Readers looking for mysteries well steeped in both culinary traditions and realistic conflicts between career and family will relish this multifaceted investigative piece, which draws readers in from the start with its realistic balance of intrigue and life challenges.

Midwest Book Review

Warm and cool, sassy and savvy, GP Gottlieb has written a murder mystery that is as interesting as the family dynamic itself — exploring its alliances, intrigues and the possibility of how people can protect, surprise, and — quite literally — kill each other. A fun, delicious read!

Marcy Heisler, Musical Theater Lyricist, Dear Edwina, Snow White Rose Red and Fred, Junie B Jones, The Great American Mousical, and Ever After

Alene’s a wonderful, credible character — flawed and nurturing at the same time. The narrative propels itself forward, while pausing just enough to give the characters context and nuance. What I liked best was the sort of ordinary chaos of fractured families and improvised relationships – how much depends on patience and good will, and a sort of faith that human beings can redeem themselves even with small acts and gestures. And how remarkable to find a sort of suburban neighborhood flourishing in the upper reaches of a condo!

G.P. Gottlieb’s Battered: A Whipped and Sipped Mystery was a delightful read peopled by eccentric characters seen through the eyes of cafe owner Alene Baron. Alene’s caring curiosity fuels her quest to figure out who was responsible for murdering her neighbor. The author was able to provide several suspicious candidates without revealing the criminal until the end. Alene’s quirky neighbors, employees, and friends should provide entertaining fodder for future installments. I’m hoping to read more about her burgeoning love interest, Detective Frank Shaw. By the way, recipe #16 for the carrot top dip is delicious!

Battered: A Whipped and Sipped Mystery is packed with lively, memorable characters who make for a tantalizing list of suspects in this culinary mystery centered around a Chicago cafe and its owner, Alene. Is the culprit one of the less than reputable employees Alene hired to give a second chance? Or is it a greedy relative of one of the victims? How about Alene’s philandering ex-husband? Or someone else entirely? This charming book is a great read for folks who love a cozy mystery, full of twists and turns, but want to skip all the gruesome forensic details. Author GP Gottlieb’s writing is playful, humorous and carefully plotted. A wonderful debut novel, replete with recipes!

GP Gottlieb’s debut novel is deliciously fun. As an entrepreneur who grew up with divorce and took a non-traditional career path, I really resonated with Alene’s journey. The character development is strong across the board and the writing is witty and smart. The book is full of surprises, and grounded in family and relationships. Gottlieb surprises and delights with cool twists and turns, and just when you think you’ve figured out ‘whodunnit’ you realize you’re dead wrong.

Who wouldn’t want to read a cozy mystery set largely in a colorful café and full of quirky characters, wit, and actual (healthy! yet delicious!) recipes? Moving at just the right pace, with numerous possible suspects, keeping the reader intrigued, guessing, and in sympathy with the amateur sleuth who’s the book’s heroine, the book delights.

In this fun and fast-paced debut novel, Galit Gottlieb breathes new life into the traditional cozy mystery. Plus there’s the food–mouthwatering morsels coming at the reader from every direction. You’ll want to read Battered, and look forward to more from this new author!
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC.