The Proof is in the Pudding by Melinda Wells

Published: 2010
Pages: 291
Genre: Mystery
Series: Della Cooks Mystery book 3

Della, host of the cooking show "In The Kitchen with Della" has agreed to be on the judging panel of a celebrity charity cook-off. But before the judges have the chance to sample the delights, the food columnist and gold-digger Keith Ingram falls dead. Della gets mixed up in the mystery while trying to solve the crime, because the prime suspect is her long-time friend John O'Hara!

This is the third book in the Della Cooks series, and I was so excited when I saw it on the shelf of my local library! I picked it up right away and couldn't wait to get reading.

Overall, I did enjoy the book. You can definitely tell it's part of the same series - the whole format of the book is similar to the previous two installments: The suspect is someone who is close to Della, she gets involved, she suddenly figures it out on her own, and she puts herself in danger to prove it. But, you know what? Even though this book wasn't a mind-blowing or suspenseful read, it will surely satisfy fans of the Della Cooks series, or readers of the cozy mystery genre.

For me, The Proof is in the Pudding was one of those books where I instantly felt happy when I picked it up to read. Cozy mysteries generally do that; they comfort and entertain. As silly as it sounds, I loved being a part of Della's life as she hosted her TV show, met up with friends, and tried to solve the crime. This book is certainly a page-turner, but it lacks the huge twist or surprise in the plot.

I appreciate how the author includes a recipe section at the back of the book. Most of the recipes that are discussed during the story are displayed here - and let me tell you, after constantly reading about hearty Italian soup, fluffy pancakes and velvety pudding, you will want to know how to make each one.

Recommendation: For fans of the series or of the genre, you'd like this book. For those who are hardcore mystery/thriller readers, you might not like the lightheartedness and softness of the plot. For everyone else, I encourage you to start this series if you're in the mood for a light and comforting read.