Case of the Bleus by Korina Moss [review]

Case of the Bleus is the fourth book in the Cheese Shop Mystery series by Korina Moss. This is the latest books in one of my favourite cozy mystery series.

Title: Case of the Bleus
Author: Korina Moss
Series: Cheese Shop Mystery, Book 4
First Published: September 26, 2023
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books
Genres: Mystery
Acquired: from the publisher via Netgalley

*** Thank you to the publisher, St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. ***

Cheesemongers from across the Northwest have come to the Sonoma Valley for the Northwest Cheese Invitational. As owner of the local cheese shop, Curds & Whey, Willa Bauer loves it. The event showcases custom cheese creations, and it’s the perfect time to gather with old colleagues to honor her former boss, the late and grate cheese legend, Max Dumas. He was famous for journeying into the wild bleu yonder to where he aged his award-winning custom Church Bleu. Only Max knew the recipe and location to his beloved cheese, and many are eager to have these revealed at his will reading.

But instead of naming someone to inherit his cheese and its secrets, Max stuns everyone with one cryptic clue. When a fellow cheesemonger dies under mysterious circumstances––the woman they all thought would get the secrets to Max’s prized possession––everyone falls under suspicion. Willa adores Church Bleu as much as the next cheese connoisseur, but it’s not to die for . Is a killer trying to get away with murder…and the cheese?

Another fantastic Cheese Shop Mystery

I can’t believe this is already the fourth book in the Cheese Shop Mysteries! It’s such a fantastic cozy mystery series and it just seems to get better with each book. I adore Willa and her #TeamCheese gang and this book doesn’t disappoint in the least.

While there are lots of new characters introduced, including Willa’s previous co-workers, Kendall, Claire, Pepper, and Freddie, and a mysterious Henry Cavill lookalike, we also check in with all of the regulars – Archie, Mrs. Schultz, Baz, Roman, and Heath. It may sound like there’s a lot of personalities to keep track of but honestly, at no point was it confusing.

Alongside the murder of Max Dumas, I liked that there was also a bit of a treasure hunt-type mystery – it really added to the excitement and kept the action moving along as various characters raced to win the bleu cheese hunt.

Speaking of bleu cheese, if you’re a cheese lover (or even mild cheese nibbler), you’ll want to have a stocked fridge, or at least make sure your stomach is full when you read this book. The food and drink descriptions are drool-worthy and as a huge cheese lover myself, I want to try it all.

#TeamCheese is stronger than ever

This series has continued to develop its characters in a fantastic and realistic way. I really enjoy seeing each of the supporting characters grow, getting into (and sometimes out of) relationships and growing as people.

Willa, of course, is no exception and has become a more confident shop owner as the series progresses. The love triangle between her, Roman, and Heath isn’t quite over yet, although it’s less a triangle and more…people who live in the same town? It’s a bit messy and I love it (but it doesn’t ruin the mystery fun in any way). I just checked my notes and I have written down: “Heath needs to get his game on. Willa is barely friends with Roman. Gia sucks.” LOL. I have strong feelings about some of these characters!

You can read this book as a standalone but honestly, it’s REALLY much more enjoyable read in order since the characters honestly grow a lot.

This is a series that always has me cheering the good guys, laughing at the shenanigans, drooling for more cheese, and shouting at Heath. Plus, without any spoilers, I have to tell you that the ending made my jaw drop (in a good way). I absolutely can’t wait for Book 5.

Quote from Case of the Bleus