Misfortune Cookies

When the Fat Ladies Sing, Book 1

By: Linda Kozar

Narrated by: Caroline Miller

Best friends Sue Jan and Lovita run a beauty shop/boutique in the little West Texas town of Wachita. They share a passion of food and fun. But one day, over lunch in a Chinese restaurant, Lovita opens a fortune cookie with a sinister message: "Your father was murdered..." - a clue that leads them to God, an international spy ring and several devastatingly handsome strangers. A most unlikely pair of detectives, these girlfriends "Comb" the countryside with style, sarcasm, and lots of Szechwan.

This tale is like good take-out food - definitely worth bringing home.

©2008, 2012 Linda P. Kozar (P)2015 Linda Kozar

A cozy southern mystery ...

Who was your favorite character and why?

I liked Lovita. She is someone who is down to earth and has a good head on her shoulders. She is a good balance to the vivaciousness that is Sue Jan.

What does Caroline Miller bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Ms. Miller has found her niche in the genre of the "Cozy Mystery". Ms. Miller's pacing, emotions and ability to give each character their own voice makes for a pleasant story. Her narration kept me coming back for more!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Lovita's worry and concern when Sue Jan went missing. Just before that scene the ladies had had words and you could tell that even tho they were fighting, Lovita and Sue Jan would always be the best of friends.

Any additional comments?

Misfortune Cookies is the first in the "When the Fat Ladies Sing" cozy mystery series. Here we meet Lovita and Sue Jan who not only share a house but work together too. Their love of food is also great. They live in a small town in Texas and we see the Southern Charm in them both. While I wouldn't classify this book as a Christian mystery, church is a big part of Lovita's life.

I would recommend this book to all of my friends who enjoy a cozy mystery. Ages 15+

Fat but Feisty

Not the most riveting of mysteries, but it is quite humorous in parts. Lolita and Sue Jan, the two leading ladies, head a jolly romp which reads more like an old time farce, from food in the face to high jinx in the beauty shop. Sue Jan is quite a character, too flashy according to Lovita, but you have to admire a woman who carries a Trim Schnoz in her handbag! The mystery itself doesn't take much solving, but it's a cozy, so it's all about the ride, full of good clean fun! Can't say I liked the chapter headings though.

One thing puzzles me, why isn't this book categorised as Christian? I mean, it is dedicated to Jesus, that should have been a hint right? Audible puts it in the Modern Detective genre, while Amazon Books choose Culinary Cozy, and Kindle chooses both the Mystery and Young Adult genres. A bit of a mystery in itself.

Narrator
Narrated by Caroline Miller who captures the characters perfectly, especially the somewhat excitable Sue Jan! Oh, and I loved the "Jesus" ladies they were spot on. Pacing, timing and the vitality that Caroline brings to the story make it a really enjoyable listening experience.
This audiobook was provided by the narrator at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com.

Cute Southern Mystery with Romance Sprinkled In

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

It's a cute, quick listen. The narrator is good and does southern accents well. Sue Jan is a bit irritating but like most bff's, she grows on you as she grows as a person.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Misfortune Cookies?

The Chinese fortune cookie escapades cracked me up.

What about Caroline Miller’s performance did you like?

Her accents are great.

Any additional comments?

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com.

Misfortune Cookies

Any additional comments?

I've decided that 'Cozy Mysteries ' may not be for me.I found this book full of stereotyped characters,not so funny incidents that others must have thought were funny and not much of a story.I found Caroline Millers narrations rather annoying."I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast or MalarHouse dot com"

Southern Ladies Run Amok

Misfortune Cookies follows the misadventures of two fat Southern ladies who become embroiled with evil-doers when one of them receives a threatening message in a fortune cookie at their local Chinese restaurant. While it was quite funny at times I found it not really to my taste. I found the ladies somewhat stereotypical and annoying and the Christian messaging throughout heavy-handed. That being said, the mystery was well constructed and made sense throughout. I enjoyed it enough to keep listening at any rate. Caroline Miller did a very good job with the narration, not overdoing the Texas accents and keeping the pace going. Even though it was not to my taste, I am sure it might be to many others.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com."

Boring and Unimaginable

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

Perhaps someone 80 years old?

What do you think your next listen will be?

Nothing in this series

What didn’t you like about Caroline Miller’s performance?

Flat and choppy

What character would you cut from Misfortune Cookies?

The two sisters were very unconvincing and too "simple".

Ok but not great

It seemed like it took forever for this book to get to the point and the actual mystery. It's almost like the devious deed was an afterthought and the story was really about these two overweight women and their lives. I never quit a book so I forced myself to finish it because you never know when things might turn around. All in all this is an easy listen and you don't have to pay a lot of attention to it. This is not a series that I will continue to listen to. It's just not my cup of Chinese tea.

Funny and Cozy

Would you consider the audio edition of Misfortune Cookies to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version, but the audio edition is for sure very very good!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Lovita of course, she is hilarious, smart and unbelievable! I liked Monroe too, and his persistence to get Sujanne (even though she plays hard to get).

Have you listened to any of Caroline Miller’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, this was a first and I really liked her voice and performance very much. I love everything Texan and I'm waiting for the next one.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Mysterious, Hilarious and Exciting!

Any additional comments?

I received this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts opinions and ratings are my own. I was under no obligation to post a review or give positive feedback.
I hope this review was useful to you and helped your decision to read or not read this book.

Thank you very much Linda Kozar and Caroline Miller for this book (and the recipes in the end)

Book 1

What did you like best about Misfortune Cookies? What did you like least?

This is a fun audio book to listen to. It has a quite similar to a Janet Evanovich. I have listened to the other books in this series .

I vow I worked with these gals in another setting

Funny Southern cozy mystery with some interesting characters, who really are characters. The publisher's summary gives you a clue, but the personalities are really something.
CM gives voice to each character very well, and enhances the author's presentation with apparent ease.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no
cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast.com.