Meatloaf Murder Special

by Kelli Fudge

Welcome to Seaview, Maine—where the coffee is hot, the gossip is hotter, and murder is always on the menu.

When retired librarian Hazel Parker stops by The Lighthouse Diner for its famous meatloaf special, she doesn’t expect dinner to come with a side of murder. But when a local real estate developer drops dead at the counter, the beloved diner is thrust into the center of a scandal.

With the police circling, and the town’s favorite eatery under suspicion, Hazel teams up with her new best friend Millie Brewster, a sharp-tongued waitress who knows everyone’s secrets, and Gus Bailey, the gruff but loyal diner owner. Together, they hunt for clues scribbled on napkins, whispered in booths, and buried beneath small-town grudges.

Perfect for fans of Murder, She Wrote and culinary cozies, Meatloaf Murder Special serves up humor, heart, and a heaping plate of mystery in this delicious series starter.

173 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 18, 2025

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

First time reading this author. I liked the main characters. And I liked the idea of the trio. It did remind me of Murder She Wrote. But....there are several holes in the story. What happened with the restaurant owner who got murdered?? I must have missed that. Cause wasn't the killer there at the end asking for a job? And my other main issue is that the main character became familiar with the townspeople too soon. She was acting like she had lived in that town for years.
But again, as I said, I liked the main character. I will probably pick up the second book just to see how the story progresses.

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

The characters are interesting and closer to my own age than most are. The plot is straightforward, and the premise is finding out who poisoned the rude developer and why. The answers were difficult to find, but quite enlightening. The suspect list seemed to grow of its own accord, and the developer had made quite a few enemies. I never seem to see the killer, till the person is revealed, and they seem to be someone I would never have suspected. I am very glad I only read these stories, because I would be rubbish at solving them. I definitely recommend this book.

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute

A cute start to a cozy murder mystery series. The description of meatloaf had me craving it, I had to have some for dinner! Some of the choices the characters made were a bit extra silly / not logical than usual I thought, but still a fun read

[Cindy Hardy-pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun twisty mystery!

I really enjoyed this book. The main characters are very likeable, and the others are very interesting. This is one mystery that kept me guessing! Can't wait to read the rest of this series!

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cute and fun book. I’ve already got the second book in the series.

[Nana Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!!!

[April Sesin · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun easy read

This was a fun story set in the coast of Maine. Loved the characters and storyline. Looking forward to book 2.