Victoria Rienzi is the "black sheep" of her big, bustling Italian family. She didn't stay and help run the family's restaurant, Casa Lido, in Oceanside, New Jersey. Vic moved off to New York to follow her dream of becoming an author, and she made good on those dreams. But now Vic wants to take a break from writing her popular mystery series to go back home, make amends with her family, and write a historical fiction story based on her family's struggle as immigrants in a new country.

Vic knows it will be a challenge to win her grandmother Nonna's good graces once again, but all is forgiven as her mystery-writer skills come in handy when a despised reality-TV producer drops dead after enjoying a meal at the restaurant. When the rumors of the producer's death are connected with the family's shop and threatens to ruin the important upcoming summer season business, Vic and her sister-in-law Sofia jump into action, determined to discover who had it out for the blustering producer. But as they sort through the immense list of suspects, their sleuthing just might turn around to put the girls into the killer's sights.

In her debut novel, MURDER AND MARINARA: An Italian Kitchen Mystery, author Rosie Genova presents a charming, action and humor-filled novel that will delight cozy-mystery lovers. The story's setting on the Jersey show lends to the fun of the overall mystery, and Genova's background as a "Jersey girl," as well as, a feisty Italian gal gives credence to the authenticity of the tale. The cast of characters are sassy, brassy and memorable, with writer Victoria and her SIL (sister-in-law) Sofia leading the way with the loving and loud family. Genova also includes a selection of delicious sounding recipes that are featured in the story--a pleasurable plus to any cozy mystery. Fans of fast-paced and intriguing mysteries will enjoy MURDER AND MARINARA.

Book Summary

Hit whodunit writer Victoria Rienzi is getting back to her roots by working at her family’s Italian restaurant. But now in between plating pasta and pouring vino, she’ll have to find the secret ingredient in a murder....
 
When Victoria takes a break from penning her popular mystery series and moves back to the Jersey shore, she imagines sun, sand, and scents of fresh basil and simmering marinara sauce at the family restaurant, the Casa Lido. But her nonna’s recipes aren’t the only things getting stirred up in this Italian kitchen.  
 
Their small town is up in arms over plans to film a new reality TV show, and when Victoria serves the show’s pushy producer his last meal, the Casa Lido staff finds itself embroiled in a murder investigation. Victoria wants to find the real killer, but there are as many suspects as tomatoes in her nonna’s garden. Now she’ll have to heat up her sleuthing skills quickly…before someone else gets a plateful of murder. 
 
First in a new series!

RECIPES INCLUDED!