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Hummus and Homicide by Tina Kashian
A Kebab Kitchen Mystery #1
Kensington • February 27, 2018
When Lucy Berberian quits her Philadelphia law firm and heads home to Ocean Crest, she knows what she’s getting—the scent of funnel cake, the sight of the wooden roller coaster, and the tastes of her family’s Mediterranean restaurant. But murder wasn’t on the menu…
Things are slow in the off-season in this Jersey Shore town, but Lucy doesn’t mind. She doesn’t even mind waitressing at the Kebab Kitchen. Her parents have put in a new hummus bar, with every flavor from lemon to roasted red pepper. It’s fun to see their calico cat again and to catch up with her old BFF, who’s married to a cop now.
She could do without Heather Banks, though. The Gucci-toting ex-cheerleader is still as nasty as she was back in high school . . . and unfortunately, she’s just taken over as the local health inspector. Just minutes after eating at the Kebab Kitchen—where she’s tallied up a whole list of bogus violations—she falls down dead in the street. Word on the grapevine is it’s homicide, and Lucy’s the number one suspect…
By Tina Kashian
Excerpt 5
“You were there the day the health inspector, Heather Banks, inspected the restaurant, correct?” Detective Clemmons asked.
“Yes,” Lucy said.
“That must have upset you and your parents.”
She shifted forward in her chair. “Now wait a minute, Detective. Are you suggesting that I had a reason to harm Heather because of this?” She jabbed a finger at the inspection report.
“I’m not suggesting anything. I’m just interviewing the last person to see the victim alive.”
The interview was not progressing well. Her first day back, witnesses had seen her arguing with Heather. Lucy was also the person to deal with Heather the day she arrived to inspect the restaurant. And Lucy was unlucky enough to serve Heather her last meal.
Lucy didn’t have to be a genius to know she was in big trouble. “You’re calling Heather a victim now? Do I need a lawyer?”
“That’s up to you.” She took a deep breath. “Let me assure you that I didn’t slip anything into Heather’s food or harm her in any way.” She pushed back her chair and stood. “Now if you’re finished questioning me, I’d like to be on my way.”
“Of course.” Detective Clemmons stood, the smooth smile back in place.
She shook his hand and hurried to the door.
“One more thing, Lucy.”
Her hand grazed the doorknob as she turned. “Yes.”
“How long will you be visiting us in Ocean Crest?”
“A month or so until I can go back to work.”
“Really? Your Philadelphia law firm confirmed that you’re no longer employed there.”
Oh, no. She winced. Clemmons had done more investigating than she’d thought. “I never said I planned to return to my old firm, but that I’m here temporarily until I can find legal employment.”
He nodded curtly. “Fine. But don’t leave town anytime soon.”
He’d done his research, all right. The problem was he was focused on the wrong suspect.
Me! He thinks I poisoned Heather.
Lucy recalled her father’s request to find the killer. She thought of her best friend’s, Katie’s, offer to help. She’d already taken notes and thought of suspects. But things had gotten even worse.
Not only was the future of the restaurant at stake, but her family’s livelihood, her parents’ pride—and most frightening of all—her own freedom.
About the Author
Tina Kashian spent her childhood summers at the New Jersey shore, building sand castles, boogie boarding, and riding the boardwalk Ferris wheel. She also grew up in the restaurant business where her Armenian parents owned a restaurant for thirty years. She worked almost every job—rolling silverware and wiping down tables as a tween, to hosting and waitressing as a teenager.
After college, Tina worked as a NJ Deputy Attorney General, a patent attorney, and a mechanical engineer. Her law cases inspired an inquiring mind of crime, and since then, Tina has been hooked on mysteries. The Kebab Kitchen Cozy Mystery series launches with Hummus and Homicide, followed by Stabbed in the Baklava and One Feta in the Grave by Kensington Books. Tina still lives in New Jersey with her supportive husband and two young daughters. Please visit www.tinakashian.com and join her Newsletter to enter free contests to win books, get delicious recipes, and to learn when her books will be released.
Author Links
Website: http://www.tinakashian.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TinaKashianAuthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TinaKashian1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinakashian/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16902011.Tina_Kashian
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