Carole J. (PianoLady357) reviewed on 6/15/2018 + 157 more book reviews

Daryl Wood Gerber writes several successful mystery series and is consistently good. This is the first Cookbook Nook story that I've read, but I easily connected with the characters and would like to read the earlier stories. The main characters, warm and sometimes quirky, are well drawn and endearing.

The coastal California setting of Crystal Cove is vividly conveyed, making its beach and shops a place I'd love to visit. But the real setting, one that literally becomes a major character, is the Renaissance Festival. Food, crafts, theater, costumes, faire speak ⦠the author does a great job of conveying the essence of the fair and enveloping readers in its atmosphere.

Jenna, owner of the bookstore, is an appealing lead character with logic and sensitivity. Rarely do police and amateur investigators get along, but I'd love for the Police Chief to appreciate Jenna's insight and intuitiveness. The murder victim was a likeable figure, making this story touching. It's probably not appropriate to enjoy the scene when the protagonist's life is being threatened, but the final revelation was quite creative and had me smiling.

Pressing the Issue is a clean read, which I greatly appreciated. This is a perfect story for cozy mystery fans and I look forward to more Cookbook Nook mysteries.

I was provided a copy of this book through Great Escapes Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

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