A Side of Murder

By: Amy Pershing

Narrated by: Patti Murin

Beautiful Cape Cod, Massachusetts, is known for seafood, sand, surf, and, now…murder.

Samantha Barnes was always a foodie. And when the CIA (that’s the Culinary Institute of America) came calling, she happily traded in Cape Cod for the Big Apple. But then the rising young chef’s clash with another chef (her ex!) boils over and goes viral. So when Sam inherits a house on the Cape and lands a job writing restaurant reviews, it seems like the perfect pairing. What could go wrong? Well, as it turns out, a lot.

The dilapidated house comes with an enormous puppy. Her new boss is, well, bossy. And the town’s harbor master is none other than her first love. Nonetheless, Sam’s looking forward to reviewing the Bayview Grill—and indeed the seafood chowder is divine. But the body in the pond outside the eatery was not on the menu. Sam is certain this is murder. But as she begins to stir the pot, is she creating a recipe for her own untimely demise?


* This audiobook edition includes a downloadable PDF of recipes from the book.

Critic reviews

Praise for A Side of Murder

“This is one of the freshest, funniest murder mysteries I’ve ever read. I fell absolutely in love with Samantha Barnes — the brave, sarcastic,crime-solving, relatable heroine we’ve all been waiting for. A SIDE OF MURDER is a rich, satisfying meal that delights from beginning to end, and Amy Pershing is wonderful and clever author.”—Elizabeth Gilbert, New York Times bestselling author of City of Girls and Eat, Pray, Love

"A delicious mystery lovingly set in Cape Cod featuring a cast of charming characters. Amy Pershing writes with a fresh fun voice that will delight cozy fans. Chef turned restaurant critic, Samantha Barnes, proves a clever sleuth whose helpful cooking tips will be a big hit with culinary readers."—Krista Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Dog Who Knew Too Much

"An exquisite Cape Cod setting, a shamed but resilient chef, murderous secrets, and a long-buried but still steaming romance...Amy Pershing's debut mystery will leave you longing for a seaside vacation, complete with fried clams and the next book in her charming series."-- Lucy Burdette, national bestselling author of The Key Lime Crime

Enjoyed! Except for the perplexing ageism

I love this MC- she is smart, snarky funny without being the least obnoxious, optimistic, and just all around likable. I’d love to have her as a friend. The story was cleverly plotted, with little twists and surprises throughout. I look very much forward to future installments.
However, regarding the cellphone use and resulting savvy of persons in their 50s-60s, this author is remarkably out of touch. LIGHTWEIGHT SPOILERS: One character asks of someone, “would she even know how to send a photo from her phone? She must be about 60”. Child, please. And another over-50 consistently refers to a cellphone as a mobile cellular telephone or device, and mentions not knowing how to charge one. What? How does Ms Pershing imagine that those over 30 communicate with others or function at all in today’s world? Ridiculous- and insulting. Wise up please.

Great Cosy

The story will keep your attention is long enough that you get the picture and feels fresh I give it two ear buds up

Amazing read and fun story

Such a cute story. Not too predictable. The narrator was great. Love the foodie/mystery angle.

WARM AND FUNNY

A thoroughly enjoyable cozy mystery--fun all the way through along with good suspense and interesting characters including Deeogee. I particularly loved the cooking tips. No longwinded recipes, just clever little tricks to improve your offerings.
Just bought the two follow up audios and hope more of the series will be coming.

Fun story

I enjoyed the twists and turns of this fun story. The cooking tips the author inserted in the story were some of my favorite things in the story. The only annoying thing is the dog’s name! I cringed every time I heard a character say D-O-Gee.