"Catering to the Dead" By Kim Davis: Review/Giveaway

Review by Sarah Erwin

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

Catering to the Dead is book eight in the“Cupcake Catering cozy mystery series by Kim Davis, but each title can be read as a standalone so readers new to the series can jump right in. Just don’t jump in hungry, because readers will certainly be craving cupcakes as they read!

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Cupcake caterer Emory Martinez is hired to work a beyond extravagant Día de los Muertos party. While her sister is at home, preparing for the arrival of her baby, Emory is handling all aspects of the party, and it’s a lot. There are many guests, musicians, staff and then the hosts themselves are very demanding.

Finally, the party comes to a close, and Emory begins the clean up process, only to discover a body. The police are called, and all evidence seems to point to her being the prime suspect. Thankfully Emory has a great family and the best soon-to-be grandmother-in-law, Tillie, who help her uncover the truth amongst many buried secrets.

This is such a fun read with a truly well thought out plot that kept me guessing as I quickly turned the pages (I read this in just two sittings). I love it when a mystery can use long ago family secrets to impact the current day plot. The big reveal at the end is a nail-biter and the resolution left this reader satisfied.

Emory herself has great main character energy and it doesn’t hurt that she is surrounded by a likable cast of characters (both people and pets). Tillie might just be my favorite. Octogenarian characters living life to the fullest are my favorite. Let us all be Tillies as we age.

The details of the party – including the food, costumes and decorations - helped bring the story to life. I could easily picture the large house that hosted the party. The addition of recipes in the back is a special treat for readers.

Readers can’t go wrong with picking up a cozy mystery by Kim, and her latest is proof that this series is perfect for cozy mystery fans.

To enter to win a copy of Catering to the Dead (Print or ebook--US only print), simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "catering,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen December 20, 2025. US residents only and you must be 18 or older to enter. If entering via email please include your mailing address in case you win. 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! A new episode goes up next week.

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.