Blog Tour: Steamed to Death by Peg Cochran (Review and Guest Post)

Genre:
Cozy Mystery

Format:
E-Book Arc

Publisher:
Berkley Prime Crime

Release Date:
June 2013





Gigi Fitzgerald is very busy with her gourmet health food catering business in Woodstone, Connecticut. One of her clients, an aging soap opera star, Felicity Donovan, hires Gigi to help her get into shape so she doesn’t lose her stardom status. Gigi is more than happy to work for Felicity since it could do wonders for her business.

When Felicity is found dead in her sauna, things get more than a little difficult for Gigi – especially when her best friend – very pregnant friend, Sienna, is accused of the murder. Much to the dismay of the handsome Detective Mertz, Gigi conducts her own investigation. There’s no way she’s going to let her best friend have her baby in a prison cell.

Gigi is quite shocked to discover there are a number of suspects who wanted to do in Felicity from a thieving step-son to a jealous co-star to a disgruntled agent and who knows how many others? Gigi is determined to get answers.

This is the second book book in Peg Cochran’s “A Gourmet De-Lite Mystery”. I haven’t read the first one yet as I wanted to read this one for the blog tour first. I absolutely loved this book. I wasn’t sure how I would feel since I didn’t read the first book yet, but it didn’t matter. I quickly grew to love the characters, especially Gigi and Sienna.

There is a great mix of romance and mystery in this story. It even includes a few recipes. I loved every minute of it. I enjoyed trying to crack this case along with Gigi. It’s everything I love about a cozy mystery – all the elements are there. It reminded me of the classic Agatha Christie books.

FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

For reading challenges:
Foodies Read 2013 Reading Challenge
2013 ARC Reading Challenge
2013 E-Book Reading Challenge
What’s in A Name Reading Challenge
Cruisin’ Thru the Cozies Reading Challenge

Recipe Courtesy of Author Peg Cochran

Chicken Tortilla Soup De-Lite

Craving Tex-Mex? This soup will surely satisfy but for far less calories and fat than the typical Tex-Mex meal.

1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, pressed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breasts or chicken tenderloins cut into bite-sized pieces.
4 ounce can of chopped green chilies
15 ounce can diced tomatoes
2 cans reduced fat chicken broth
1.5 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
4 tablespoons flour
½ cup water
1 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup frozen corn



Saute onion and garlic in olive oil until soft and tender, approximately 3 minutes. Add chicken, chilies, tomatoes, chicken broth and spices. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

Mix flour and water to create a “slurry.” Add to soup and stir well. Add beans and frozen corn and simmer for 10 minutes more

If desired, top with low fat or fat free sour cream and baked corn tortilla strips: Cut corn tortillas in strips and place on baking sheet. Spray with cooking spray and bake at 400° until golden brown.