Banana Split: A Culinary Mystery

This novel was quite a change from the usual cozy murder mystery that Ms. Kilpack writes in this series. I was quite impressed with the work.First of all, although we have come to know the sleuth, Sadie Hoffmiller, she has concerns about finding bodies, but in this novel, you find complete credibility in the character. Sadie has panic attacks, bordering on complete PTSD. She has been sent to Hawaii to recuperate (although the killer is still after her in Colorado.)The change of venue was exciting in itself, but our Sadie, withdraws into almost complete seclusion. The story opens with Sadie evaluating her life...then as life would have it, she literally falls into a new crime case.As she trembles in fear in her condo, only a wee lad of 11 years is able to penetrate her fears. Sadie becomes involved in the case and begins to learn about herself as well.This book dealt with drugs, anxiety disorders, life in general. It also reminds us just how precious our links with family and friends can and should be. The book is a cozy murder mystery but does have darker overtones as it explores these and more issues.I was very impressed with this novel and look forward to the next out "Tres Leches Cupcakes."

It came sooner than expected and was in such great condition! I was very happy with my purchase 😊.

Sadien has had some near death experiences since she stumbled into solving crimes. As a result, her anxiety is out of control. She jumps at a chance to live on thr Island of Kauai housesitting for a friend. For a few months, Sadie has only been going through the motions of living. She feels lost and adrift. Then she lands on top of a murder . . .literally. Wanting to help an orphaned child, Sadie reluctantly moves forward to solve the case.

I liked the storyline and the fact that Sadie was out of her element a bit , and sort of "recovering" from a crisis. It was definitely a side of Sadie we haven't really seen before. I'm not convinced, though, that this little emotional side-trip for Sadie really added anything to the story. Even though the reader can tell she is struggling, it wasn't as believable in the way it could have been. In fact, the emotional swings back and forth almost gave me the feeling that Sadie was schizophrenic and/or had a paranoid personality disorder. There were some good moments in the "solving the mystery" part of the story, however, there was so much time spent on Sadie's issues, the other characters didn't get developed enough for me to care one way or the other who the guilty party was. I enjoyed Ms. Kilpack's other Sadie Hoffmiller offerings much more than I did this one.

I'm not someone who likes a lot of yucky details of murders or anything too scary like a Stephen King novel, so I like these. They are entertaining and have mystery and anticipation in them, but it's not overwhelming. I like the main character reminds me of someone I could reallly know.....maybe my own mom??? :)Josi Kilpack has a lot of these out, and even though this one isn't my favorite of the series, it was pretty good.

I really enjoy reading these books and I think that Kilpack is getting better and better. I have become attached to Sadie and miss her at the end of each book. I'm nearing the end of her books and that makes me sad.

I love Jodie Kiloack books- this was one of my favorites because of the location and with the characters problems with PTSD- you don't have to be in a war to have those symptoms , any traumatic event in your life can trigger it!

Great read. This is a more vulnerable Sadie, but she's still smart, funny, and driven to help others. (Although she is definitely suffering from Jessica Fletcher Syndrome.)