Brie Careful What You Wish For (Grilled Cheese Mystery 4), by Linda Reilly

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I have been enjoying the Grilled Cheese Mystery series from book 1, Up to No Gouda, so I was delighted to learn there would be a fourth installment. It's been a long time coming since there was a change in publisher, but it was well worth the wait. I really enjoyed Brie Careful What You Wish For, by Linda Reilly.

It's summertime in Balsam Dell, Vermont and Carly's business is going strong. Soon-to-be college student Ross Baxter has started his own business delivering food from various restaurants to senior citizens, and Carly's Grilled Cheese Eatery is one of those establishments. Unfortunately, things go awry when a dead body is found and Ross is the prime suspect. Much to the dismay of her loved ones and of the authorities, Carly is confident they have the wrong person and she is determined to find out who the culprit really is. Carly has in the past found herself in some dangerous situations. Can she get to the bottom of this latest investigation before she or anyone else gets hurt?

I had fun visiting Carly and her friends again in Balsam Dell, Vermont. It was like coming home to my own friends. Grant remains my favorite of her employees, but even as Carly's business grows, all of them are very likeable. I also enjoyed visiting with her neighbors and boyfriend again. It was wonderful to see that there is still room for the introduction of new businesses. The setting is growing, while maintaining a cozy feeling.

The mystery is strong, with plenty of suspects who have motives and opportunity. I did have a hunch who the culprit was not long after that character was introduced. My guess turned out to be correct, but it was just that - a hunch. There was something I picked up on early that Carly didn't at first, but it certainly wasn't concrete proof this person was the killer.  It was fun to see the mystery unfold as Carly was doing her sleuthing.

While I do enjoy the self-contained mysteries, it's the subplots with the main cast of characters that really hold my interest throughout the series. In this installment there are a few storylines that progress. One of them was bittersweet for me, but I'm happy for all of the characters as they move on in their personal and professional lives.

There are a couple of recipes for gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches at the end of the book. This is one type of culinary cozy I can handle. Grilled cheese sandwiches are typically simple to make, versatile, and comforting.

I really hope there will be a fifth installment in this series because I will definitely read it. I'm excited to see where the characters' lives will take them next and what their next mystery will be. Despite the growing crime rate, I still find Balsam Dell to be a cozy town that keeps me coming back.

If you are up-to-date with this series, then Brie Careful What You Wish For is definitely one that you'll want to pick up as well. It releases today, April 9, 2024. If you haven't read any books in the series yet, I highly recommend beginning with Up to No Gouda, which is the first one. You will enjoy getting to know the town of Balsam Dell and all of the characters who make it feel so cozy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for providing me with an eARC of this book. Thank you also to Linda Reilly and her team for choosing my suggestion for the title, Brie Careful What You Wish For. It is an honor to be a part of this series in this way! All thoughts and opinions expressed in my review are my own.