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Murder with a Side of Shrimp and Grits, The Honeybee Mystery Series by Skylar Warren

Author Interview + Book & Author Info + Author Pet Corner!

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Murder with a Side of Shrimp and Grits

Welcome to Honeybee’s diner, where the scent of butter and garlic wraps itself around you, thick and comforting. Jessie Haynes’ homestyle cooking feeds the hearts and souls of the good people of Willow Bluff. Until someone puts murder on the menu!

Y’all are invited to dig into a steamin’ plate of meatloaf. The diner’s well-worn red chairs have cradled folks from every corner of Willow Bluff—Jessie’s podcasting bestie, Tee, Old Mr Higgins, two mighty mischievous kittens, Biscuits and Gravy, and every tattling townsperson in between—so when the mayor turns blue after a bite of Jessie’s famous shrimp and grits, she finds herself in seriously hot water…

Suddenly, all eyes are swivelled toward Jessie. For fifty years her family has fed Willow Bluff, and Jessie won’t let one mouthful shatter the legacy of her grandmother’s secret recipes. The mayor’s peanut allergy was talk of the town, so when traces are found in his food, Jessie must fight to clear her name.

An empty peanut packet in the diner’s pantry has Jessie and Tee hot on the heels of the murderer when another case of food tampering occurs at a nearby bakery. Someone is dishing out delicious death sentences. How many locals will get served before Jessie can crack the case? Her investigation must be a recipe for success or Honeybee’s will be toast…

This unputdownable and addictive cozy mystery is full of Southern charm, a gripping whodunnit and a feisty amateur sleuth. It’s perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Ellery Adams and Joanne Fluke.

Readers are digging into Murder with a Side of Shrimp and Grits:

“I loved this book, and can’t wait to read more! This was a really enjoyable cozy, small-town mystery. The characters were warm and engaging, and I loved all the food references.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I honestly think I’m ready to pack my bags and move into this town! This is a fast-paced, small-town whodunnit that is so cozy you’ll want to crawl right into the pages. The atmosphere at Honeybee’s is so warm and inviting; I didn’t just want the food, I wanted a permanent seat at one of their tables.” Mii.chelles, ⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Such a fun ride…It feels warm and welcoming, even with a mystery simmering underneath…It absolutely delivers what you want from a cozy mystery. Warm, entertaining and full of Southern charm—this is the perfect curl-up-and-read kind of book.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Pulls you in right away with its small-town charm and keeps you hooked with a fun, fast-paced whodunnit.” Quilted.reads, ⭐⭐⭐⭐

“The plot twist?? I did NOT expect it at all, which made the whole buildup feel worth it in the end.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐

To purchase your copy, click the following link: Amazon.

Murder With a Side of Shrimp and Grits Author Interview

Murder With a Side of Shrimp and Grits introduces readers to Honeybee’s diner and cook Jessie Haynes. What should readers know about Honeybee’s?

Honeybee’s isn’t just another diner in Willow Bluff. It is the diner. Residents gather there to connect with each other, not just to have a delicious meal.

Some of the residents have been coming there since they were children, and it’s where their parents came before they were born. Those residents remember Jessie when she was a child and her grandmother, Hattie “Honeybee” Haynes, was running the kitchen. There is a sense of history in everything from relationships to the recipes. Going to Honeybee’s is a warm, familiar experience that comforts your body and soul. That’s why it’s so unsettling when a murder happens there.

In Murder with a Side of Shrimp and Grits, Jessie Haynes’ homestyle cooking is a staple in Willow Bluff, but when the mayor dies from a peanut allergy, the talk of the town turns to murder. Jessie sets out to find the killer, what makes her equipped to become an amateur sleuth?

Jessie knows people. Having grown up in Willow Bluff learning the restaurant business at her grandmother’s side taught her how to read a room. She knows how to listen between the lines and understand when the something doesn’t quite add up. When the mayor’s death puts a harsh spotlight on Honeybee’s, it becomes personal. Jessie isn’t just trying to solve a mystery she’s trying to protect her family’s legacy. Her emotional investment, combined with her natural curiosity, pushes her to dig deeper than most would.

I love a good Southern diner. Meatloaf, cheesy grits, green beans, fried chicken … it’s making my mouth water. What would your go-to meal be if you were tucking in at Honeybee’s?

If I was only having one item from Honeybee’s menu, I think I would have to go with fried chicken and waffles. It gives you all the things: crunchy, savory, soft, sweet. If I was going to hang around for a while and get the latest gossip, I would start with chicken, with macaroni and cheese and candied yams as sides, then end by diving into a plate of peach cobbler for dessert.

You are a Chicago native and live in New York City, what drew you to a Southern setting for your debut novel, Murder with a Side of Shrimp and Grits?

I like the sense of community you find in small Southern towns, especially the way food, family and tradition are braided together. Even though I am from Chicago and now live in New York City, I wanted to write in a setting that felt grounded, warm, and deeply connected. Willow Bluff gave me that space to explore relationships and history in a way that felt intimate and layered.

Tell us about your road to publishing Murder with a Side of Shrimp and Grits:

It started with an idea. I had considered setting a cozy mystery in a big city like Chicago, but I kept coming back to the traditional small-town setting. It felt right because you’re close enough to feel like family, but there’s just enough distance for someone to commit murder.

Writing Murder with a Side of Shrimp and Grits became a second job. After work, from approximately 5 p.m. until anywhere between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m., I’d turn on a reality show or The Golden Girls and type away on my laptop.

Once I had a draft, I created a spreadsheet of agents and publishers who were accepting cozy mysteries and began submitting. I color-coded everything to track responses, or lack thereof, so I’d know when it was time to send out the next round. It required to patience and persistence, but it ultimately led me to where I am now.

What are you working on now?

I am currently working on the next book in the series. There are lots more mysteries to uncover, more secrets to explore, and more time to spend in Honeybee’s. I’m really excited to build this world and give readers a deeper connection with all of the characters in Willow Bluff

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Writers:

Write the kinds of stories you want to read, and give yourself, and your characters, room and permission to grow. Not every draft will feel perfect (exhibit A over here) but stay confident about your work and keep writing consistently. Even on hard days, add a sentence or two to your manuscript. Edit just one paragraph. Keep making progress.

Author Pet Corner!

Ace (nicknamed “AceFace”) was my soul dog. He was my best buddy for almost eight years before he passed away on January 25, 2024 from complications of lymphoma. He was a brindle terrier mix with a big personality, a big heart, and two big ears shaped like tortilla chips. 

He was loyal, curious, and absolutely the bestest boy. AceFace was a big part of my world. His unconditional love inspires the warmth between Jessie and her kittens, Biscuits and Gravy.

I’m so sorry for your loss, but what a wonderful companion for so many years.

Murder with a Side of Shrimp and Grits Author Skylar Warren

Skylar Warren is a Chicago native and a graduate of Chicago State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Media Arts and Theatre.

She now lives in New York City and works as a claims adjuster. In her spare time, she enjoys watching both fiction and non-fiction mysteries and solving puzzles.

To learn more about Skylar, click any of the following links: Bookouture, Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, Twitter & BlueSky

Elena Hartwell/Elena Taylor