[review] Gone for Gouda by Korina Moss

Gone for Gouda is the second book in Korina Moss’ Cheese Shop Mystery series. Set in a small town in Sonoma Valley, cheesemonger Willa Bauer is settling into her new life as owner of her own cheese shop, Curds & Whey.

Title: Gone for Gouda
Author: Korina Moss
Series: Cheese Shop Mystery #2
First Published: September 27, 2022
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Genres: Mystery
Acquired: from the publisher via Netgalley

*** Thank you to the publisher, St. Martin’s Press, for providing me with an e-copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review. ***

Yarrow Glen’s newest cheese shop, Curds & Whey, has a lot on its plate, but cheesemonger Willa Bauer relishes a challenge. There’s a float to build for the fall festival, plus the French-inspired cheese shop is playing host to celebrity vegan chef Phoebe Winston. But when photos surface that prove this vegan influencer is, in fact, a carnivore, things crumble faster than any cheese on the market: Phoebe is murdered. Willa’s employee, the affable Archie, was the last one to see Phoebe alive and the first person the police suspect. To clear his name Willa must uncover who’s been up to no gouda…

A wonderful cast of characters

Aside from the insane amount of cheese, the characters in this series are the main reason why it’s fast becoming a favourite. Alongside Willa are her two shop employees (and friends), Archie and Mrs. Schultz. Both of them are loyal and supportive and ready to jump in when there’s investigating to be done. Another “always-got-your-back” friend is Willa’s neighbour, Baz. It’s so rare to find a straight, female-male platonic best friends partnership in books and I love their relationship. It was so unique that all through the first book, I thought Baz might be the killer because I couldn’t believe that they were “just friends”.

Speaking of being “more than friends”, there are two guys that hover on the edge of romance with Willa. First, Roman, the meadery owner who has a reputation of having dated most of the eligible women in town. And then there’s Detective Heath, the strong, silent officer who keeps trying to keep Willa out of investigating. So far Willa had been keeping both men at arm’s length, but near the end of this book, things seem to be warming up. I’m usually not a fan of love triangles, but this slow burn hasn’t really ignited yet and I’m enjoying it while I builds up to the inevitable decision-making.

So cheesy … in the best way

The first book in the Cheese Shop Mystery series, Cheddar Off Dead, was one of my favourite reads earlier this summer (you can read my review here). I was initially drawn to the book because of the cover and was delighted to discover a great new series.

Gone for Gouda is a great sequel to Cheddar Off Dead. With a strong cast of characters, the second book builds on the friendships and relationships that Willa has started to forge in her new town. Her little shop, Curds & Whey, is doing well and the planned celebrity signing would be sure to bring in even more customers. That is, until the celebrity in question is found murdered.

Aside from the compelling murder mystery and the wonderful characters, the other star of this series is definitely the CHEESE. Oh my goodness – don’t read this book if you’re a fan of cheese because you will definitely come away hungry. I have been introduced to so many new varieties of cheese that I feel like I should send the author an invoice for my increased cheese budget! LOL.

While the premise of the book is the same as most cozy mysteries – a not-that-well-liked character gets murdered and our amateur sleuth gets roped unwillingly into investigating. In this case, Willa has good reason to – her young friend and shop employee, Archie, is suspect number one. While sometimes I do feel like yelling “Don’t forget your phone!” at Willa, most of the time she is pretty practical and level-headed.

There were several strong suspects (but not too many) and lots of interesting clues. The action was steady and had me turning the pages quickly. I finished this book in a matter of days because I couldn’t stop reading it. Along with the murder mystery there was lots of character development and I enjoyed getting to know the main cast of characters better.

The third book in the series, Curds of Prey, comes out next year and Korina is already contracted for at least 3 more books in the series so I will be cheese shop heaven for a long time.

Quote from Gone for Gouda