“Pot Luck” is the fourth book in the Elliott Lisbon Mystery Series by Kendel Lynn. The first book in this series, Board Stiff was nominated for the prestigious Agatha Award for Best First Novel.

As the story opens the Ballantyne Foundation is hosting their annual Irish themed Pot of Gold Cook Off with twenty chefs competing for the corn beef and cabbage crown. Unfortunately, before the Cook Off judging is completed, a chef is found dead.  Elliott, Ballantyne’s charity director and a PI in training,  finds Ballantyne’s own Chef Carmichael standing over the body with a knife. Elliott steps in to figure out who really killed the chef, since everyone assumes it was Chef Carmichael.

Elliott ends up with two pug puppies by her side, Colonel Mustard and Mrs. White, as she searches for the killer going from run-down trailer parks to million dollar condos.

I’m a huge fan of this series. I love Elliott Lisbon who I termed a cross between an educated, upper class Stephanie Plum and a less neurotic Monk in my review of the first book in this series, “Board Stiff.” The southern setting and the wealthy foundation add to the charm. The story was fast-paced and looked at some interesting issues, such as development and drugs. It also asks how far someone will go to protect a relative.

Kendel Lynn dedicated this book to Charlie. She states on her web page, “This book also gave me the opportunity to pay homage to my beautiful pug, Charlie. Her spirit lives in those two pug puppies, Colonel Mustard and Mrs. White. What fun to write them! They inadvertently stole the show.” I agree with her assessment. The pugs were a great addition to the series. I hope to see them again.

Five Star out of Five.

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In accordance with FTC guidelines for reviewers, I would like to clarify that this book was provided to me by the publisher free of charge.  I am not compensated by the author or publisher for my review. All they expect is an honest review of the work