Edam and Weep (Grilled Cheese Mystery 6), by Linda Reilly

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Whenever there's a new Grilled Cheese Mystery, by Linda Reilly, I always request an ARC. It's one of the first cozy mystery series I started reading and I've been enjoying every installment since book 1, Up to No Gouda. So I was very excited when book 6, Edam and Weep, was recently published.

The local high school is hosting a fundraiser and Carly Hale, owner of Carly's Grilled Cheese Eatery, is selling her grilled cheese sandwiches. Carly's mother is there to help, but when an unpleasant vendor goes off the deep end, she gives him a piece of her mind. Later that day, the vendor is found dead, with Carly's mother's scarf wrapped around him. Carly is determined to clear her mother's name and find out who the real killer is.

There is a prominent subplot in this installment as well. We get to met some of Ari's family when they unexpectedly stop by with some news of an issue that needs to be resolved. Carly has a lot on her plate with a murder to solve, while also dealing with Ari's family member's challenges. And this isn't everything on Carly's plate, but you'll have to read to find out what else is going on in her life. (You'll be glad you did.)

I really enjoyed the mystery in this installment. It was well-crafted and fun. There was a comfortable number of viable suspects to consider. I had my suspicions about the whodunnit, but overall I did not see the big reveal coming. It was the best kind of ending to a cozy mystery. 

It did seem like Carly was away from her restaurant quite a bit and she relied on her co-workers and friends to run it, but given all that she was going through, it's understandable why she would need some time away. Thankfully, her co-workers and friends always have her back.

While I loved getting to meet some of Ari's family in this installment, I did feel that this subplot overpowered the mystery. At times it felt like I was reading two separate stories. I would have been more invested if the subplot was in the background or if it was more intertwined with the mystery.

However, I love the characters in this series and it was a delight to visit with them again. The author manages to include beloved characters who have moved away, but visit Balsam Dell when the occasion calls for it. We also get to know some of the side characters better. There were some fun, light-hearted moments that really made me smile. 

For fans of recipes in culinary cozies, there are a couple of them at the end of this book. They sound absolutely delectable. I also enjoyed reading about the food throughout the book.

If you're a fan of this series, then this Edam and Weep is another installment you will want to read from beginning to end. I think you'll be delighted with how this one wraps up. If you want to read this series, I do recommend starting from the beginning with Up to No Gouda so you can follow the subplots of the main characters. Their kindness shines throughout the series and their friendships will warm your heart. I am very much looking forward to visiting with them again when book 7 is released.

Thank you to NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for providing me with an eARC of this book.