Out of the Dying Pan

Out of the Dying Pan by Linda Reilly is the second book in A Deep Fried Mystery series. Talia Marby has taken over Lambert's Fish & Chips and has changed the name to Fry Me A Sliver (odd name). She has two new employees, Lucas Bartolini (an accident prone teenager who likes skateboarding) and Martha Hoelscher (cranky and quiet about her past). Talia is running a booth at the Santa Fund Raiser held every year at the Wrensdale Community Center (raises money for local families who are having difficulties). At the booth next to her is Oriana "Ria" Butterforth. Talia had an encounter with Ria when they were about seven. A bunny rabbit had been taken from a friend of Talia's (her little brother actually). Talia discovered that Ria had taken the bunny. Ria has held a grudge for about 30 years (can you imagine). Ria has just opened a new vintage clothing boutique. One of the items in her booth is a blue scarf that Talia had knitted for her grandmother who passed away this past spring. Talia asks Ria how she obtained the scarf, but Ria refuses to answer (gets nasty). After the benefit, Talia returns to the center to pick up a bowl she forgot and discovers Ria. Ria is stuffed in a closet with the blue scarf wrapped tightly about her neck (looks like she was strangled with it). Who killed Ria and why? And did they have to use that scarf? Talia sets out to find who murdered Talia so she can clear her name (she is a suspect). Will Talia be able to find the killer and stay out of harm’s way? Out of the Dying Pan was a good book. I liked the characters, the setting, and the mystery. You have to pay attention to the clues and you will be able to solve the mystery (as well as who took the vintage Christmas ornaments from Ria's booth). Out of the Dying Pan can easily be read without having enjoyed the first book in the series (Fillet of Murder), but you will want to read it (trust me). I give Out of the Dying Pan 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). I look forward to reading the next book in A Deep Fried Mystery series (and I hope I do not have to wait too long). I received a complimentary copy of Out of the Dying Pan from the author and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review of the book.