Review of On the Lamb by Tina Kashian

Lucy Berberian is busy preparing her family’s Mediterranean restaurant for Easter on the Jersey Shore—but a batch of sweets is to die for . . .

Bikers are thundering into the seaside town of Ocean Crest for the annual Bikers on the Beach gathering that raises funds for injured veterans. It’s a big boost for the Kebab Kitchen, as well as for local businesses like Melanie Haven’s candy shop. But Melanie is about to find herself in a sticky situation.

When Melanie and Lucy attend a beach bonfire, a local landlord is found dead after apparently choking on a piece of salt water taffy. Melanie, who was known to have a contentious relationship with the victim, is quickly skewered as the prime suspect. But Lucy is determined to prove her friend’s innocence before the real killer coasts free . . .

Available soon on Amazon.

• Print Length: 352 pages
• Publisher: Kensington Books (March 1, 2020)
• Publication Date: February 25, 2020

So lovely to be welcomed back into The Kebab Kitchen and catch up with Lucy and the gang. Of course, reading this story has once again put me in the mood for Mediterranean food. There are delicious recipes included at the end of the book but I’m not that ambitious. Gotta get to my local Mediterranean restaurant soon.

As for the mystery, we have to figure out who killed the obnoxious Gilbert Lubinkski. Is it one of his tenants? One his ‘special’ clients? His soon to be ex-wife? His aunt? Or is it an impatient business partner? There are several viable suspects, a few of whom we wouldn’t mind being found guilty too. When Gilbert’s side business is revealed, motives and suspects increase. There are several clues and red herrings laid out for the reader to follow and they are revealed at a good pace, to keep interest piqued. I don’t think there were any clues that particularly lead us to the true culprit (more than any other suspect) but the big reveal is gripping.

This installment introduced us to the delightful Mrs. Lubinski, as Lucy’s landlady. I suppose a cozy series wouldn’t be complete without a quirky, more ‘experienced’ cast member. Eloisa Lubinski is no spring chicken but she’s living her life to the fullest, tiara and all. Throw in her temperamental Shih Tzu, Cupid and you’ll realize Lucy has some serious LOL moments in her future.

Other series regulars make their appearance as well, including best friend Katie who always wants to go sleuthing, gets cold feet and then pulls through with the best cover ups at the last moment. She and Lucy make quite a pair. Handsome boyfriend, Azad, gets his time in the spotlight as well and things with him and Lucy get serious.

Overall this was another fun foray into the Jersey Shore community of Ocean Crest and I look forward to reading more mysteries in the series.

I give this story 4/5 espresso shots.