Seasoned Italian-American Alberta Scaglione can whip up a traditional dish for any occasion. But when an impromptu vacation turns deadly, can she sift out the deadly ingredient?
When her granddaughter lands a reporting gig at the grand opening of the luxurious Icicle Lodge, Alberta and friends tag along for a week of much-needed R&R amid the snowcapped hills of northeastern Pennsylvania. But the idyllic winter getaway becomes a nightmare after the gang discovers blood on the ice—and the dead body of celebrity guest Pamela Gregory, a frosty Olympic gold medal figure skater who won herself more enemies than fans . . .
With a killer on the loose, multiple suspects, and a blizzard on the way, Alberta must now race to crack a bone-chilling case . . . before the outspoken Ferrara ladies get served murder: family style!
Titles in the A Ferrara Family Mystery series include – Murder on Memory Lane – Murder in Tranquility Park – Murder at Icicle Lodge –
Title: Murder at Icicle Lodge
Series: A Ferrara Family Mystery #3
Author: J. D. Griffo
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Published: November 26, 2019
Publisher: Kensington Books
My Rating: 4 stars
Although MURDER AT THE ICICLE LODGE is the first book in this series that I’ve had the chance to read, I wasn’t the least bit lost with the cast of recurring characters in the least. Light explanations are provided within the narrative or dialogue to make it easy for a new reader, like me, to fall into this world easily. Now that I’ve had a taste of this Cozy Mystery series I’ll be going back to the beginning to pick up all those little nuances for myself.
I really got caught up in the fun, loving bantering among this group of family and friends as they head to Pennsylvania for a bit of a vacation while Jinx is doing some reporting on the opening of the Icicle Lodge. It doesn’t take long to realize that there are some very rude people staying at the lodge and the worst of them all is their main attraction, gold medalist figure skating champion, Pamela Gregory. It should probably come as no real surprise that Pamela is found dead at the ice rink and the search for a murderer begins. A blizzard’s arrival couldn’t have been timed worse (or better) since the storm is preventing officials from getting to the crime scene – and it’s beginning to look like there’s even more danger afoot.
There are red herrings, twists, turns, surprises, and a stunning reveal within MURDER AT THE ICICLE LODGE. I’m not a reader who has to figure out whodunit, I’m along for the adventure, the mystery as it’s revealed but man this was a good one full of the type of twists that I particularly enjoy. No, not going to even give a hint but I had a fantastic time with my first story in the A Ferrara Family Mystery series. So much so that I’ll definitely be back for more. If you love a really good, entertaining Cozy Mystery with enough twists to make a few pretzels – then you’ll want to pick this one up right now. I’d not hesitate to recommend this one for any reader who loves puzzles, Cozy Mysteries, a tight-knit family, some laughter mixed in with the clues and a really good story.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Available in paperback and for the Kindle