Author Lee Hollis writes cozy mysteries that are intelligent and entertaining. Hayley is no one’s fool. As an independent, woman she finds ways to keep all her plates spinning and still manage to solve murder mysteries. Included in this novel are several recipes for Italian dishes. I was particularly fond of the Antipasto Tortellini Salad.
The best description for this novel is ‘fun”. Main character Hayley is fun, the antics she gets into are fun, the mystery is fun and the food columns that are included are both fun and funny. As book #14 of the series, Lee Hollis keeps the stories interesting and the characters growing.
Death of an Italian Chef by Lee Hollis
Antipasto Tortellini Salad
from a cozy mystery:
Death of an Italian Chef
by Lee Hollis
Book Outline and Tone:
Hayley is on her own to solve the murder mystery in this installment. Her husband, Bruce, is in New York and police chief Sergio is in Brazil. When the death of an Italian Chef happens, Hayley is hard pressed to convince anyone that it was not a natural death. Prior to his death, Chef Romeo is so impressed with Hayley that he convinces her to help out in his popular Italian restaurant. After he is gone, Hayley continues to run the restaurant and his restaurant goes from a popular to a wildly popular place to eat in Bar Harbor.
One of the plates that Hayley needs to keep spinning is caring for her brother after emergency surgery. While Hayley is glad to help Randy, he is high maintenance and his husband, police chief Sergio is way down in Brazil. This puts even more stress on Hayley to solve the mystery and keep Bar Harbor safe.
There is a major new development in the novel. This plot development has the potential to add new twists and storylines going forward in the series. I am looking forward to seeing what is up next for Hayley.
The Best Quote:
[Randy] “I don’t know how I will survive another night. Now I know how Mary, Queen of Scots felt after surrendering to the Protestant nobles and getting locked up in that castle.”
Hayley laughed. “Don’t be such a drama queen. Nobody’s going to behead you.”
“The movie was on TV last night. I guess being cooped up here made me identify with that Irish actress whose name I can never pronounce, who played Mary,” Randy said, chuckling.
“Saoirse Ronan,” Hayley said effortlessly and perfectly.
Randy cocked an eyebrow, impressed.
Point of View:
The novel is told in third person with the reader knowing Hayley’s thoughts.
The Author: Lee Hollis
This book was written by Lee Hollis. Well sort of… Lee Hollis is the pseudonym for the real authors, a brother and sister team, Rick Copp and Holly Simason. There is more information on Goodreads. Like their protagonist Hayley Powell, Copp and Simason are from Maine. Copp moved to Hollywood and wrote for The Golden Girls, Wings, Teen Titans and a long list of impressive television and movies. Simason is a columnist in Maine and writes a cooking column. Fortunately for us readers, they decided to combine their talents and write the Lee Hollis series, currently being published by Kensington House Publishing Corporation. The Hayley Powell series has a Facebook page. The authors are active on both Twitter and Instagram.
What is not to like?:
Typically, Hayley’s food columns which are interjected into the novel between some chapters are a perfect comedic break. However, the storyline was so enjoyable, I found myself wanting to race through the columns in order to get back to the main story.
The verdict:
Let me first tell you that the Antipasto Tortellini Salad was so tasty that it was a huge hit with my family. It was even good as leftovers for lunch at work the next day. You must try it. Second, the novel is also a hit. The novel is a hit too. As will all of the novels in the series, I highly recommend this cozy mystery!
Disclaimer: In the name of full transparency, please be aware that this blog post contains affiliate links and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost for you).
Antipasto Tortellini Salad
Assemble the Ingredients
Add all of your dressing ingredients in a mason jar and shake, shake, shake until well blended.
Add the dry ingredients, Italian seasoning, salt, and red pepper flakes.
Add the oil and red wine vinegar
Press 2 cloves of garlic.
Seal the jar and shake well.
Defrost the tortellini if using frozen, or just open the package if using refrigerated pasta.
Add the cheese and salami
Add the tomato and pepperoncini
Add the olives, red onion, and mozzarella balls.
Pour over your salad, mix gently to combine all of the ingredients and refrigerate until ready to wow your guests!
Antipasto Tortellini Salad from a cozy mystery: Death of an Italian Chef by Lee Hollis
Ingredients
Dressing
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- pinch of red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt to taste
Salad
- 16 oz fresh or frozen cheese tortellini (thaw if using frozen)
- 1 pint grape tomatoes
- 2 cups cubed hard salami
- 2 cups cubed provolone cheese
- 1 cup chopped red onion
- ½ cup olives
- 1 cup pepperoncini peppers
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls
Instructions
- Add all of your dressing ingredients in a mason jar and shake, shake, shake until well blend.
- Pour over your salad, mix gently to combine all of the ingredients and refrigerate until ready to wow your guests!
What would I do differently next time?
I would not change anything. This is great!
Lee Hollis books have some fantastic recipes. Here are just a few.
Summer Corn Casserole from Death of a Cookbook Author by Lee Hollis
Apple Bacon Egg Bake from Death of a Bacon Heiress by Lee Hollis
Asiago, Bacon, and Caramelized Onion Dip from Death of a Wedding Cake Baker by Lee Hollis
Sparkling Pear Champagne Cocktail by Death of a Cookbook Author by Lee Hollis
