To do a little bit more for homeless people than to show respect for them as human beings, Sally Solari volunteers to help with a benefit dinner where proceeds will for to projects for the homeless. Sadly, at the end of the dinner one of the employees of the restaurant that is hosting the event is found dead, and one of the silent auction items - a signed first edition of Mastering the Art of French Cooking - is missing.

The lead detective asks/tells her not to get involved. One of the owners of the restaurant cum bookshop that hosted the event asks Sally to get involved. Sally is torn, not much, and starts to ask some questions left and right.

Meanwhile she also has to deal with her boyfriend, Eric. He suggested to move in together, but neither likes to live in the other’s place. Then Eric suffers a blow to the head while surfing.

Eh, what to think of this story? It was number six of a series, so many established characters and relationships. It was easy enough to read as a stand-alone, though there were lingering moments of “there’s more to that backstory than explained here”. It’s probably meant to entice to read the previous books. It worked in a way (I though about it), but I don’t think I will in actuality. I didn’t get much of a sense for Sally Solari, other than that she is a bit of a do-gooder and always the right person in the right place.

Okay, except when she was attacked while walking her dog. Or when she went to confront the murderer. Despite Nicole’s assertions that could have ended differently.

Spoiler

Contrary to Nichole's claims, in cozy mysteries people that have previously not used a gun pull out one at the final confrontation with the sleuth.

And how do you hide a phone in your bra? These days phones are huge, and men notice breasts (and rectangular things sized 3 by 6 inches near them). Men in relationships too. Just saying.

I read and ARC through NetGalley.