After her philandering husband’s boat went down, newly single Mia Carina went back to Astoria, the bustling Queens neighborhood of her youth. Living with her nonna and her oversized cat, Doorstop, she’s got a whole new life—including some amateur sleuthing . . . Mia is starting work at Belle View, her father’s catering hall, a popular spot for weddings, office parties, and more—despite the planes that occasionally roar overhead on their way to LaGuardia and rattle the crystal chandelier. Soon she’s planning a bachelor party for a less-than-gentlemanly groom. But it goes awry when the gigantic cake is wheeled in and a deadly surprise is revealed . . . Since some of her family’s associates are on the shady side, the NYPD wastes no time in casting suspicion on Mia’s father. Now, Mia’s going to have to use all her street smarts to keep him out of Rikers Island . . . Italian recipes included! “Mamma mia! What a nifty story. This endearing new heroine has a lot on her plate—all of it delicious fun!” —Laura Levine, author of Death of a Gigolo “A catered feast of a mystery.” —Sherry Harris, author of Let’s Fake a Deal
Catering Hall Mystery Series
Dive into a culinary mystery series set against the vibrant backdrop of an Italian-American community. Follow a determined amateur sleuth as she navigates life changes and uncovers deadly secrets lurking behind the scenes of a bustling catering hall. With a cast of colorful characters, engaging plots, and a dash of family drama, these stories offer a delightful blend of suspense, humor, and heartwarming moments. Prepare for a feast of intriguing puzzles and delicious cultural flavor.


Recommended Reading Order
- 1
- 2
Long Island Iced Tina
- 288 pages
- 11 hours of reading
In the second installment of Maria DiRico's new Catering Hall Mystery series, Mia Carina is back in the borough of Queens, in charge of the family catering hall Belle View Banquet Manor, and keeping her nonna company. But some events--like murder at a shower--are not the kind you can schedule... Mia's newly pregnant friend Nicole plans to hold a shower at Belle View--but Nicole also has to attend one that her competitive (and mysteriously rich) stepmother, Tina, is throwing at the fanciest place in Queens. It's a good chance for Mia to snoop on a competitor, especially since doing a search for "how to run a catering hall" can get you only so far. Mia tags along at the lavish party, but the ambience suffers at Nicole's Belle View shower when a fight breaks out--and then, oddly, a long-missing and valuable stolen painting is unwrapped by the mom-to-be. Tina is clearly shocked to see it. But not as shocked as Mia is when, soon afterward, she spots the lifeless body of a party guest floating in the marina . . . Italian recipes included!