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Chef-to-Go Mystery #1
Tart of Darkness
Right when Dani thinks she's hit a dead-end in her career, she unexpectedly inherits an enormous old house in a quaint college town. This gives her the perfect opportunity to pursue her true passion-cooking! So Dani opens Chef-to-Go, preparing delicious, ready-made meals for hungry students attending the nearby university, as well as providing personal chef services and catering events for the local community. To help support her new business, she opens her home to a few students, renting them rooms and becoming almost like a big sister figure in their lives.
But just as Dani is relishing her sweet new life, the friend of one of her boarders is murdered, and Dani becomes one of the primary suspects! She'll have to scramble to clear her name and save her business before the killer reappears-perhaps to silence the new chef forever.
But just as Dani is relishing her sweet new life, the friend of one of her boarders is murdered, and Dani becomes one of the primary suspects! She'll have to scramble to clear her name and save her business before the killer reappears-perhaps to silence the new chef forever.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2018
282 people are currently reading
2,217 people want to read
About the author
Denise Swanson
69books1,115followersDenise Swanson lives in rural Illinois with her husband, classical composer David Stybr.
After 22 years as a practicing school psychologist, she's happiest sitting in her scree porch reading. However, when the weather turns too cold, she's willing to leave the Midwest to cruise the sunny Caribbean.
Denise is an animal lover, but her home is currently furless, since her kitty of 20 years passed away in August of 2016. Instead, she enjoys watching the wildlife out her office window.
After 22 years as a practicing school psychologist, she's happiest sitting in her scree porch reading. However, when the weather turns too cold, she's willing to leave the Midwest to cruise the sunny Caribbean.
Denise is an animal lover, but her home is currently furless, since her kitty of 20 years passed away in August of 2016. Instead, she enjoys watching the wildlife out her office window.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 411 reviews
April 22, 2018
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.**
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.**
June 23, 2018
With TV shows like Great British Bake off showing different cakes & tarts when along comes an American mystery set around cooking which there does seem to be the new mystery fashion today this another such crime book .
Set in small town ,the norm of these books is 29 old Dani with her Chef-to-go career but with in 24 hours of her big break it be more like Murder-to-go & her as the number one suspect
When a old friend of her mother dies she leaves her creep big house to Dani as it was a packet that the 2 old ladies promised each other
Now 6 months on her friends from University have had mad drunk,drugs wild party. So they are kicked out so go to their best friend Dani who has a whole house
Then comes a house party. I have noticed that American's are very lazy when comes to parties we do are own catering for parties but they don't even if it's very small do its all outsiders I rember an episode of Mission Impossible in 1960s series that was just 6 people all men.
Here we have a Themed party another daft idea by very rude loudmouth who expects everyone to kiss her ass well gess who the victim is. A fire at the party everything goes belly up and now Dani in the soup .
It's Shame that Denise has not added few recipes at end of the story it's only thing missing lot of other books of this type of food murders do.It really would made it a four * instead of a three.
The best thing if all is that there is huge long list of other books by this author in other series too. Which now be looking out for too.
You learn something every day the victim suffers from been Bulimic I never heard of it had to Google it - medical problem wear Pearson get stuffed (elephantites ) is what I call it huge of weight fat females that over 25+.I once new fat 'Cowboy ' plumber who was 29 stone he could eat four huge tin Fry Benton's Steak pies as a light snack between meals he even went to hospital they got his weight down to 15st but with in weeks of coming home he was back to 32 perfect example of Sloth or Bulimic.
Disgusting greed
Set in small town ,the norm of these books is 29 old Dani with her Chef-to-go career but with in 24 hours of her big break it be more like Murder-to-go & her as the number one suspect
When a old friend of her mother dies she leaves her creep big house to Dani as it was a packet that the 2 old ladies promised each other
Now 6 months on her friends from University have had mad drunk,drugs wild party. So they are kicked out so go to their best friend Dani who has a whole house
Then comes a house party. I have noticed that American's are very lazy when comes to parties we do are own catering for parties but they don't even if it's very small do its all outsiders I rember an episode of Mission Impossible in 1960s series that was just 6 people all men.
Here we have a Themed party another daft idea by very rude loudmouth who expects everyone to kiss her ass well gess who the victim is. A fire at the party everything goes belly up and now Dani in the soup .
It's Shame that Denise has not added few recipes at end of the story it's only thing missing lot of other books of this type of food murders do.It really would made it a four * instead of a three.
The best thing if all is that there is huge long list of other books by this author in other series too. Which now be looking out for too.
You learn something every day the victim suffers from been Bulimic I never heard of it had to Google it - medical problem wear Pearson get stuffed (elephantites ) is what I call it huge of weight fat females that over 25+.I once new fat 'Cowboy ' plumber who was 29 stone he could eat four huge tin Fry Benton's Steak pies as a light snack between meals he even went to hospital they got his weight down to 15st but with in weeks of coming home he was back to 32 perfect example of Sloth or Bulimic.
Disgusting greed
January 26, 2021
Definitely a win for me when it comes to cozy mysteries. A good bland of fun characters, interesting plot and whole bunch of cozy as well as dealing with a less cozy murder mystery. Haven't read a real good cozy in a long time so that might be why I'm rating this so high but I was really enjoying it.
January 20, 2018
Dollycas’s Thoughts
This series is off to an amazing start!
Danielle (Dani) Sloan quit her job, dropped her “Dr. McCreepy” and is cooking up a storm, watching Hell’s Kitchen and Cupcake Wars, as she sends out her resumé. She is usually joined by Ivy Drake, an 18-year old college junior that lives across the hall. Not a typical friendship, more of a big sister/little sister thing, but it works for them. One day she receives a letter telling her she has inherited a mansion, an old Victorian that was being remodeled into a B&B. After the shock wears off she realizes this inheritance could make her dreams come true. So while the lawyer gets the paperwork done she makes plans for her new business, Chef-to-Go. She will be doing catering, providing meals on the go for the college students and hiring herself out as a personal chef. She gets help with the business from her new tenants, Ivy and her friends that used to live across the hall. They were evicted for some major infractions of the landlord’s rules. Their parents have agreed to pay for them to live with Dani as long as Dani watches over them and Ivy’s Uncle Spencer checks on them weekly. Spencer, the head of college security is glad to help the girls any way he can, especially after he meets Dani.
Things are going great until one of Ivy’s college friends is murdered, shortly after Dani caters a party for her. The investigating detective decides quickly that Dani is the killer. She could lose everything. She needs to clear her name and fast or the only place she will cooking will be the state penitentiary.
The first book in a series is a huge undertaking because you have to introduce the characters, give them each a back story, connect them together and then wrap them in a mystery that keeps readers flipping those pages while leaving them wanting for more. Ms. Swanson more than met this challenge.
I liked Dani immediately. She left her job for a very good reason and I was excited that she could follow her passion. Her business plan makes sense and her new living arrangement is unique and fun. Ivy being so young is a bit naive and needs to have someone looking out for her. Her friends Tippi and Starr do what they can, but she needs Dani and Spencer in her life too. Tippi and Starr are typical college students and Dani likes having them live with her, but one tends to shirk her responsibilities to Danni quite a bit. Spencer is a former FBI agent who spent most of his career undercover. Now retired he enjoys the slower pace of running the security division for the college. These core characters are engaging and interesting. The author has left plenty of room to grow as the series continues.
There are some crazy characters too. Detective Mikeloff is off the rails and the victim and her family have their issues too.
The plot and subplots of this story are very well developed. The mystery itself had plenty of suspects with motive. The victim had done some really terrible things. Dani is a great investigator, people opened up to her so easily. She tries to help everyone she talks to, even when she was facing the murderer. This blends in with the romantic tension Dani and Spencer have every time they are in the vicinity with each other and Dani having to deal with a request from her ex.
I do enjoy the college campus setting. There are tons of possibilities for future stories.
I did have a couple of minor concerns. The author mentions her Scumble River series and ties a couple of characters to characters in that series. This may be likable for fans of that series but may be off-putting to those who have not yet read that series. Also, while the Epilogue wraps up this story, Dani comes off just a little bit preachy at the end.
I am excited to see where Ms. Swanson takes this series. I am invested in the characters and can’t wait for the next story.
This series is off to an amazing start!
Danielle (Dani) Sloan quit her job, dropped her “Dr. McCreepy” and is cooking up a storm, watching Hell’s Kitchen and Cupcake Wars, as she sends out her resumé. She is usually joined by Ivy Drake, an 18-year old college junior that lives across the hall. Not a typical friendship, more of a big sister/little sister thing, but it works for them. One day she receives a letter telling her she has inherited a mansion, an old Victorian that was being remodeled into a B&B. After the shock wears off she realizes this inheritance could make her dreams come true. So while the lawyer gets the paperwork done she makes plans for her new business, Chef-to-Go. She will be doing catering, providing meals on the go for the college students and hiring herself out as a personal chef. She gets help with the business from her new tenants, Ivy and her friends that used to live across the hall. They were evicted for some major infractions of the landlord’s rules. Their parents have agreed to pay for them to live with Dani as long as Dani watches over them and Ivy’s Uncle Spencer checks on them weekly. Spencer, the head of college security is glad to help the girls any way he can, especially after he meets Dani.
Things are going great until one of Ivy’s college friends is murdered, shortly after Dani caters a party for her. The investigating detective decides quickly that Dani is the killer. She could lose everything. She needs to clear her name and fast or the only place she will cooking will be the state penitentiary.
The first book in a series is a huge undertaking because you have to introduce the characters, give them each a back story, connect them together and then wrap them in a mystery that keeps readers flipping those pages while leaving them wanting for more. Ms. Swanson more than met this challenge.
I liked Dani immediately. She left her job for a very good reason and I was excited that she could follow her passion. Her business plan makes sense and her new living arrangement is unique and fun. Ivy being so young is a bit naive and needs to have someone looking out for her. Her friends Tippi and Starr do what they can, but she needs Dani and Spencer in her life too. Tippi and Starr are typical college students and Dani likes having them live with her, but one tends to shirk her responsibilities to Danni quite a bit. Spencer is a former FBI agent who spent most of his career undercover. Now retired he enjoys the slower pace of running the security division for the college. These core characters are engaging and interesting. The author has left plenty of room to grow as the series continues.
There are some crazy characters too. Detective Mikeloff is off the rails and the victim and her family have their issues too.
The plot and subplots of this story are very well developed. The mystery itself had plenty of suspects with motive. The victim had done some really terrible things. Dani is a great investigator, people opened up to her so easily. She tries to help everyone she talks to, even when she was facing the murderer. This blends in with the romantic tension Dani and Spencer have every time they are in the vicinity with each other and Dani having to deal with a request from her ex.
I do enjoy the college campus setting. There are tons of possibilities for future stories.
I did have a couple of minor concerns. The author mentions her Scumble River series and ties a couple of characters to characters in that series. This may be likable for fans of that series but may be off-putting to those who have not yet read that series. Also, while the Epilogue wraps up this story, Dani comes off just a little bit preachy at the end.
I am excited to see where Ms. Swanson takes this series. I am invested in the characters and can’t wait for the next story.
March 3, 2018
Release Date: April 3, 2018
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Tart of Darkness is the first book in an all new cozy mystery series by Denise Swanson. This is a culinary cozy where the heroine has opened a catering business that prepares meals for couples, parties, and lunch options for those who don't like to cook. It's a charming story with a fantastic set of characters, an interesting and enjoyable plot, and a "who-dun-it" that I couldn't figure out until it was revealed.
Cozy mystery fans are going to really enjoy this novel especially if you have enjoyed the authors previous books and series. I am fairly new to her work and have read a few books but I know that I am going to be HOOKED on this series. I love culinary mysteries with amateur sleuths who love to cook so it's right up my alley. Plus, the heroine is someone I could see myself befriending so it'd an added bonus.
In this book, we meet Dani. After catering to a spoiled rich girls party she finds herself in the cross hairs of a murder investigation. Who would have killed the sorority sister who had a lot going for her future? I guess it COULD have been anyone because she wasn't the nicest person and has a lot of bad blood with many. This is why Dani has to team up with former police officer (the sexy Spencer) and a few of her college housemates to find the killer before one of them is falsely arrested!
Go on a hunt with Dani and her crew in this delectable and endearing new cozy. I very much recommend it to the cozy sleuths out there and anyone else looking for a fun and lighthearted read.
Purchase a Copy
➜ Amazon Kindle:
➜ Amazon Print:
➜ Listen with Audible:
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Tart of Darkness is the first book in an all new cozy mystery series by Denise Swanson. This is a culinary cozy where the heroine has opened a catering business that prepares meals for couples, parties, and lunch options for those who don't like to cook. It's a charming story with a fantastic set of characters, an interesting and enjoyable plot, and a "who-dun-it" that I couldn't figure out until it was revealed.
Cozy mystery fans are going to really enjoy this novel especially if you have enjoyed the authors previous books and series. I am fairly new to her work and have read a few books but I know that I am going to be HOOKED on this series. I love culinary mysteries with amateur sleuths who love to cook so it's right up my alley. Plus, the heroine is someone I could see myself befriending so it'd an added bonus.
In this book, we meet Dani. After catering to a spoiled rich girls party she finds herself in the cross hairs of a murder investigation. Who would have killed the sorority sister who had a lot going for her future? I guess it COULD have been anyone because she wasn't the nicest person and has a lot of bad blood with many. This is why Dani has to team up with former police officer (the sexy Spencer) and a few of her college housemates to find the killer before one of them is falsely arrested!
Go on a hunt with Dani and her crew in this delectable and endearing new cozy. I very much recommend it to the cozy sleuths out there and anyone else looking for a fun and lighthearted read.
Purchase a Copy
➜ Amazon Kindle:
➜ Amazon Print:
➜ Listen with Audible:
November 8, 2018
I enjoyed this first story in the Chef-to-Go mysteries! The main characters are interesting. There is a good relationship between the protagonist and her college age renters. All the cooking made my tummy growl, and the story premise is a great idea. I never caught on to who the killer was until the author reveal!
August 10, 2018
4 Stars
Review to come.... but this review is based on how this novel measures up with other cozy mysteries. I'm aware its no Fredrick Backman but as a cozy mystery it does it's job well.
Review to come.... but this review is based on how this novel measures up with other cozy mysteries. I'm aware its no Fredrick Backman but as a cozy mystery it does it's job well.
March 14, 2018
A great first in series! Denise Swanson is a new to me cozy author and after reading this book I am hoping to read more of her cozies.
A fun premise, interesting setting, and engaging characters! A great mystery that will keep you guessing until the end.
I also enjoyed the food descriptions which is always a plus when reading a cozy mystery!
A fun premise, interesting setting, and engaging characters! A great mystery that will keep you guessing until the end.
I also enjoyed the food descriptions which is always a plus when reading a cozy mystery!
April 27, 2018
Tart Of Darkness
Chef-To-Go Mystery, Book #1
Denise Swanson
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Right when Dani thinks she’s hit a dead-end in her career, she unexpectedly inherits an enormous old house in a quaint college town. This gives her the perfect opportunity to pursue her true passion—cooking! So Dani opens Chef-to-Go, preparing delicious, ready-made meals for hungry students attending the nearby university, as well as providing personal chef services and catering events for the local community. To help support her new business, she opens her home to a few students, renting them rooms and becoming almost like a big sister figure in their lives.
But just as Dani is relishing her sweet new life, the friend of one of her boarders is murdered, and Dani becomes one of the primary suspects! She’ll have to scramble to clear her name and save her business before the killer reappears—perhaps to silence the new chef forever. (ϻӮ)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. I really liked the relationship between Dani and Ivy. I liked the way that Ivy was a typical college student and was a little self absorbed. But she really likes Dani and is very willing to help Dani whenever she can. Dani is a good role model for Ivy and her friends and I enjoyed that. I also liked that there were a couple of generations in this book but they worked well together.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and those descriptions pulled me right into the story. The descriptions of the dishes that Dani was preparing throughout the book made me hungry. That is a good thing when reading a culinary cozy!
The mystery was well plotted and moved along at a nice pace. There were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through and I did not have any idea who the killer was. I found the fact that Dani did not put herself in any real danger while solving the mystery very refreshing.
I am not really sure that this book is a cozy in the strictest way. There is a little bit of harsher language and there was some mention of sexual tendencies. I did not find anything offensive in the least but I felt I should mention those things in my review.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted mystery. There was so much that I liked about this book and i am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, when it is released.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Sourcebooks Landmark, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
Chef-To-Go Mystery, Book #1
Denise Swanson
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Right when Dani thinks she’s hit a dead-end in her career, she unexpectedly inherits an enormous old house in a quaint college town. This gives her the perfect opportunity to pursue her true passion—cooking! So Dani opens Chef-to-Go, preparing delicious, ready-made meals for hungry students attending the nearby university, as well as providing personal chef services and catering events for the local community. To help support her new business, she opens her home to a few students, renting them rooms and becoming almost like a big sister figure in their lives.
But just as Dani is relishing her sweet new life, the friend of one of her boarders is murdered, and Dani becomes one of the primary suspects! She’ll have to scramble to clear her name and save her business before the killer reappears—perhaps to silence the new chef forever. (ϻӮ)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. I really liked the relationship between Dani and Ivy. I liked the way that Ivy was a typical college student and was a little self absorbed. But she really likes Dani and is very willing to help Dani whenever she can. Dani is a good role model for Ivy and her friends and I enjoyed that. I also liked that there were a couple of generations in this book but they worked well together.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and those descriptions pulled me right into the story. The descriptions of the dishes that Dani was preparing throughout the book made me hungry. That is a good thing when reading a culinary cozy!
The mystery was well plotted and moved along at a nice pace. There were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through and I did not have any idea who the killer was. I found the fact that Dani did not put herself in any real danger while solving the mystery very refreshing.
I am not really sure that this book is a cozy in the strictest way. There is a little bit of harsher language and there was some mention of sexual tendencies. I did not find anything offensive in the least but I felt I should mention those things in my review.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted mystery. There was so much that I liked about this book and i am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, when it is released.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Sourcebooks Landmark, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
April 14, 2018
Tart of Darkness by Denise Swanson is the first book in the Chef-to-go Mystery series. Dani inherits a mansion with a commercial kitchen and sets up a new business Chef to Go providing ready made meals for students and catering and chef services. After catering a party for a spoilt student during which there is an altercation, the student is found murdered and Dani becomes prime suspect. I loved everything about this book. I liked the concept of the Chef to Go business and I liked the characters, especially Dani and Spencer who seem destined to come together. It was great to have familiar characters from the Scumble River series make an appearance. A quick read as it was difficult to put down and I can't wait for the next book.
April 2, 2018
Tart of Darkness by Denise Swanson is a first in a new series.
The story is interesting and I like Dan I, the main character.
It seems like Dani has a self esteem problem and I hope to see that go away in the future.
When Dani inherits an old house, her future becomes more bright, leading her to follow a path that leads to murder.
Deciding to go into the catering business is no small expense. When Dani has the opportunity to collect rent in exchange for sharing her home with college students, it seems like a win win situation.
Unfortunately, her first job takes a nasty turn of events and Dani finds herself in the middle I'd a murder investigation.
Dani and Ivy, one of her college housemates, are both considered suspects.
Ivy calls her uncle to help, and when he meets Dani, the sparks fly.
The story is good and the series has potential. I think the author is teetering on the thin line between cozy mystery and romance.
I have no problem with romance, but some of the references in this book were a bit much.
I don't particularly care to know about the shape of someone's butt while reading a cozy mystery.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
The story is interesting and I like Dan I, the main character.
It seems like Dani has a self esteem problem and I hope to see that go away in the future.
When Dani inherits an old house, her future becomes more bright, leading her to follow a path that leads to murder.
Deciding to go into the catering business is no small expense. When Dani has the opportunity to collect rent in exchange for sharing her home with college students, it seems like a win win situation.
Unfortunately, her first job takes a nasty turn of events and Dani finds herself in the middle I'd a murder investigation.
Dani and Ivy, one of her college housemates, are both considered suspects.
Ivy calls her uncle to help, and when he meets Dani, the sparks fly.
The story is good and the series has potential. I think the author is teetering on the thin line between cozy mystery and romance.
I have no problem with romance, but some of the references in this book were a bit much.
I don't particularly care to know about the shape of someone's butt while reading a cozy mystery.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
February 5, 2019
I picked up this book 50% because of a desire to branch out beyond my normal genres of nonfiction, literary fiction, and memoir, and 50% because the title pun game was so strong. I'd be curious about the "cozy mystery" phenomenon since I first read an article about it a few years ago, and there's nothing that I love more than a good Agatha Christie puzzle or gratuitous descriptions of food. What I found instead was a bizarre narrational conservatism (weird asides about PC culture, and, especially unappealing, a random passage blaming sexual assault on sexy clothing and alcohol), characters that were borderline caricatures, and way more descriptions of the female protagonist's butt from the point of view of her love interest than mouthwatering descriptions of desserts. If I'm being generous, I'll blame my dislike mostly on the disconnect between what the book is and what I expected it to be, and on the fact that I am clearly not its target audience. The appeal of cozy mysteries seems to lie largely in their escapism, and this just wasn't a story I wanted to escape into.
May 2, 2019
My first time reading Denise Swanson and I just loved it! This is the first book in a new series. A fun loving cozy mystery that is filled with surprises. Looking forward to the next book in the series!
February 24, 2019
Rated 3.5 stars
This was just ok for me.
This was just ok for me.
March 26, 2018
Tart of Darkness is a terrific start to a new cozy mystery series. Dani’s life has turned upside down. Betrayed by a boyfriend and disappointed and miserable in her career, she is ready to start the next chapter of her life with a clean slate, so when she has inherits a large home in a hip college town, she jumps at the chance to try out her dream of making a living off her culinary skills and delectable recipes while renting out rooms to college students to help make ends meet. Soon, she and one of her borders becomes a suspect in a sorority homicide. There are cozy elements, mystery, romance and a more youthful vibe than most cozies. It is well written with interesting characters. I look forward to the next book in the Chef-to-Go Mystery series.
July 18, 2018
An excellent start to a new series. The characters were fun and the romance angle has a lot of chemistry. (If this were a romance, there would've been a lot more action in that direction.)
The mystery was interesting. The pacing was also very good. I read this book in nearly one sitting. (I had to take a break for dinner.)
Highly recommended.
The mystery was interesting. The pacing was also very good. I read this book in nearly one sitting. (I had to take a break for dinner.)
Highly recommended.
March 27, 2018
**I voluntarily read this ARC**
A fun start to a new series. The setting is really interesting. I would love to see the house that Dani inherited. It sounds beautiful. The language is a little strong at times for a cozy, but not overly obscene or graphic. I really enjoyed the mystery, but I felt it fizzled at the end rather than going out with a bang.
A fun start to a new series. The setting is really interesting. I would love to see the house that Dani inherited. It sounds beautiful. The language is a little strong at times for a cozy, but not overly obscene or graphic. I really enjoyed the mystery, but I felt it fizzled at the end rather than going out with a bang.
June 25, 2020
Such a fun start to a new series. I loved the characters and the mystery. I will definitely be reading more.
October 7, 2021
I loved this book. I thought it was wholly original and a refreshing new concept. All of the characters were relatable and I loved the fact that Danny was just a regular gal like the rest of us who have had questionable taste in men. I enjoyed it so much that I am on book two and enjoying that one as well!
The story ran very smoothly, even in audiobook format, and I listened to it as it lulled my dog Havoc to sleep lol. It was never dull and I never could have figured out the mystery early. I like the fact that it left me guessing. I will definitely be back time and time again for this series. Wonderful job!
I highly recommend this book. I really enjoyed it immensely.
The story ran very smoothly, even in audiobook format, and I listened to it as it lulled my dog Havoc to sleep lol. It was never dull and I never could have figured out the mystery early. I like the fact that it left me guessing. I will definitely be back time and time again for this series. Wonderful job!
I highly recommend this book. I really enjoyed it immensely.
April 25, 2018
Really enjoyable first entry in the series. I really liked the characters, Dani and Spence were so adorable and worked well together. The mystery was good and the book flowed well and was easy to read. I liked the other characters and loved the cross over with some of the Scumble River series characters (you don't need to have read the other series to read this book, just something fun for fans). The only disappointing part was no recipes in the back. Looking forward to reading more books in this series.
November 14, 2020
Would not recommend. Characters have no depth, cussing goes on left and right, and horrible sexual things are mentioned but thankfully not described. Never reading this author again.
March 24, 2018
In this new series by Swanson we meet Dani a young woman whose life has recently taken some eye-opening turns. Her job has turned into a nightmare and don't get her started on her cheating ex-boyfriend. She lives in a building where her neighbors are young college girls, who she enjoys cooking for and trying out new recipes on. When an unexpected inheritance comes her way Dani starts to reevaluate her life and decides to follow her true passion of cooking and Chef-to-Go is born. When her ex-neighbors land in some hot water and are kicked out of her old building Dani takes them in, not only could she use some help with her new business but she misses having them around all the time. College student Ivy is always talking about her Uncle Spencer, who is a retired police officer, who agreed to help keep an eye on the girls after they were evicted from their apartment. Things are really looking good for Dani until a girl is found dead the morning after a party that she hosted, one that Dani catered for. You see Dani had an argument with the young woman and although she doesn't feel it was anything the detective on the case sees things differently. Not only is he looking at Dani as a suspect but also Ivy and it doesn't seem like he will be marking them off as suspects anytime soon. When Ivy's uncle steps in to help, Dani is surprised to find out that not only is Spencer not old, he's quite good looking. You see they each thought the other was old. Follow along as Dani and Spencer investigate to figure out who the killer is before Dani or Ivy lands in jail. In the midst of all of this Dani's ex-boyfriend keeps popping up. I loved the story line and felt an instant connection with the main character Dani and was invested in what happened throughout the read. I couldn't put the book down and finished it in one sitting. I can't wait to see what comes next for these well written characters and the picturesque college town they live in.
June 25, 2021
I am really impressed with Tart of Darkness by Denise Swanson, the first book in the Chef-to-Go cozy mysteries. For an author who has been writing cozies for over 20 years, Swanson was able to keep the technology fresh and up to date, which is not always the case with authors who have been writing for years. They often seem to get stuck in an earlier era where newer technologies are not even present in their books. So kudos to Swanson!
And having Dani’s sidekicks be three college students was another stroke of genius. Dani is in that in-between age of not quite 30, but still more conservative than a 21 year old, so having some younger women in the story adds a fun and fresh perspective to the book.
Also having three different avenues of business (daily lunches to go, personal chef, and caterer) Swanson set the series up to have lots of different places and ways for future murders to occur. I’m looking forward to seeing what Swanson comes up with next.
Besides the positive points mentioned above, Swanson also has very developed characters for a first book in a series, and it was fun to see some of the characters from her Scumble River Mysteries showing up in the Chef-to-Go series. I love when authors do crossovers.
Add in delicious food and drinks, detailed descriptions of the college town, and lots of red herrings to keep the reader guessing, and you have a series that is sure to be a hit with cozy mystery readers.
And having Dani’s sidekicks be three college students was another stroke of genius. Dani is in that in-between age of not quite 30, but still more conservative than a 21 year old, so having some younger women in the story adds a fun and fresh perspective to the book.
Also having three different avenues of business (daily lunches to go, personal chef, and caterer) Swanson set the series up to have lots of different places and ways for future murders to occur. I’m looking forward to seeing what Swanson comes up with next.
Besides the positive points mentioned above, Swanson also has very developed characters for a first book in a series, and it was fun to see some of the characters from her Scumble River Mysteries showing up in the Chef-to-Go series. I love when authors do crossovers.
Add in delicious food and drinks, detailed descriptions of the college town, and lots of red herrings to keep the reader guessing, and you have a series that is sure to be a hit with cozy mystery readers.
July 3, 2018
This is a new series about Dani who leaves her corporate job and inherited an old mansion and stats a catering company. She has to take 3 college students as borders to help make ends meet. A popular student is killed shortly after Dani caters a party at her house. A bad cop is trying hard to prove that Dani did. She also has the start of a romance.
February 21, 2018
Loved this book! This was my first read by Denise Swanson and now I know why she has so many fans! I loved the different age groups all working and living together, I loved the crazy cast of characters, and I loved all the sub-plots. Hope this series continues for a long time!
March 2, 2018
I decided to request this book because I was interested in seeing how the writer would weave typical college town life into a cozy mystery. I wondered just how quaint the town could be. Having left college a few years ago,worked at a different college a year after, and making monthly visits to another college town; I have a picture of college life in my head that doesn't necessarily fit into most cozy mysteries. There were some parts of this story that felt like the author just browsed buzzfeed to find out what ‘The kids are saying’.
Dani was so pretentious it was hard to imagine the girls described in the book thinking of her as a big sister when she acted much more like their mother. Her judgmental ways at times made it hard for me to tolerate her. She often treated these adult women like they were young teens. She was only 9/10 years older than them.
She was also so preachy when it came to anything involving alcohol. I don't know if the author knows but in most states you do not have to be 21 and over to serve alcohol at an event. And we're these girls not almost 21? I just found it strange to emphasize her servers not being old enough to handle liquor. It was also incorrect as Illinois where this story is set has a legal serving age of 18.
The descriptions of Regina were so over the top she felt like a caricature. Definitely inspired by Regina George from Mean Girls. The funny thing is Dani was very pretentious herself but not in an as overt way. But at the story went on Regina’s past actions became more ridiculous as the author tried to hammer that everyone had a reason to dislike this young woman.
And then there was Uncle Spencer. His lust over Dani was annoying after this sentence “The naturalness of her beauty was like a cold glass of water after being forced to drink nothing but artificially flavored soda his whole life”.
If I had to read about how he stared at Dani’s heart snapped bottom one more time……
I must say after struggling through the story the most disappointing part was the anti-climactic ending. Overall the mystery definitely took a backseat to the Chef-To-Go business and flirting attempts. I recommend giving this book a pass.
Dani was so pretentious it was hard to imagine the girls described in the book thinking of her as a big sister when she acted much more like their mother. Her judgmental ways at times made it hard for me to tolerate her. She often treated these adult women like they were young teens. She was only 9/10 years older than them.
She was also so preachy when it came to anything involving alcohol. I don't know if the author knows but in most states you do not have to be 21 and over to serve alcohol at an event. And we're these girls not almost 21? I just found it strange to emphasize her servers not being old enough to handle liquor. It was also incorrect as Illinois where this story is set has a legal serving age of 18.
The descriptions of Regina were so over the top she felt like a caricature. Definitely inspired by Regina George from Mean Girls. The funny thing is Dani was very pretentious herself but not in an as overt way. But at the story went on Regina’s past actions became more ridiculous as the author tried to hammer that everyone had a reason to dislike this young woman.
And then there was Uncle Spencer. His lust over Dani was annoying after this sentence “The naturalness of her beauty was like a cold glass of water after being forced to drink nothing but artificially flavored soda his whole life”.
If I had to read about how he stared at Dani’s heart snapped bottom one more time……
I must say after struggling through the story the most disappointing part was the anti-climactic ending. Overall the mystery definitely took a backseat to the Chef-To-Go business and flirting attempts. I recommend giving this book a pass.
July 25, 2021
I thought this was going to be a cozy mystery with a ‘side story’ about cooking. Instead it seemed like it was a cookbook with a ‘side story’ of a murder, and until the end of the book, the murder was hardly even mentioned. It definitely took second place to how Dani was preparing dinner.
Dani might have been a really good cook, but she was really stupid. Like when she saw an older woman stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire. She pulled over to help, but since neither she or the woman knew how to change a flat tire, she offered to drive the woman somewhere and just leave the car abandoned on the side of the road until the next day. What?!? The woman refused to leave her car there overnight, and she said she had no car insurance or knew of any service to fix flats, so finally Dani offered to call a garage for her. The mechanic asked Dani if there was a spare tire, and she said she didn’t know! Duh! Why didn’t she look in the trunk?!? And the mechanic didn’t even ask her to look in the trunk. I’m sorry, but that is so dumb.
And when Dani was depressed? She went grocery shopping, because that cheered her up. What?!? Who gets cheered up in a grocery store?
There were so many more dumb things. I truly don’t know why I finished the book. I should have stopped after the first chapter.
Dani might have been a really good cook, but she was really stupid. Like when she saw an older woman stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire. She pulled over to help, but since neither she or the woman knew how to change a flat tire, she offered to drive the woman somewhere and just leave the car abandoned on the side of the road until the next day. What?!? The woman refused to leave her car there overnight, and she said she had no car insurance or knew of any service to fix flats, so finally Dani offered to call a garage for her. The mechanic asked Dani if there was a spare tire, and she said she didn’t know! Duh! Why didn’t she look in the trunk?!? And the mechanic didn’t even ask her to look in the trunk. I’m sorry, but that is so dumb.
And when Dani was depressed? She went grocery shopping, because that cheered her up. What?!? Who gets cheered up in a grocery store?
There were so many more dumb things. I truly don’t know why I finished the book. I should have stopped after the first chapter.
August 13, 2021
Misleading Title and Cover:
The catchy title and charming cover art identify the book, Tart of Darkness, as a cozy mystery. However, the author seems undecided upon her book’s genre. Aside from there being no pet interest, this story inserts profanity and describes deviant sexual behaviors. These unacceptable elements violate the known pillars for a cozy mystery.
A good amount of time is spent with character Spencer Drake to the point that he should be introduced earlier in the story. The book is short enough to accommodate this earlier introduction. This introduction could be with his niece before he meets the main character, Dani.
Overall, the manuscript is underdeveloped with the first and third acts leaving it reading like an unfinished, semi-final draft. A significant portion of the narrative is better suited for a seedy romance book, and I do not read those. The marketing for this book is deceptive.
The catchy title and charming cover art identify the book, Tart of Darkness, as a cozy mystery. However, the author seems undecided upon her book’s genre. Aside from there being no pet interest, this story inserts profanity and describes deviant sexual behaviors. These unacceptable elements violate the known pillars for a cozy mystery.
A good amount of time is spent with character Spencer Drake to the point that he should be introduced earlier in the story. The book is short enough to accommodate this earlier introduction. This introduction could be with his niece before he meets the main character, Dani.
Overall, the manuscript is underdeveloped with the first and third acts leaving it reading like an unfinished, semi-final draft. A significant portion of the narrative is better suited for a seedy romance book, and I do not read those. The marketing for this book is deceptive.
January 9, 2019
I enjoyed this first book of a new cozy series, especially because of the setting (a mansion near a university campus) and because the narration shifted back and forth between the sleuth's point of view and that of her ex-cop love interest. There were some uncomfortable sexual references regarding one particular character that I thought were unfortunate, as I read cozies specifically to avoid those things, but I was able to push past those to enjoy the story. Though I never got very far in this author's Scumble River series, I did like that this book had some overlap with it, and it made me want to get to the Scumble River books I bought a few years ago and haven't gotten to yet. I was also just approved for the second book of this series on NetGalley, and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens to Dani next.
December 18, 2018
Tart of Darkness by Denise Swanson is the 1st book in Chef-To-Go Mystery series, and I loved it. Dani leaves her high paying corporate job at the same time she inherits a mansion with a commercial kitchen. Dani starts Chef-to-go, where she makes meals to go for students, and catering for special dinners. Dani rents rooms to three college students who also help her out as part of the rent. When one of Dani's clients is found dead the mystery starts. This book has more twists and turns, that keeps you turning page after page. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I strongly recommended this book and series for any cozy mystery lovers like me.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
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