I read Final Sentence by Daryl Wood Gerber (Avery Aames is her pen name) which is the first book in her Cookbook Nook Mystery series and really enjoyed it. So when I won a copy from Gerber off of Facebook, I was excited to give another one of her cozy mystery series a try.

The Cheese Shop Mystery series takes place in Ohio, which is in the midwest. And it revolves around a cheese shop that has a wine annex in the basement. It’s like Gerber peered into my brain to find out what things would entice me.

The way Gerber described her characters and the town it was like I was catching up with my own neighbors and the shop owners where I live. But I wish our city did up Valentine’s Day like they do in her book! It was a week long event filled with fashion shows, food and wine tastings, and a romantic play. Once again, all are things that I enjoy.

As Gouda as Dead is book six in the series, but even having not read the previous books Gerber wrote enough background information that I was never questioning what was happening. There were a few nods to previous books that just made me wish I had started the series from the beginning, but it didn’t take away from this book at all.
I enjoyed that Charlotte’s friends helped her with investigating. Her finance, Jordan, and the chief didn’t always like that she was questioning people, but they weren’t jerks about it. Which is refreshing. I find it tiresome when the police continue to hinder the main character’s snooping! For the first few books it’s fine, but I enjoy when they start working together a bit.

If you haven’t read any books in the Cheese Shop series, I suggest you start with the first one, The Long Quiche Goodbye, just so you don’t miss any of the fun.

Besides the Cheese Shop and Cookbook Nook Mysteries, Gerber also has another cozy series, The French Bistro Mysteries, with A Deadly Eclair being the first book in the series. And a suspense series, Aspen Adams, with the first book titled Desolate Shores. ( )

Very disappointing - I slogged through it. It just didn't hold my attention as much as the others and the story just did not seem to go anywhere. ( )

I sure do enjoy cozy mysteries and I’m thrilled each time I discover a new series and author.

I’ll be following this one.

It’s almost Valentine’s Day and a week of special events is planned in the town of Providence, Ohio.

Charlotte Bessette, owner of Fromagerie Bessette, is especially excited because she’s finally marrying the man of her dreams, Jordan Pace, this coming weekend. That is until she finds a dead body dumped in the large vat full of milk at her fiances cheese farm.

Charlotte and Jordan decide to postpone their wedding until the case is resolved, once it’s proven to be a murder.

I was worried about them. No matter that he assured her they will get married in the spring. No matter that he professed his ongoing love in the tender love notes he leaves for her to discover. Something, a feeling I got, had me wondering if the wedding would occur. I know I’m suspicious by nature. If it were my fiance, he’d probably throw his hands up in frustration.

When Charlotte stumbles upon another dead body, Chief of Police Umburto Urso relents and listens to her theories, her conclusions. It’s a race to find the killer before more people are killed.

The author’s descriptions of Providence made me feel right at home. I live in a small single tax colony founded by artists. The downtown area is filled with small shops, bakeries, coffee houses, and restaurants. And just like in this book, the owners all know each other, all use each others wares, and all chip in when something needs doing. It’s a tight knit community and you’d never meet a more loyal, friendly bunch.

I’d recommend you have some napkins handy while reading this one. The food described in these pages is delicious. I swear I could smell and taste it and my mouth was watering. There are some wonderful recipes included at the end, so be sure to check them out. ( )

Valentine's Day is approaching, the day that Charlotte and Jordan have chosen to get married but the evening of bachelorette and bachelor parties is disrupted by the murder of a friend. Postponement is inevitable, and Charlotte needs to find the motive and the murderer before they can move forward with their lives.

This was the best of the series so far - the way that the story is woven around the town's Love Festival hand how Charlotte along with Jordan search to find answers for their friends is entertaining as well as heartwarming.

Can't wait for the next one! ( )

As Gouda As Dead A Cheese Shop Mystery by Avery Aames is one you won't want to miss. The series just gets better and better with each book and this book is no exception. It is a great new addition to the series you won't want to miss. It has some great recipes included.

Love is in the air at Providence and every one is caught up in the festivities. Charlotte and Jordan are getting married, couples have come to take part in the Love festival activities so what could go wrong? Murder has a way of putting love on the back burner. Charlotte has to help the police chief solve the murders so that things can move forward. Can she help solve the murders or will her snooping get her into trouble, will she become the next victim?

I love this book. It was a page turner that makes you not want to stop until you have finished it. I love the way you can picture the town of Providence and the people. This could be a small town that is familiar to you and the people are so relatable. I know that some of the people in this book remind me of people I know and can relate to. This always is a plus when reading a book relating to the people and place. Who doesn't know a quirky Grandmere or a snooty control freak like Belinda Bell or Paige Alpaugh. I also like that Charlotte is a strong, clever, smart, and loving person that adds to the book. I love that the mystery winds around with twists and turns and multiple possible suspects that keeps you guessing till the end. I have to say I thought I had this one figured out but was surprised at the ending which always is good. I give this 5 Stars and can not wait to read the next book.

If you want to know more about this book or the author and her other books check out her site at

www.averyaames.com

I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review. ( )