"Death Whisk" By Catherine Bruns: Review/Giveaway

Review by Sarah Erwin

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win an ebook copy of the book and a link to purchase it. 

Death Whisk is book 15 in the Cookies & Chance cozy mystery series by Catherine Bruns and the perfect humorous escape. This can easily be read as a standalone, although I encourage readers new to the series not to miss the earlier entries into the series.

In this most recent entry, Sally (Sal) Muccio and her business partner Josie are providing baked treats for the opening of Bella Vita, a charming local inn recently renovated by Guido Sorrentino, an old friend of Sal’s father. Despite being nine months pregnant, Sal and Josie venture out on a wintery night to deliver the baked goods. Sal is looking forward to a night in the inn with her husband Mike before baby number two arrives.


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Image Source Gemma Halliday
Unfortunately the night isn’t as relaxing as the couple had hoped, as Mike and Sal stumble over the lifeless body of Guido, and it’s clear he was murdered. And if that wasn’t enough, Sal’s water breaks and she is rushed to the hospital. While all is well with the happy family, Sal cannot stop thinking about who wanted Guido dead. As danger approaches her father, Sal simply cannot rest until she uncovers the truth. 

This is such a delightful series – the blend of humor and mystery is perfect. I adore all the characters and admire Sal and her energy and determination – especially after just having a baby! Grandma Rosa remains an absolute favorite. She’s such a wise and loving woman, and her mix ups of everyday sayings are hilarious.

I turned the pages so quickly with this mystery, wondering how Sal would put the pieces together and stay out of danger. I wanted her home and snuggly with her family. There are so many twists and red herrings in this mystery that I gasped several times. I loved being along for the ride.

The wintry scenes chilled me despite the hot weather in my real life, and I could easily picture an exhausted yet determined Sal on the search for justice in this setting.

Readers are always in good hands with Catherine as the author, especially in this latest entry into a favorite series. I can’t wait to read whatever she writes next! 

To enter to win an ebook copy of Death Whisk, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "whisk,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen October 4, 2025. US residents only and you must be 18 or older to enter. If entering via comment please include your email address so we can contact you. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section in Kings River Life and in our mystery category here on KRL News & Reviews. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. And check out our new mystery podcast which features mystery short stories and first chapters read by local actors! 

You can click here to purchase this book. 
Sarah Erwin started her career as a children’s librarian, later becoming a public library director and now she’s a stay at home mom. While her career might have changed, her love of reading has been a constant since 4th grade and she reads over 200 books a year. Read along with her on her blog Sarah Can’t Stop Reading or on Instagram. Sarah lives in St. Louis, MO with her two kids, her husband and a family dog and cat.

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.

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