The Diva Steals a Chocolate Kiss (A Domestic Diva Mystery) Mass Market Paperback – June 2, 2015

This book grabbed me from page one! It was exciting, delicious and soooo much fun to read that I hated to see it end!

This is the 9th book in the series and it slumps a little from the high of the previous entries in the series.In my previous reviews I noted five pros -- the characters (human, canine and feline), the well-handled plot threads, the absence of hints to solutions of earlier books, the quotes from the rival divas' columns, and the way the recipes were tied into the plot.The characters are still a pro - old friends and new introductions alike. Spoiler hints to previous books are still absent and quotes from the rival divas' columns are still amusing.On the con side, The plot threads are tangled and choppy; the reader is left wondering why some characters acted as they did and why others didn't act when they could have. And the recipes, tempting as usual, seem linked only by chocolate, not all connected to the plot.The cliff-hanger endings to every chapter get old and detract from the interest and contrast of the divas' columns. Although Natasha is less obnoxious than previously, she is still the sort of friend no-one needs.The four chocolate stars may melt in your hand, not your mouth.

Who doesn’t like chocolate? How about murder? What about a dysfunctional family? Well, if you don’t like any of these, then you probably won’t want to read this book. Personally I love all three, and I especially love this Krista Davis series.In this book, Sophie is doing a chocolate event to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the town’s chocolate shoppe. Sounds pretty simple doesn’t it? The winners of a chocolate cooking contest are coming to town to celebrate their victories. But, when one of the competition of the chocolate shop is murdered and the patriarch of the family goes missing, things begin to heat up. There are so many suspects, and non suspects not to mention possible murder weapons, that your head will be swirling. I love how Krista allows her characters to pop into her head and say hello and then let them lead her through the story. The recipes at the end of the book are to die for as well. Now I can’t wait for the next one to come out.

This was one book that kept me enthralled from beginning to end as I tried to figure out what was going on along with Sophie. In her latest adventure, chocolate is queen and someone is not playing fair when murder takes hold and Sophie inadvertently gets pulled in while trying to keep her distance. The author delivered a great whodunit that kept me guessing and I enjoyed watching it all unravel piece by piece by piece. Every time I thought I had it all sorted out, the author changed the direction all for the better when it all played out in the end. I especially enjoyed Sophie and the interactions with her men and glad of the outcome in that male arena. This was a great read and I’m really looking forward to the next book in this delightfully charming series.

I always look forward to another fun ride with Sophie and the gang. Murder, mystery or not, I would love to hang out in Old Town with Sophie, Nina, Mars, Bernie, Francie and Humphrey. Natasha can come if she behaves and Wolf is always good for a "what if?" I haven't quite warmed up to Alex yet. Am I the only one who wants to see Sophie back with Mars? Or would that change the dynamics of the group friendship too much.I love how Sophie can always go in her kitchen and "find" something in the fridge or freezer. It makes me chuckle. If we could all be that organized.This book has Sophie trying to figure out a few murders and a missing person case. With the help of her friends, everything comes together in the end.

I love this mystery series and have read every book. This one is all about the folks that make chocolate candy, their family and marital problems, and how Sophie saves the day after a murder is committed. I did find this one a bit draggy and slow in spots. It had a bit more of a convoluted plot that some of the other books. However, all the quirky characters are back including Natasha, Wolf, Mars, and a mention of some of the others that have been featured in other stories but serve to comfort the reader in making Old Town a place you always like to visit. There are some quirky New characters and a bit of romance for Sophie (on and off). Altogether a fun read and can't wait til I get to come to Old Town again!

I love this series. I love all the characters who are so familiar after many adventures with them. I love how Ms. Davis has animal characters in her stories and treats them as they should be treated - with respect and as part of the family. I so wished I could be at that kitchen table, enjoying the wonderful food, the closeness of friends, and the conversation that flowed so easily. And yes, I even love snarky Natasha. She adds another dimension to the story that keeps it interesting. I look forward to seeing where romance may go for Sophie and with whom. I must say that I have had a craving for CHOCOLATE the last few days. Looking forward to the next outing in this wonderful series.

Disappointing. I have so enjoyed this series from the first book. This one seemed to run out of purpose towards the end. The ending was rushed and just seemed to stop. And why doesn't someone force Natasha to see daylight. Why does everyone cater to her selfishness and total self-centered focus. Makes one want to slap some sense into her. Makes me want to shake the other characters.Krista Davis seems to be putting all her intellectual energy into the other series - which by the way I am enjoying thoroughly!