, I think this might be the last one? Edam and Weep seems to bring everything to a close with Carly and Ari’s wedding while also giving us another mystery to solve.
When Carly participates in the school fundraiser set up to be a 50’s theme, she’s shocked encounter a rude man at the soda stand who has a harsh argument with her mother. The police zero in on Carly’s mother when that man later turns up strangled and Carly needs to solve the mystery to clear her mother’s name. We also get to meet Ari’s sister who suddenly shows up with a little girl in tow, demanding money and how they all deal with their relationships. If this is the last one, I think it ended on a high note! Read this if you enjoy comfort food, cozy settings, and mysteries.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this early arc!
When Carly participates in the school fundraiser set up to be a 50’s theme, she’s shocked encounter a rude man at the soda stand who has a harsh argument with her mother. The police zero in on Carly’s mother when that man later turns up strangled and Carly needs to solve the mystery to clear her mother’s name. We also get to meet Ari’s sister who suddenly shows up with a little girl in tow, demanding money and how they all deal with their relationships. If this is the last one, I think it ended on a high note! Read this if you enjoy comfort food, cozy settings, and mysteries.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this early arc!
July 24, 2025
I adore this series, but what’s not to love. It’s has fancy grilled cheese sandwiches, a wonderful cast of characters, murder, mystery, and a charming small town atmosphere!
When a bully at the local fundraising event turns up dead, Carly jumps in to solve the murder (and to clear her mother’s name).
This story was packed with twists and turns, and the author writes in a way that you can solve the mystery alongside Carly. There were a couple of red herrings, but it was fun to put the pieces of the story together.
I loved the addition of Ari’s sister and his sister’s niece. It added another mystery (and complication to Ari and Carly’s lives), but made for such a sweet and heartwarming read.
I think this may be my favorite in the series so far- I can’t wait for the next. Thank you to #NetGalley and #BeyondthePagePublishing for an ARC.
When a bully at the local fundraising event turns up dead, Carly jumps in to solve the murder (and to clear her mother’s name).
This story was packed with twists and turns, and the author writes in a way that you can solve the mystery alongside Carly. There were a couple of red herrings, but it was fun to put the pieces of the story together.
I loved the addition of Ari’s sister and his sister’s niece. It added another mystery (and complication to Ari and Carly’s lives), but made for such a sweet and heartwarming read.
I think this may be my favorite in the series so far- I can’t wait for the next. Thank you to #NetGalley and #BeyondthePagePublishing for an ARC.
July 13, 2025
During the local high school’s fundraiser, an obnoxious vendor goes too far, prompting Carly’s mom Rhonda to confront him with a verbal dressing-down. When his body is found later that day and a video of Rhonda’s tongue-lashing goes viral, the police have no choice but to consider her their number one suspect. Carly is determined to clear her mother’s name so she can return her attention to her wedding plans – until Ari’s sister shows up with an usual and suspicious request.
I have come to enjoy this series more and more with each book, and the primary characters are like old friends by now. I like Carly, but her friends and family are right in that she needs to rein in her curiosity a bit. Granted, there wouldn’t be books to read if she did, so I guess there’s that :) Despite her proclivity to get into trouble, she has a good support network of friends, family and co-workers.
The identity of the murder victim won’t surprise anyone, but it did take a while to identify specific suspects. Mixed in with all the wedding discussion were several twists and turns. I fell hard for one of the red herrings, but in the end, was glad that wasn’t the actual story. I figured out part of the solution, but not all of it, nor the motive.
Things near the end of this book make me wonder if this is the end of the series. I would love to read more books with these characters, so I hope that’s not the case.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I have come to enjoy this series more and more with each book, and the primary characters are like old friends by now. I like Carly, but her friends and family are right in that she needs to rein in her curiosity a bit. Granted, there wouldn’t be books to read if she did, so I guess there’s that :) Despite her proclivity to get into trouble, she has a good support network of friends, family and co-workers.
The identity of the murder victim won’t surprise anyone, but it did take a while to identify specific suspects. Mixed in with all the wedding discussion were several twists and turns. I fell hard for one of the red herrings, but in the end, was glad that wasn’t the actual story. I figured out part of the solution, but not all of it, nor the motive.
Things near the end of this book make me wonder if this is the end of the series. I would love to read more books with these characters, so I hope that’s not the case.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
July 25, 2025
Edam and Weep by Linda Reilly takes us back to Carly Hale’s Grilled Cheese Eatery in Vermont, although today finds her at a fundraiser for the local high school’s gym floor which had been damaged by water. It is a 1950’s diner theme which works perfectly with grilled cheese. The booth next to her is a soda booth but the man running it is extremely unpleasant. In fact, he is kind of a bully which is what her mother, Rhonda Hale Clark saw when she arrived and she let him have it. Naturally she was caught on any number of cell phones so when he ended up dead, the police came a’calling. Carly is beside herself that her mother is in this much trouble. And Mom is stressed about it. One can see it in her face and hear it in her voice. Carly can’t resist investigating, promising Ari, her fiance, that she won’t get involved beyond that. No one believed that, even Carly.
This is a cute cozy series. Ari and Carly are due to get married in just a month and she really doesn’t have time for this investigation, but it’s her mom! These are friendly and pleasant characters, the reoccurring ones at least. Her staff is always willing to cover for her, which too often allows her to get in trouble. The mystery was complex, involving hidden identities, which she got all wrong, by the way. It is a short, sweet novel that always makes me smile.
I was invited to read Edam and Weep by Beyond the Page Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BeyondThePagePublishing #LindaReilly #EdamAndWeep
This is a cute cozy series. Ari and Carly are due to get married in just a month and she really doesn’t have time for this investigation, but it’s her mom! These are friendly and pleasant characters, the reoccurring ones at least. Her staff is always willing to cover for her, which too often allows her to get in trouble. The mystery was complex, involving hidden identities, which she got all wrong, by the way. It is a short, sweet novel that always makes me smile.
I was invited to read Edam and Weep by Beyond the Page Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BeyondThePagePublishing #LindaReilly #EdamAndWeep
August 19, 2025
This series just keeps getting better and better. The mystery was well crafted and held my interest. It was good to see Grant make a return appearance. I liked the new family members that were introduced. Normally, I hate weddings, but this one hit all the right notes. It had my laughing and crying. My only concern is that the final chapter felt a lot like a series finale. I hope I'm wrong about that. This is one of my favorite "foodie" series. I want to see what's next for Carly and Ari and their extended family and friends.
One weird bit of synchronicity. Just yesterday while browsing through recipes for sandwiches, I stumbled upon instructions for how to make several variations of the Croque Monsieur—the first time I'd ever heard of such a sandwich. I guess it's true that once you learn a new word (or a new recipe) you'll start see it again very soon.
One weird bit of synchronicity. Just yesterday while browsing through recipes for sandwiches, I stumbled upon instructions for how to make several variations of the Croque Monsieur—the first time I'd ever heard of such a sandwich. I guess it's true that once you learn a new word (or a new recipe) you'll start see it again very soon.
August 10, 2025
Carly and Ari are getting married in a month, but now her mom is the chief suspect in the murder of an unpleasant vendor at the local fundraiser. Add is the return of Ari's sister, now with a little girl in tow. Let the sleuthing begin! 5 star read!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley.
#EdamandWeep by @lindareillyauthor #grilledcheesemysteryseriesBk6 #BeyondthePagePublishing
#NetGalley #cozymysteries #Vermont #recipes #fundraiser #cozymystery #friends #smalltown #smallbusiness #family #amateursleuth #goodreads #librarything #thestorygraph
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley.
#EdamandWeep by @lindareillyauthor #grilledcheesemysteryseriesBk6 #BeyondthePagePublishing
#NetGalley #cozymysteries #Vermont #recipes #fundraiser #cozymystery #friends #smalltown #smallbusiness #family #amateursleuth #goodreads #librarything #thestorygraph
July 28, 2025
Carly and Ari are close to their wedding date. But first there is a murder at a fundraiser and Carly's Mom is the chief suspect. Plus, Ari's sister arrives with a child in tow and a spot of bad luck in her life. Carly is keeping her business running and trying to figure out who really killed the man at the fundraiser. Lots of action in this story but a very sweet ending! Loved the new characters and hope there are more adventures to come!
August 15, 2025
Murder with wedding preparations
Wonderfully well integrated and suspenseful mystery with all the fun and excitement of wedding preparations and a family adoption. This plot threatened to be out of control at a few points, but Ms Reilly pulls it back together masterfully. Loved the addition of the sister and her adopted daughter. I likely will read this one again and definitely will be recommending it to my friends. Thanks for a lovely and well written story.
Wonderfully well integrated and suspenseful mystery with all the fun and excitement of wedding preparations and a family adoption. This plot threatened to be out of control at a few points, but Ms Reilly pulls it back together masterfully. Loved the addition of the sister and her adopted daughter. I likely will read this one again and definitely will be recommending it to my friends. Thanks for a lovely and well written story.
August 9, 2025
Returning to Balsam Dell is like visiting one of my favorite towns. The Grilled Cheese Mystery series is one of my favorites and as usual, the story hooked me right from the start. Carly Hale and her mother are selling her famous grilled cheese sandwiches at the high school's fundraiser when a deplorable man at the booth next to them attempts to bully them into giving up their electricity access because he forgot to request it. Carly's mother stands up to him, making quite a scene. When the man is found murdered later that day, you can guess who the number one suspect is. As Carly and her grilled cheese crew race to prove her mother's innocence, they find out the man had quite a few enemies as well as an estranged twin. It kept me guessing until the very end. I love the recipes too. Looking forward to the next book!
September 8, 2025
These are truly cozy for me, which made the extreme overuse of the word “garbed” (about 6 times in the whole book, which seems excessive for a rare word, especially with 3 in the first several pages and 2 on one page!) really stab my brain. Still thought it was a good book to keep the series moving though.
July 26, 2025
I loved it!!!
August 4, 2025
I genuinely love these books they’re so silly and fun! a good break from heavier books or to get out of a reading slump
August 23, 2025
I really enjoyed the addition of Ari's family in this installment of the series. I was totally surprised when the killer was revealed. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eArc.
August 31, 2025
IT WAS THE DOG!
July 19, 2025
Edam and Weep by Linda Reilly. When a fundraiser turns fatal, Carly Hale is confronted by a trail of clues that all point to her mother as the culprit . . .
The family and community elements in this story are well-developed and play a significant role in the narrative. I really like the characters in this series and they are what have made me fall in love with it. Especially the Protagonist Carly, her bff Gina, and her co-workers Suzanne, Valerie, Nina and Don. Plus two new ones, Ari's sister and the little girl Quinne who she is hoping to adopt. I am personally hoping they become part of the main cast.
The mystery was interesting and there are plenty of red herrings, and twists to keep you wanting to find out what will happen next.
I read the book in one day, but you will crave a grilled cheese while reading the book, I know I did. Luckily there are recipes at the back. I cant wait for the 7th instalment to see what happens next on the honeymoon. I highly recommend this to cozy lovers.
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Beyond the Page and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The family and community elements in this story are well-developed and play a significant role in the narrative. I really like the characters in this series and they are what have made me fall in love with it. Especially the Protagonist Carly, her bff Gina, and her co-workers Suzanne, Valerie, Nina and Don. Plus two new ones, Ari's sister and the little girl Quinne who she is hoping to adopt. I am personally hoping they become part of the main cast.
The mystery was interesting and there are plenty of red herrings, and twists to keep you wanting to find out what will happen next.
I read the book in one day, but you will crave a grilled cheese while reading the book, I know I did. Luckily there are recipes at the back. I cant wait for the 7th instalment to see what happens next on the honeymoon. I highly recommend this to cozy lovers.
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Beyond the Page and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 28, 2025
Love this cozy mystery series. Carly , the amateur sleuth signs her mother on to help with the high school fund raiser selling grilled cheese sandwiches . The Vendorf next to them is an aggressively rude person and is rude to Carly and her mother. Natalie gets fed up with him and gives him the what for and of course, someone video's it. They figure it is over but later is found dead. Natalie, of course, is a prime suspect because of the video. Now Carly is trying to find the answers. In the meantime , Ari's sister and her niece comes to visit and Carly is planning the wedding for next month. Will Carly find the person who did it to save her mother. A GREAT READ.
July 29, 2025
This is a great cozy mystery series! I really enjoyed this one, and am looking forward to the next. The characters and setting are great, and so are the recipes. I also appreciate that Reilly just writes a great cozy mystery without the forced political/social commentary that seems to be so pervasive in all the new books coming out now. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
July 17, 2025
Another fun, cheesy installment in the Grilled Cheese Mysteries.
Carly Hale is looking forward to her upcoming wedding. In the meantime, she is making grilled cheeses at a high school fundraiser to help raise money for a new gym floor. The man at the next table selling sodas is disagreeable and cantankerous and tries to horn in on Carly's electric outlet for his own. When Carly's mom grows tired of his boorish behavior and reads the man the riot act, he is appropriately chastised. Unfortunately, that same man winds up dead strangled with Carly's mom's scarf. Now, proving her mother's innocence adds to an already fully to-do list. Complicating matters, Ari (her fiancé) sister shows up unexpectedly with a child in tow asking for money. Carly grows close to the young girl and she and Ari try to figure out what to do about this new situation while Carly tries to exonerate her mom.
There were some fun twists and turns in this one, though I miss the delicious grilled cheese descriptions as a good portion of the book takes place away from Carly's restaurant. My one wish was that we got more than 2 chapters about her wedding. There is a lot of buildup to the special event and then it seems to be over in a flash. The whodunit was interesting and surprised me.
My thanks to Beyond the Page and Netgalley for this ARC, though I will be adding a copy to my collection when the book is officially released!
Carly Hale is looking forward to her upcoming wedding. In the meantime, she is making grilled cheeses at a high school fundraiser to help raise money for a new gym floor. The man at the next table selling sodas is disagreeable and cantankerous and tries to horn in on Carly's electric outlet for his own. When Carly's mom grows tired of his boorish behavior and reads the man the riot act, he is appropriately chastised. Unfortunately, that same man winds up dead strangled with Carly's mom's scarf. Now, proving her mother's innocence adds to an already fully to-do list. Complicating matters, Ari (her fiancé) sister shows up unexpectedly with a child in tow asking for money. Carly grows close to the young girl and she and Ari try to figure out what to do about this new situation while Carly tries to exonerate her mom.
There were some fun twists and turns in this one, though I miss the delicious grilled cheese descriptions as a good portion of the book takes place away from Carly's restaurant. My one wish was that we got more than 2 chapters about her wedding. There is a lot of buildup to the special event and then it seems to be over in a flash. The whodunit was interesting and surprised me.
My thanks to Beyond the Page and Netgalley for this ARC, though I will be adding a copy to my collection when the book is officially released!
July 23, 2025
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Linda Reilly for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Edam and Weep coming out July 22, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I really love this series! Cozy mysteries are one of my favorite genres! Carly is a fun character and she has a lot of supportive people in her life. I loved the mystery. I love the food involved as well. I would definitely check out more books by this author!
I really love this series! Cozy mysteries are one of my favorite genres! Carly is a fun character and she has a lot of supportive people in her life. I loved the mystery. I love the food involved as well. I would definitely check out more books by this author!
July 6, 2025
Character driven, this was a fun read. Carly Hale is beyond busy planning for her upcoming wedding when not only does she still volunteer to take part in the fundraiser rather than take the easy way out and just donate, but husband-to-be Ari's sister Leslie arrives unexpectedly with her niece Quinn. It's explained in the story so let's just say that Leslie hopes to adopt Quinn but there are complications. Speaking of complications, having her mother become a suspect in a murder definitely complicates things.
I don't want to give away much of the plot, it's a solid, intriguing one with lots of twists and turns and revelations that will keep you reading. The murder of the rude, unfriendly, and demanding Brice Keaton after the local high school's fund-raising event was a shocker. Even worst, her mother was caught on video telling him off due to his behavior and the murder weapon seems to have been a scarf that was part of her fifties related costume for the event . That's makes her a suspect since the video went viral online. No shock that Carly is drawn into investigating, even if she does swear to Ari that she's going to limit herself to internet searches. We all know that promise was going to be quickly broken. At the same time, Carly is dealing with Leslie's sudden arrival and situation. That Carly's dog Havarti immediately takes to Quinn and vice versa is both a plus and minus, of course, but it does help endear Quinn and the situation she's caught in with her Aunt Leslie to us. Actually, we learn enough about Brice, the victim, to even have some sympathy to him despite his entitled and rude behavior at the fund-raiser.
Bottom line, a relatively quick read with characters who seem like they could be our own neighbors or family. I wasn't crazy about mother Rhonda's initial attorney but overall even he wasn't a problem, just an odd distraction. Carly and Ari are a solid, loving couple and Carly's workers at the grilled cheese specialty shop are all quite likable. I was glad to catch up with Grant, the cello artist who has given up music school to train as a chef. He's got to be one of the great guys of the world to work his now regular job but still jump back into working at Carly's shop to free her up for, well, everything. As noted earlier, you just knew she wasn't going to be satisfied just doing internet searching. And, hey, long time readers, you're going to learn why Don won't eat grilled cheese sandwiches! Thanks #BeyondThePagePublishing for this early peek at Carly's hectic life. Loved the ending and that thoughtful gesture made. I liked the author's dedicating this to animal rescuers everywhere.
I don't want to give away much of the plot, it's a solid, intriguing one with lots of twists and turns and revelations that will keep you reading. The murder of the rude, unfriendly, and demanding Brice Keaton after the local high school's fund-raising event was a shocker. Even worst, her mother was caught on video telling him off due to his behavior and the murder weapon seems to have been a scarf that was part of her fifties related costume for the event . That's makes her a suspect since the video went viral online. No shock that Carly is drawn into investigating, even if she does swear to Ari that she's going to limit herself to internet searches. We all know that promise was going to be quickly broken. At the same time, Carly is dealing with Leslie's sudden arrival and situation. That Carly's dog Havarti immediately takes to Quinn and vice versa is both a plus and minus, of course, but it does help endear Quinn and the situation she's caught in with her Aunt Leslie to us. Actually, we learn enough about Brice, the victim, to even have some sympathy to him despite his entitled and rude behavior at the fund-raiser.
Bottom line, a relatively quick read with characters who seem like they could be our own neighbors or family. I wasn't crazy about mother Rhonda's initial attorney but overall even he wasn't a problem, just an odd distraction. Carly and Ari are a solid, loving couple and Carly's workers at the grilled cheese specialty shop are all quite likable. I was glad to catch up with Grant, the cello artist who has given up music school to train as a chef. He's got to be one of the great guys of the world to work his now regular job but still jump back into working at Carly's shop to free her up for, well, everything. As noted earlier, you just knew she wasn't going to be satisfied just doing internet searching. And, hey, long time readers, you're going to learn why Don won't eat grilled cheese sandwiches! Thanks #BeyondThePagePublishing for this early peek at Carly's hectic life. Loved the ending and that thoughtful gesture made. I liked the author's dedicating this to animal rescuers everywhere.
July 10, 2025
I've really enjoyed meeting Carly and Ari and the Grilled cheese team in past book. This book adds another new character who readers will surely adore. Her name is Quinne and she is loosely related to Ari but it pretty quick, she becomes family to both Ari and Carly because they bond as family. Quinne's addition drives home one more time the goodness of Carly and Ari. The story of how Quinne helped choose the wedding cake was a heartfelt family moment and showed Carly as a really good woman. She was also a very overextended woman keeping up with her restaurant and her upcoming nuptials and her newest family member and the murder her mom is accused of committing. Somehow, she manages with aplomb or with the help of all the amazing people she surrounds herself with. As you read this series and this book in particular, you will see the strong bonds that exist between characters from Grant stepping in to help again to Carly's sister helping Leslie. The family and community element is strong in this story. This might be my favorite story in this series and I haven't even mentioned the mystery.
Let me say before I talk about the mystery that I started reading cozies for the mystery but find our also enjoy the family side of the tale. The victim was widely unpleasant and the story Carly learns about this man make him even more unpleasant. When Carly's mom puts herself into a position as suspect one, Carly gets involved to prevent her mother from going to jail for simply being a mama bear. I loved how well Rhonda put mister seriously unfriendly in his place. With such an unpleasant man, it is obvious we have a lot of suspects and the more we learned the more motives existed. I found one story about our murder victim especially compelling and easy to imagine it being at the heart of the murder. No, I am not going to give the secrets of this book away as that is best to discover on your own. I enjoyed this book and don't want to take from some else's enjoyment by being a spoiler. Read and enjoy and know that the story has a beautiful ending but I hope it is not an ending but rather an ending for this one story.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and the author for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Let me say before I talk about the mystery that I started reading cozies for the mystery but find our also enjoy the family side of the tale. The victim was widely unpleasant and the story Carly learns about this man make him even more unpleasant. When Carly's mom puts herself into a position as suspect one, Carly gets involved to prevent her mother from going to jail for simply being a mama bear. I loved how well Rhonda put mister seriously unfriendly in his place. With such an unpleasant man, it is obvious we have a lot of suspects and the more we learned the more motives existed. I found one story about our murder victim especially compelling and easy to imagine it being at the heart of the murder. No, I am not going to give the secrets of this book away as that is best to discover on your own. I enjoyed this book and don't want to take from some else's enjoyment by being a spoiler. Read and enjoy and know that the story has a beautiful ending but I hope it is not an ending but rather an ending for this one story.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and the author for the opportunity to read this ARC.
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