Book Review: Why Oh Rye? by Lucy Lakestone

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Why Oh Rye? is the seventh book in Lucy Lakestone’s Bohemia Bartenders Mysteries.

Mixologist Pepper Revelle and her troupe of Bohemia Bartenders find themselves in New Orleans. Pepper hopes to enjoy cocktails and Easter parades with her friends while also progressing in her romance with fellow bartender Neil. However, Pepper’s visit to New Orleans is not just for leisure; she’s on a mission to neutralize her nemesis, Beau, who has threatened her parents.

As soon as Neil and Pepper check into their hotel room, the romantic atmosphere dissipates when they discover a body lying on the bed – a man in a costume stabbed with a knife. Could Beau be behind this? With the local detectives suspecting Pepper, she’s thrust into a race against time to crack the case, clear her name, and save her family from Beau’s threats.

Amidst encounters with a farting ghost, unexpected gigs, spooky surprises, and the whimsical allure of the French Quarter during Easter weekend, Pepper and Neil must work together to unravel the mystery before they become casualties in the Vieux Carré.

Why Oh Rye? by Lucy Lakestone is a scintillating, intoxicating, and thoroughly engrossing mystery. Set against the backdrop of New Orleans, this installment brilliantly captures the essence of the city’s history and vibrant culture, immersing readers in its atmospheric charm from the very first page.

Pepper finds herself embroiled in a perilous game orchestrated by her nemesis, who communicates through cryptic rhymes containing hidden messages threatening her parents’ safety. Determined to protect her family and confront her adversary head-on, Pepper, accompanied by her aunt Celestine, Neil, and the Bohemia Bartenders, sets off for New Orleans. Easter parades, cocktails, a party, and of course, a mystery to solve.

Pepper and Neil were looking forward to spending a weekend in bed (ahem!) but their plans take an abrupt turn upon their arrival at the hotel. They have a surprise waiting for them – a dead body on the bed!

As rumors of a farting ghost haunting the neighboring hotel swirl around them, Pepper and her companions find themselves immersed in a whirlwind of ghost tours and the perplexing task of unraveling the murder mystery. Yet, amidst the chaos, Pepper must also navigate the delicate balance between clearing her name and apprehending her elusive nemesis before it’s too late.

As the narrative unfolds, both mysteries are skillfully explored, captivating readers with a blend of suspense and the vibrant backdrop of New Orleans. Pepper’s jackass ex, Mr. Mixy, injects a dose of lively drama into the mix, adding an extra layer of excitement.

I found myself completely engrossed in the story, unable to tear myself away until the very end. With each virtual page turned on my Kindle, I was filled with anticipation, eagerly awaiting the answer to the question, “what happens next?”

The series has taken an intriguing new direction with the introduction of Beau. The last two installments ended with teeny-weeny cliff-hangers regarding his role in Pepper’s life. After the events of this installment, I am even more curious to see how things unfold in the next book. With the Bohemia Bartenders’ next destination being Scotland, I simply cannot wait to see what lies ahead for Pepper and her friends.

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I received an ARC from Lucy Lakestone in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.