PIES BEFORE GUYS, the fourth book in the Pie Town Mysteries by Kirsten Weiss, is the first I’ve read in the series. I found it easy to read as a standalone and the author gives out just enough backstory so I never felt lost. The characters were quirky (elderly Charlene is especially a hoot, but at times got a little out of control) and I was especially interested in seeing how the protagonist, Val, and her newfound half-brother’s relationship progressed. The plot was complex enough that I didn’t see some of the twists coming and there were plenty of suspects to keep me guessing as to who the culprit was. The rousing reveal wrapped up the threads of the story into a satisfying conclusion. I was happy that Ms. Weiss includes several pie recipes at the back of the book to fit the theme and they all sounds delicious!

3.5 Stars

If the title doesn’t get you the story will.

Do poetry and pies go together? Well maybe if the poetry was a little bit better and we didn’t end up with a murder on the plate. Val and her lovely and delicious pic shop host a poetry slam that gives readers a not your typical cozy.

Val and Charlene are coworkers and friends and have this thing for solving crime. Charlene is an instigator and likes to have fun with people. Val has a way of going along with what Charlene suggests. These two get themselves into trouble easier than they can make a pie. And when you think they can’t get any deeper into the crust, yes they just did. They are over the top and hysterical to boot.

Pies Before Guys is a laughter out loud, jaw dropping, outside the norm of cozy mystery. It did take me a bit to really get into the story but the comical content sure than made up for it. Kristen Weiss twisted this mystery right and I was shocked when the who done it was revealed. Pies before Guys is an enjoyable read.

This has been a very enjoyable series for me. I love the small-town setting and the great cast of eclectic characters that surround Val and Pie-Town. This installment was a bit of a miss for me. As I read my way through the story, I thought it had a good plot, solid mystery and the usual cast of characters make a return appearance to round out everything. Usually, I don't seem to mind Charlene's quirky personality and her hair-brained antic. This time around, however, I thought that they went beyond that to actually put Val in danger without any second thought about the repercussions. In that respect, I thought Val came across as a little weak. I know the author has written this relationship where Charlene serves as a surrogate mother for Val but I thought Val should have stood up for herself a little sooner and not let herself be put in those dangerous situations without calling them out to Charlene.

I thought the mystery was well done and it kept me guessing as to the motive and identity of the killer. I also like the way the relationship continues to progress between Val and Gorden as well as her relationship with Doran, her half brother.

I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher, Kensington Books, through Netgalley.

Another great mystery from this author. I love the mysteries and the situations that Val and Charlene seem to get themselves into. I’m ready for the next adventure for the Baker Street Bakers.

Pies Before Guys is an entertaining cosy mystery with several quirky characters. The plot is engaging and I loved the setting. I've read one of the other books in this series and this one didn't disappoint.