{"product_id":"marinating-in-murder-isbn-9780425278246","title":"Marinating in Murder","description":"\u003cb\u003eThe third in a delicious series featuring a dinner club that tries out new recipes--while trying to catch a killer\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Culinary Capers Dinner Club is planning a fall picnic for their next meeting. What could be better than sharing delicious food with friends under a beautiful autumn sky? But when club member Alison Malkovich opens the back of her SUV to load in the picnic supplies, she finds a dead body. To make things worse, it's the body of her ex-husband, and now she's the prime suspect. Because Alison is a police officer, she is suspended and warned not to do any investigating of her own. That's not about to stop J.J. and the Culinary Capers gang though. They know that Alison is innocent, and after all, they do have some experience solving crimes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eINCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e Praise for the Dinner Club Mysteries\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"A savory morsel of mystery and culinary goodness. Food lovers will delight in the meal planning and the mystery as both are rich with surprising ingredients. Wiken has a winning recipe with spunky heroine J.J. Tanner and the Culinary Capers Dinner Club.”—Jenn McKinlay, \u003ci\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/i\u003e bestselling author of the Cupcake Bakery Mysteries\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Wiken serves up generous portions of suspense and food lore.”—Victoria Abbott, national bestselling author of the Book Collector Mysteries\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“This story has it all: murder, mystery and food. Wiken weaves a tale that will have readers guessing up until the very end. With the introduction of characters who are fun, quirky and quite charming, fans will want to come back to Half Moon Bay for more. The pace of the book is quick and the writing is solid, so it keeps the interest of readers. Great new cozy series!”—\u003ci\u003eRT Book Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“A delicious new culinary mystery that is absolutely to die for...a great start to a new series and I can't wait to see what happens next for these characters.”—Moonlight Rendezvous (5 stars)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“The characters are well-developed, realistic, and very likable … an entertaining mystery that will be hard to put down once you begin.”—Thoughts in Progress\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“A deliciously entertaining cozy mystery with plenty of suspects and talk about food.” —Open Book Society\u003cb\u003eLinda Wiken \u003c\/b\u003eis the author of the national bestselling Ashton Corners mysteries under the pseudonym Erika Chase and is the former owner of a mystery bookstore.\u003cb\u003eChapter 1\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The horn of a passing car blared so loudly, J.J. Tanner almost      knocked herself out when her head snapped up and hit the doorframe      of the SUV she was helping to pack.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"Ouch, ouch, ouch!\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"Are you okay, J.J.? It's that idiot Darrell Crumb making an ass      of himself each time he passes by.\" Alison Manovich glared at the      taillights of the old beat-up Ford pickup.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e J.J. rubbed the back of her head and tried not to wince too much.      \"An admirer, is he?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Alison made a face. \"Just erase that thought from your head, girl.      He's the last guy on earth I'd be interested in, if I were even      interested in meeting someone.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"Can't you do one of your cop things and arrest him for harassment      or such?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"Not worth the effort. So far.\" Alison leaned the folding camp      chairs up against the side panel inside the back of her silver      SUV. \"There should be enough room for a couple of coolers in here.      Surely all the food we need for the annual Culinary Capers dinner      club picnic will fit into two.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e J.J. joined her at the back of the SUV and glanced in. \"I'd say      that's plenty of room. In fact, there's also lots of space for      Beth, Connor, and me. And if Evan decides to drive his new sports      car, he can put some food on his passenger seat, after all. It      will serve him right. Show-off.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e J.J. grinned as she said it. Evan Thornton wasn't really a      show-off, just flamboyant at times. He'd been the one who'd      invited her to join the dinner club after she'd moved to      Burlington, Vermont, a couple of years earlier. She'd left behind      a broken heart along with a broken engagement in favor of an offer      to work for her friend Skye Drake's event planning business, Make      It Happen. Evan was their landlord, and now a close friend, as      were all the members of the club.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Alison shook her head, her blonde ponytail flipping from side to      side. \"Who would have thought those two would just up and buy a      sports car? It's a totally new image for Evan and Michael. It must      have cost a small fortune.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"Well, it's not as if they have a family to support. They both      have very good jobs and a house, so they're entitled to play with      a car.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Alison sighed. \"You're right, of course. I'm just seeing a little      green, I guess.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"I can see you behind the wheel of a convertible, especially in      your cop uniform. Now, that would be an attention-getter.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Alison's response was drowned out by the very loud arrival of a      motorcycle. Both women stared in surprise, wondering who'd joined      the party. When the Harley-Davidson came to a stop just inches      away from them and Connor Mac lifted off his helmet, they broke      into shrieks.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"OMG, when did you get that?\" Alison asked, dancing around the      shiny black bike, giving it a thorough once-over.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"I picked it up this afternoon. What do you both think?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"I love it,\" Alison answered first. \"I'm in awe. I need a ride and      soon.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Connor looked delighted. \"Happy to oblige anytime.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e J.J. eyed it skeptically. \"I think the next time we go to a movie,      I'm walking.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e She smiled to keep it light. They'd gone out to one movie since      the murder of his girlfriend last fall. It was complicated. He was      still grieving. The bike was a total surprise. Maybe it was part      of the recovery process. She had to admit, it looked like it might      be working.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Connor was another of the Culinary Capers gang, and she and he had      dated on occasion before the fateful casino fund-raising cruise,      organized by J.J., that had ended with one of the emcees dead.      J.J. had been as surprised as the others to learn he'd been dating      the murder victim, his former fiancée. And then she was dead.      Fortunately, with the help of J.J. and his friends, he'd been      proven innocent of committing the crime.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"So, are you driving it to the picnic tomorrow?\" Alison queried.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"Of course. It's going to be great weather and that's exactly what      a bike is for.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"What about your food?\" J.J. asked. She wasn't fond of      motorcycles, feeling they were too loud and much too dangerous,      but she tried not to let that show and put a damper on his obvious      delight.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Connor's smile was all little-boy-begging. \"I thought you might      take it up for me, J.J. Maybe you could swing by on your way over      here tomorrow morning?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e J.J. groaned. She was such a pushover. \"All right. But I have dibs      on any extra chocolate that may find its way there.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"Are we going to convoy?\" Alison asked, back to packing her SUV,      stuffing a large golf umbrella behind the chairs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"I'm up for anything,\" Connor answered, climbing off his bike and      releasing the kickstand. He looked around. \"No Evan or Beth yet?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"Well done,\" J.J. said as Beth's red van pulled into the driveway,      stopping a few inches from the bike. \"You must have conjured her      up.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Connor had thrown up his hands to warn Beth away from his bike, an      exaggerated look of terror on his face.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Beth opened her driver's door and leaned out. \"Oh no. Don't tell      me. Connor, you didn't go over to the dark side, did you?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"Yup.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"Lord help us.\" Beth struggled out of the car and leaned against      it, taking a few deep breaths and glaring at the bike.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"Are you all right, Beth?\" J.J. asked. Beth looked even more tired      than usual. Maybe it had been an exhausting day at her Cups 'n'      Roses café. She hoped that's all it was. J.J. marveled at the      amount of stamina her older friend seemed to always have. After      retiring from her career as a high school music teacher, Beth had      started up the café, which proved to be another full-time job. But      she always seemed to have time for the dinner club.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"A little fatigued, that's all.\" Beth tucked her short hair behind      both ears and turned to the street. \"Evan wanted to drive his new      baby over so I expect he'll be making his big entrance any minute      now.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e On cue, a shiny red Miata, top down, pulled up in front of      Alison's town house. Evan parked, blocking the driveway, and took      his time getting out and sauntering over to the rest of the      Culinary Capers dinner club members.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"Do you like it?\" He beamed like a proud papa. Then he noticed the      Harley. \"What's this? Am I to be outdone by a biker?\" He added a      note of scorn to his voice but smiled.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"Boys and their toys,\" Beth said in a loud voice, and wandered      over to Alison's SUV. \"Is there anything I can do to help?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"Nope,\" Alison said. \"I think with the chairs pushed up against      one side, there'll be plenty of room for most of the food. You're      riding with me tomorrow, aren't you?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"I'd be happy to.\" Beth looked at Evan. \"And just what are you      going to be able to bring along to the picnic in that cream puff?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"I thought I'd bring J.J.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e J.J.'s mouth dropped open. \"First I've heard of it, but I'd be      delighted. Can I drive?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Evan sputtered. \"In a word, no.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e He leaned into the car, pulled out a long red scarf, and passed it      to J.J. \"But you can wear this. Don't you think it brings a      certain je ne sais quoi?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"Very continental, sir. But I seem to remember that a long scarf      and a sports car can be a deadly combination. Remember Isadora      Duncan? The dancer? Mid-1920s? It proved fatal for her.\" J.J.      grimaced. \"And where did you get the scarf? Did it come with the      car?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"It was a gift from the salesperson I bought the car from. A      woman.\" He grinned and wrapped it around his neck. \"Now, what's      the final game plan?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"I was just saying we could meet here at, what?-say, ten-load up,      and then convoy over to North Hero Island,\" Alison suggested. \"It      shouldn't take too much more than half an hour to reach the beach      and if we get there early, we can snag a good picnic table.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e J.J. shot a covert glance at Connor. North Hero Island had played      a big part in all that had happened in the fall. He didn't let on      if he was upset.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"I have a wonderful fold-up table that would be perfect,\" Beth      offered. \"It would be sort of dreamy with a flowing white lace      tablecloth, which I just happen to have.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"Oh, and I could bring candles with hurricane covers,\" J.J.      offered, getting into the spirit.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"Very glam,\" agreed Evan. \"Flowers. I'll pick up a small floral      centerpiece on my, on our, way.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Alison folded her arms. \"It all sounds delightful, but I think I'm      the hostess this month and, although I do appreciate the input,      I'd really like just an old-fashioned picnic table with an oilskin      cloth that I'll bring. It's what my mom always used for our family      picnics.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Beth looked apologetic. \"I tend to get carried away sometimes. I'm      sorry, Alison. Not my month so not my place to take over. I look      forward to a good old-fashioned picnic.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"We all do,\" J.J. added. \"Your turn to host the dinner, your      choice of cookbook, your choice of, well, everything. And, I just      wanted to thank you, Alison, for picking a cookbook this month      with such wonderful photos. \u003ci\u003eSummer Days \u0026amp; Balmy Nights\u003c\/i\u003e is a      real delight to thumb through.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Alison smiled. \"I did it just for you, J.J. But I do hope you've      actually read through it and picked a recipe from it.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e J.J. made the sign of crossing her heart. \"I always play by the      rules, Alison. And I know that tomorrow will be most memorable.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003eChapter 2\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e J.J. stopped in the hall as she was passing her neighbor Ness      Harper's door and knocked. He answered so quickly she was certain      he must have been on his way out but he still had his bathrobe on.      And an unfriendly expression which changed immediately on seeing      J.J.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"Heading out kind of early for a Saturday, aren't you?\" he asked,      peering around her and looking in both directions along the hall.      His salt-and-pepper hair, often a bit on the scruffy side, stood      out at odd angles. Maybe he was ill. That would be a first.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"Are you okay, Ness?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"Uh, sure. Why wouldn't I be?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003ci\u003eHow odd.\u003c\/i\u003e \"No reason, I guess. And, it's not really that early. It      is nine fifteen.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e She thrust the covered glass dish she was holding at him. \"I made      an orange, endive, and black olive salad for our Culinary Capers      picnic today and have some extra. I thought you might like to try      it.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Ness claimed the bowl and looked in both directions again. \"Uh,      thanks, kid. I'm sure I'll enjoy it. You have a good time, now,      you hear.\" He backed into his apartment and shut the door.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e J.J. stared at the door. What was that all about? Usually he liked      to talk food; he'd often question her about recipes and      ingredients. She looked both ways along the hall and saw nothing      out of the ordinary. Maybe he was just having an off day. What was      he, about sixty-seven or so? Who knew what odd behavior might      occur in a retired cop. She shrugged it off but made a mental note      to stop in later that night.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e She'd just pushed open the front door to the lobby of her      apartment building when Evan pulled up to the curb. The sun      highlighted the blond streaks he'd recently had added to his spiky      red hair. The dark sunglasses with the enormous black frames added      to his dashing image. And his usual bow tie-red and white polka      dots today-was the finishing touch. His Miata glistened in the      sunlight, and from the water drops on the hood.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e J.J. opened the door and hopped into the passenger seat. \"Drive      through the car wash on your way over?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"No way. I don't trust those brushes and things. Not when I have a      driveway and a perfectly good hose at home.\" He glanced at J.J.      \"You're very observant for so early in the morning.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"Even though everyone is insisting it's early, it isn't. I've been      up for hours and even had my walk.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"That's impressive. What does that make it, an entire week now      that you've been at it?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"Exactly.\" She checked her Fitbit on her left wrist. \"Four      thousand steps so far today.\" It had been a clever investment.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"Hah! So, who's the 'everyone'? You did say 'everyone is      insisting.'\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e J.J. smiled. She loved the feel of wind flowing through her hair      although she'd been sure to secure it tightly with an elastic.      She'd spend all day calming it down otherwise. Her long dark hair      had enough body on its own.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"I meant my neighbor Ness. I dropped off some of the salad I'd      made and he was all out of sorts. Not Ness-like at all.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"Hm. You have been known to have an overactive imagination.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"\u003ci\u003eMoi?\u003c\/i\u003e\" she asked in her best shocked voice. \"Drive on, Jeeves.      We'll have no more disparaging talk.\" She wrapped a bright orange      and yellow silk scarf around her head and tucked the lapels of her      orange cotton jacket under the seat belt.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Evan pressed the gas pedal a bit harder and flew around the next      corner. \"That good enough for you?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"Loved it, but Alison may have to arrest you for flying into her      driveway if you're not careful.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e He pointed up ahead. \"No room. We're last again.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Beth and Connor were leaning against a redbrick planter in front      of Alison's house. Her car was parked next to Alison's SUV while      Connor's Harley was propped up behind it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e J.J. hopped out of the car once it had stopped. \"Good cheery      picnic morning to you both. Where's Alison?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"She slept in,\" Beth said. \"Can you believe it? She should be out      shortly. We said we'd wait out here and enjoy the sunshine.\" She      shook her head and her recently colored auburn hair shone in the      sun. J.J. noticed the whole look-boot-cut jeans, a short gray      cotton jacket over a long-sleeved black sweater with a roll      neckline. She looked, well, so un-Beth-like. But great. Was there      something special going on in her life? A man, maybe?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e J.J. mentally pinched herself. Beth didn't need a reason to opt      for a change. She probably just wanted to feel good. \"You're not      loading the SUV?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"We just got here,\" Connor explained. \"But now with more hands,      it'll take just a few minutes, once Alison tosses out the keys. I      hope everyone's brought everything necessary for our outdoor      adventure.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"What adventure?\" J.J. asked. \"I thought we were going to sit      around and talk and eat.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"Like a normal Culinary Capers dinner,\" Evan added. \"Even though      it's a Saturday, not Sunday, and it's late morning, not late in      the afternoon. However, we are sticking to the monthly rotation of      hosts for our dinners. And, it's always a treat when whoever is up      during the warmer months wants to move the action outdoors.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConnor pointed into the backseat of Beth’s car. “Well, I brought a football and my hiking boots.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“What!” Evan looked shocked. “You’re expecting seriousphysical activity? J.J. will be pleased anyway. She canput her new Fitbit through its paces.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBefore J.J. could answer, Alison kicked her screen dooropen and backed out, carrying one of the coolers. Connorran over to help her carry it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Good morning, all,” she said, once they’d put it on theground behind the SUV. “Sorry to keep you waiting. I just couldn’t seem to get going this morning.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Late night? Late visitor?” Evan asked, waggling his eyebrows. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“I wish. No, just a bunch of shift changes catching up. I’m really looking forward to today. I’m turning my cell phone off and am so ready to just enjoy the company and the fresh air.” She looked up at the sky and took a deep breath, zipping closed her olive green fleece jacket.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“And the food, of course,” J.J. added.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Of course.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eShe walked back to the house, followed by Evan and Connor, who grabbed the second cooler. “Now, let’s get loaded up and out of here.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlison unlocked the SUV then lifted the hatchback. And screamed.","brand":"Berkley","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46301343154405,"sku":"NP9780425278246","price":7.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9780425278246.jpg?v=1767732268","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/products\/marinating-in-murder-isbn-9780425278246","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}