The Diva Runs out of Thyme by Krista Davis

A Best Bet for a Cozy, Culinary Thanksgiving Holiday Murder Mystery

Nov 9, 2009

First in a series of "Domestic Diva Mysteries," The Diva Runs out of Thyme is a perfectly seasoned, cozy Thanksgiving mystery with bonus entertaining tips and recipes.

The Diva Runs out of Thyme was a finalist for the 2008 Agatha Award in the First Novel category. With engaging characters and a multi-layered plot, Krista Davis ensures readers won't want to wait for the next book in the series.

Set in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia the book captures the charm and warmth of the Thanksgiving holiday. Decorating, serving and meal ideas abound in the book. This book could be considered research for holiday meal preparation rather than the delicious, decadent treat it really is. The Diva Runs out of Thyme is a soothing mini-vacation in the midst of the holiday bustle.

Sophie Winston is an event planner in Washington D. C. Sophie is known for her simple and practical meals and tablescapes. Sophie lives in an Old Town Alexandria home built in 1825, which was once owned by her ex-husband’s aunt who entertained Washington’s elite with fabulous dinner parties.

Natasha Smith is a very successful entertaining and food expert with her own local television show. Natasha is known for her complicated gourmet meals and intricate decorating ideas.

Natasha and Sophie grew up together in rural Virginia where they were rivals, not friends and that has not changed. Adding to the tension is the fact that Sophie’s ex-husband, Mars, lives with Natasha. Mars and Sophie had an amicable divorce and share joint custody of their dog, Daisy. This friendship and communication about the dog annoys Natasha to no end.

Sophie’s entire family has joined her for Thanksgiving. Entertaining her family put her behind schedule. Sophie rushes to her favorite organic market to pick up ingredients for the holiday meal and for the Stupendous Stuffing Shakedown contest in which she is competing against Natasha. Sophie finds more than she bargained for when she discovers a corpse in the grocery dumpster. When the police question her, she discovers that the dead man had her picture on the dashboard of his truck.

At the contest, Sophie’s former in-laws, who are visiting Mars for Thanksgiving, are secretly cheering her rather than Natasha. Unfortunately, Sophie once again discovers another corpse and has even more explaining to do.

A fire in Natasha and Mar’s home means everyone is at Sophie’s for Thanksgiving dinner. She expertly stretches the meal to accommodate her expected guests.

Everyone is a suspect in the murders including Sophie and Natasha. Sophie decides she must solve the case and get back to her quiet life.

Review of Krista Davis’ First Domestic Diva Mystery

The plot and characters are well designed. It is difficult to believe that this is a first novel for Krista Davis. The author unveils layer upon layer of clues and secrets. Readers who like the down to earth Colorado caterer Goldy Schulz series by Diane Mott Davidson will love the Domestic Diva series.

Krista Davis has created a smart, strong amateur female sleuth in Sophie Winston. Sophie has a soft heart for animals, is a good neighbor, and a good daughter. Readers will easily identify with Sophie and the complications presented by her extended family. When asked why Sophie is resonating with readers, Krista Davis said, “I like to tell people that I think all of us have a little bit of domestic diva in us. “

Each chapter begins with a lifestyle question and answer alternating between Sophie and Natasha. Natasha’s ideas are more sophisticated and complex, reminenesent of Martha Stewart. Sophie’s advice is practical and easy, more on the Sandra Lee’s semi-homemade side of life.

411 on Krista Davis

Krista Davis lives and writes in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. She lived in Northern Virginia for many years and resided for a time in Old Town, Alexandria.

Krista wants readers to know about the book jacket. "I'm so lucky to have the very talented Teresa Fasolino as a cover artist, and I adore the cover on The Diva Runs Out of Thyme."

In response to the reviewer’s request for a quote, Krista and Sophie want everyone to remember, “not to make yourself crazy trying to have the perfect Thanksgiving. Years from now, no one will remember the perfect Pumpkin Cheesecake, but they'll laugh about the time the electricity went out in the middle of roasting the turkey. Enjoy yourself, your friends, and your family, because that's what the holidays are about.”

The Domestic Diva Mysteries website includes favorite recipes, pictures of Krista's dogs and cats and tourist information about Old Town Alexandria.

The Diva Runs out of Thyme is an easy to read, very satisfying cozy culinary mystery.

HOL101

The copyright of the article The Diva Runs out of Thyme by Krista Davis in Cozy Mysteries is owned by Lynn Brogan. Permission to republish The Diva Runs out of Thyme by Krista Davis in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.