“Davis has devised a delightful romp, with engaging characters and a nicely crafted setting in which to place them. The author sets just the right tone to match her diva’s perfect centerpieces, tablescapes, and lighting effects.”

—Shine

The Diva Runs Out of Thyme

“[A] tricky whodunit laced with delectable food . . . [and] stuffed with suspects—and a reminder that nobody’s Thanks-giving is perfect.”

—The Richmond Times-Dispatch

“[A] fun romp into the world of food, murder, and mayhem.”

—Armchair Interviews

“Filled with humor, delicious recipes, and holiday decorating tips,
The Diva Runs Out of Thyme
is . . . a must-read to prepare for the holiday season.”

—The Romance Readers Connection

“
The Diva Runs Out of Thyme
is as much comedy as mystery . . . A really good book . . . A series worth watching.”

—Mysterious Reviews

“An entertaining mystery novel with charming characters. The plot of the mystery is well drawn out . . . Davis is an excellent mystery author.”

—
MyShelf.com

“Delivers a plethora of useful household tips and mouthwatering recipes immersed with a keep-you-guessing plot filled with suspicious-acting characters, and twists and turns around every corner. Davis’s smart writing style and engaging characters are sure to garner fans anxious to read future books in the series.”

—
AuthorsDen.com

“The beginning of a good culinary cozy series with some interesting and different characters.”

—Gumshoe Review

Berkley Prime Crime titles by Krista Davis

THE DIVA RUNS OUT OF THYME
THE DIVA TAKES THE CAKE
THE DIVA PAINTS THE TOWN

THE BERKLEY PUBLISHING GROUP

Published by the Penguin Group

Penguin Group (USA) Inc. 375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014, USA

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Penguin Books Ltd., Registered Offices: 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: The recipes contained in this book are to be followed exactly as written. The publisher is not responsible for your specific health or allergy needs that may require medical supervision. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse reactions to the recipes contained in this book.

THE DIVA PAINTS THE TOWN

A Berkley Prime Crime Book / published by arrangement with the author

PRINTING HISTORY

Berkley Prime Crime mass-market edition / February 2010

eISBN : 978-1-101-18467-7

BERKLEY
^®PRIME CRIME
Berkley Prime Crime Books are published by The Berkley Publishing Group,
a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.,
375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014.
BERKLEY
^®PRIME CRIME and the PRIME CRIME logo are trademarks of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

http://us.penguingroup.com

For my dad, Anatol.
He would have been very pleased.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Many thanks to my wonderful critique partners, Janet Bolin and Daryl Wood Gerber, who not only are delightful friends, but keep me on track with humor and sage advice. I owe special thanks to my mom, Marianne, who patiently reads first drafts and offers astute suggestions.

I am eternally grateful to my cheerful and understanding editor, Sandra Harding. I would be lost without her expertise. Thanks also to my agent, Jacky Sach, for all her help. And a special note of appreciation to talented Teresa Fasolino, who continues to create such gorgeous covers for the divas.

I’m also very appreciative of my writing colleagues in The Guppies. Especially Anna Castle, Heidi Noroozy, Kathleen Marsh, Theresa de Valence, and Cathy Rogers, who, along with my dear friend, Betsy Strickland, helped me with Mordecai’s Latin. Special thanks to Christie Harris for helping me with an interior design term. Any errors are my own.

Finally, thanks to Amy Wheeler, who sparked the idea for this plot and to Susan Erba, who patiently tested recipes and gave me a great hint for sweetening daiquiris!

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