A textured hardcover with many full page photos, and recipes from the most famous mystery writers alive today. Some are family recipes, some were inspired by fans who want the recipe for a dish their favorite characters enjoyed, so the author worked it out. The categories include breakfast, salads, entrees, even cocktails. Authors who provided recipes include Brad Meltzer, Sara Paretsky, Lee Child, Harlan Coben, and about sixty more. There pages that discuss the writer's trade and mystery tropes. ( )

Have you ever found yourself wondering how to make Richard Castle’s pancakes or Kinsey Millhone’s peanut butter and pickle sandwich? If so, this is the cookbook for you! It showcases recipes from more than one hundred mystery authors, and chances are at least one of your favorite mystery authors contributed a recipe. Each recipe includes an introduction from the author, which may include a family history or personal anecdote, connect the recipe to the fictional world or characters associated with the author, and/or rhapsodize about the delights of food. Brief snippets throughout the book explore connections between food and the mystery genre that are likely to educate and entertain. While a few of the authors are foodies or have formal culinary training, novices have nothing to fear. Many contributors proudly declare their preference for quick, simple dishes! There are color photographs throughout the book, but the number is relatively small, so if you like to browse cookbooks for the photos, you’re likely to be disappointed. I enjoyed reading the fun, often humorous introductions to the recipes and enjoyed the playful tone of the cookbook.

Rachel H. / Marathon County Public Library
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Great book with insight on some of my favorite authors. Filled with good recipes and bits about what the recipe means to each author. I didn't "read" this in one sitting, but it is something I will pick up over and over again. ( )

The Mystery Writers of America Wickedly Good Meals And Desserts to Die For is a cookbook that everyone is going to want in their kitchen. This cookbook, edited by Kate White, is broken down in the usual manner: Breakfast, Appetizers, Soups and Salads, Entrees, Side Dishes, Desserts, and Cocktails. What's fascinating about this book is that all the recipes are from fantastic mystery writers. Over one hundred to be exact. The first recipe I came across--rum soaked Nutella French toast--told me this was a cookbook that a novice like me could master.

Each recipe is proceeded by a little history as to why the author chose to include it in this cookbook. This aspect gives it a personal touch that every reader can appreciate. White also includes a homage to departed authors such as Agatha Christie and P.D. James, as well as some fascinating facts on the art of murder and food. I also can't fail to mention the delicious photos taken of some of the recipes finished results. They will make you want to lick the page--but don't. It's just paper.

If you buy one cookbook this year, The Mystery Writers of America Wickedly Good Meals And Desserts to Die For should be it!
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I was expecting this cookbook to be a bunch of hoity-toity recipes that I'd probably never try. But, I was surprised to find many that look easy and yummy... will definitely try them. The list of celebrated mystery writers credited with these gems is long. Some of my favorite authors (Harlan Coben, Sue Grafton, JA Jance, and Sara Paretsky) submitted recipes. James Patterson's "Grandma's Killer Chocolate Cake" looks so much like my own Grandma's chocolate cake that I might have to see how it compares. Great idea! Great recipes! ( )