A murdered antique dealer and groom-to-be, Natasha planning a wedding celebration and a surprise inheritance for Sophie set the stage for an entertaining mystery! The question is, will Sophie survive to see her windfall?

I look forward to each Sophie Winston mystery and this one didn't disappoint. Natasha's mother is marrying a wealthy antiques dealer who is murdered at the engagement party and Sophie finds herself putting on her sleuthing persona once again. The mystery has "twists and turns" and "red herrings" galore. Sophie is her usual down-to-earth self and her friends are their wonderful selves. I think I Sophie because she's relatable, smart and I love the descriptions of her home and her neighborhood in Old Towne. Of course, there are delicious recipes included. I always have a snack handy when I read this series since I know I'll be hungry!

I'm ready for the next "Diva" mystery!

I received an ARC from NetGal and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.10 s LORI CASWELL2,615 300

Dollycas's Thoughts

Sophie Winston's frenemy Natasha Smith's mother Wanda is getting married. The groom is antiques dealer Orson Chatsworth and Natasha is happily planning the wedding and the engagement party. You know both will be lavish events.

A crowd of people attend the engagement party and Natasha has gone all out serving a variety of food boards catered by social media star, and the groom's daughter, Stella St. James. Charcuterie boards, butter boards, dessert boards, and more. Natasha has gone overboard on boards but everyone loves them until the groom crumbles to the ground and dies. At first, it is thought that Orson had a heart attack but it is later confirmed that he was poisoned. An event this big yields several suspects, including his daughter, an ex or two, and even Sophie.

Sophie jumps on board to investigate the murder ready to serve the killer his just desserts.

______

This is one of my favorite series. Seventeen books in, the topics are fresh and the characters continue to surprise me.

Sophie has a huge heart and is very down to earth. When working on an event, a new task, or a murder she gives it her all. Natasha is over the top but she and her mother, Wanda, haven't had an easy life.  I was so happy that Orson was going to be in their lives. Sophie has a wonderful relationship with her ex-husband Mars. They get together often with their friends Nina and Bernie where the current murder is often discussed. Sophie and Mars share custody of their dog, Daisy, and Sophie has an ocicat named Mochie. All these characters are well-developed. Their interactions are true to life. It is very easy to get invested in their lives. I would love to jump into the pages and become part of their group. Even introduce my Daisy to Sophie's.

Finding Orson's killer was not easy. Ms. Davis has written a compelling complicated mystery with plenty of twists and turns including a surprising reading of Orson Chatsworth's will. Its contents really shook things up and sent the story in a very interesting direction. Then just when I thought all the clues were falling into place, the author served up another twist that stopped me cold. Sophie was working on some other mysteries too that were wrapped up in the last chapter. She really had her hands full in this story and she didn't disappoint. She is quite the sleuth.

Be prepared to have your stomach growl while reading The Diva Goes Overboard. In addition to all the trendy food boards described in detail, there is never a shortage of food when the characters in this series gather. Recipes for Salted Caramel Banana Pudding, Banana Walnut Bread, Summer Succotash, Bourbon Peach Ice Tea, Lavender Lemonade, and more are included in the back of the book. Each chapter also starts with a letter asking for advice from Sophie or Natasha and their fun replies.

The Diva Goes Overboard is a grand addition to this series and another Perfect Escape. I open the book and Calgon, the story just takes me away. I am looking forward to book 18 already. My visits to Old Town Alexandria end too soon especially when I read the book all in one sitting. Until next year...

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author, Kensington Cozies, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.read-20246 s Christine1,544 32

The Diva Goes Overboard by Krista Davis is the latest book in one of my favorite cozy series and it is excellent! In this series, event planner Sophie Winston and her friends get together and eat delicious meals while discussing the latest suspicious death in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. Their rapport is so fun, it always makes me wish I could be a part of that friend group! Sophie's frenemy Natasha is as annoying as ever, but luckily doesn't overtake this book. Natasha and Sophie write competing advice columns and in this book the letters revolve around charcuterie and other types of food boards.

The mystery in this book is about an acquaintance of Sophie's who dies under suspicious circumstances at his engagement party - and leaves his antique store to her in his will! Sophie is shocked but determined to find out why she was the beneficiary and who was responsible for Orson's death. There are a few different twists and turns in this engaging cozy. The initial mystery is interesting, but then things really get intriguing when another bombshell drops about halfway through the book. This is a fast-paced fun read with a satisfying ending, even if one aspect was a little unrealistic.

There are recipes at the end if you would to recreate some of the food and drinks that Sophie, Nina, Mars, and Bernie enjoyed in the story. I enjoy catching up with Sophie, but the book works fine as a standalone as well. 4.5 stars

I received an advance copy of this ebook from NetGalley, Kensington Books, and Kensington Cozies. My review is voluntary and unbiased. 5 s Micky Cox2,141 28

Sophie is at it again, but this time she is literally thrust into the middle of the murder investigation by inheriting a business from someone she only knew passing at social events! Who is the killer? The ex-wife? The daughter? The daughter's soon to be ex? The ex-girlfriend? The ex-business partner or someone from a very distant past? The plot is deliciously woven with many twists, turns and potential red herrings....or are they??? I absolutely adore the characters in this series and while I usually wait for the audiobook, I was just too impatient so was thrilled to get my hands on a copy earlier than planned! The characters are well thought out and written in such a believable manner. You just know that they could be your friends and neighbors if only they were real! My only complaint is that once again, I devoured the book too quickly, so I am back to waiting for the author to write a new Diva book for us!netgalley-books3 s Deborah Almada1,014 29

I always look forward to a new Diva book from Krista Davis. As usual, this year's story doesn't disappoint. Sophie has just finished a big convention, and now she can relax and enjoy the engagement party Natasha is planning for her mom, Wanda, and her new fiance, Orson Chatsworth. Natasha has begged Sophie to help her find refreshment for the party and a venue for the wedding, using her connections, as they want the wedding in two months. When Orson seems to have a heart attack at the event, everyone is horrified. Sophie was upset because the antiques shop owner had asked her at the party to meet with him the next morning. While Sophie had bought an item or two in the shop, she couldn't understand why he would want to talk with her, and now she would never know! To add to Sophie's surprise she is asked to attend the reading of the will and is shocked to discover Orson has left the antique store to her and oh yes, it wasn't a heart attack, it was murder. Can Sophie find out why Orson left her the shop? What did he want her to figure out? Plus, who murdered Orson? You know Sophie and her crew are on the case, but this one has twists and turns that will take them in many different directions. You are going to want to be around for the ride. Thanks to #NetGalley and #Kensingtonbooks for the opportunity to catch up with Sophie and company.2 s Lori1,069

Loved it2 s Mackenzie Busalacchi196 10

The Diva Goes Overboard is a cozy mystery that takes place in Old Town, Alexandria, VA. Natasha's mother is getting married to the town's successful antique shop owner, and Natasha is determined to make sure it's a wedding to never forget. Unfortunately, during the engagement party, the groom is murdered. Then, to add even more intrigue to the mystery, Orson has rewritten his will and left his store to Sophie. Now, even Sophie is a suspect in this murder.

This series has a huge cast of characters, and I found it a bit difficult to remember who everyone was and how they were all related. The relationships between some of the characters are also a bit confusing. Who are enemies, who are friends, who are frenemies, who are lovers, who used to be lovers, etc? I didn't find the overall mystery to be that gripping. In my opinion, while it was a major plot point, Orson's family drama/storyline simply did not add to the story. It actually made it more unbelievable. This is simply not a cozy series for me. I did love ALL of the recipes at the end! And it was fun to read about all the various boards.2 s Lisa~Ilovemypug~ Currier1,918 69

#TheDivaGoesOverboard #NetGalley is a great addition to this fantastic series.
Sophie and Natasha are back in this newest domestic diva mystery and it's guaranteed to make you laugh.
Natasha's mother, the free spirited Wanda, is getting married and she's over the moon in love.
Sophie is helping with the preparations, but when the soon to be groom suddenly collapses, Wanda is beside herself, and it seems everyone is a suspect.
When Sophie is invited to the reading of the will, things become heated and it's up to Sophie and her friends to solve the mystery.
This book is well done and I loved all the charcuterie board ideas.
I'm always so happy to catch up with some of my favorite characters and I'm happy to recommend this book to others.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.animal-rescue bitters-cocktails catering ...more2 s Jenna (readinginjennaland)693 20

Sophie Winston has been invited to an engagement party for Natasha's mother Wanda and Orson. Orson pulls Sophie aside and requests a meeting the next day at his antiques shop. As he is giving a toast he collapses and 911 is called. He dies at the hospital. Sophie is requested to be at his will reading. Sophie is named as the new owner of the antiques shop. Everyone including Sophie is shocked. As Sophie is trying to figure out why Orson left her the shop, she discovers a letter. Orson believes he was murdered and wants Sophie to investigate.

I loved following the clues with Sophie. The mystery was so good and I love when a cold case is included. I'm a big fan of this author and this series. The book made me so hungry. Sophie the Diva does it again.2 s Melissa61 3

As always an excellent cozy. This is my ultimate favorite series and it always feels coming home when I read a new book in the series

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review this2 s Tari2,827 87

It was great having a visit to Old Town Alexandria with Sophie and her friends again and of course seeing what newest craze Natasha came up with this time for her business. She’s a pesky relative who doesn’t really mean any harm, but everything she does is always about her lol. Sometimes she’s a real train wreck waiting to happen
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