REVIEW: Tart of Darkness

Tart of Darkness
Author: Denise Swanson

Dani Sloan's life has been on a downturn lately. She left her corporate job after there were some major issues. She had to sign a non-disclosure document so she can't even discuss what happened. Then on top of that, she discovered her boyfriend was actually engaged to marry someone else. But, things take a positive turn when she suddenly inherits a house and decides to embark on a business venture that's more her style -- cooking bagged lunches for local college students and running a catering service. She hopes Chef-To-Go will take off and be successful. In an emergency, she allows three college students to move into the house with her. She provides their room and board and in return they work a few hours a week for her. It's a win-win situation for all. One of the girls sets her up with a catering job....an upscale summer party. Regina Bourne is beautiful and known for her lavish parties. Unfortunately, the day after the event, Regina is found dead on a lounge next to the pool. Because of some problems during the party, Dani and her housemates find themselves suspects in the murder. One of the girls has an uncle who used to be a police officer. So with his help, Dani starts investigating Regina's death. Who killed the spoiled rich girl?

Tart of Darkness is the first book in a new series, the Chef-To-Go Mysteries. I'm not sure I would  classify this book as a "cozy'' mystery....I'm going to say it's cozy-ish. There is no gore, explicit sex or anything completely un-cozy, but there is some language and some minor sexual themes (for example, one minor character enjoys bondage and rough sex) that aren't usually in cozy mysteries. For readers who want to avoid any discussion of sexual themes or for younger readers, this might be one to avoid. As for me, I enjoyed the story.  It's a nice start to a new series! I like the background theme of a college town catering business. Dani is an interesting main character, and the 3 college-age girls she rents rooms to are great supporting characters. The hunky uncle is a nice love interest. The ending of the book seemed a bit abrupt...but it definitely made me wonder when the next book will be coming out. :) The romance angle seemed a bit trope-y as did the sudden inheritance of a huge house that allowed the MC to start a new business venture.....but the book is well-written and fun to read. I didn't really mind the trope-y moments.

All in all, this is an enjoyable cozy(ish) mystery! I will definitely be reading more of this series. Denise Swanson is the author of several cozy mystery series including Scumble River and the Devereaux's Dime Store Mysteries. I think I will start reading the Scumble River series while I want for the next Chef-To-Go mystery!

*I voluntarily read an advanced reader's copy of this book from Sourcebooks via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**