**I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

Keaton Rutledge and her fraternal twin Koby Hill are about to open their new bookstore/soul food restaurant. It’s a dream come true for them, who were separated at birth and found each other as adults. When Koby’s foster brother and Keaton’s friend is found murdered, the two feel the need to find out who the murderer is, especially since the police have Keaton and Koby as the prime suspects. But, as Keaton and Koby unravel what they know about the crime and about their brother/friend, they may become the next victims.

Collette writes another cozy mystery series I absolutely adore, the Ice Cream Parlor mystery series. This is the start of another winning series for me! Keaton and Koby have a back story that they begin to piece together in this book, and I hope Collette continues this exploration in future additions to this series. The combination of bookstore and soul food restaurant is very unique, and I could completely smell the amazing foods coming from the kitchen as Collette described Koby and his foster mom and others cook and grill and bake (there are recipes in the back, so you can try some of these at home!). As a former librarian, Keaton’s knowledge and love for books shines through in the bookstore, and Collette adds book titles throughout the story, so prepare to add more titles to your to read list. There is even an homage to Agatha Christie and The Murder on the Orient Express in the storyline!

A 4-star read for me! I enjoyed the characters, the setting, and the overall cozy mystery featuring BIPOC characters. Collette has become a must-buy author for me, and I cannot wait for the next in this series to be published. ( )

Koby Hill and Keaton Rutledge are twins who became separated after being deposited into foster care at two years of age. They have recently reunited and are going to open a business together. Koby came up with the idea for a bookstore and soul food café. It will be opening in a just a few short weeks in Timber Lake, Washington, but there is still so much work to do. One evening, Keaton is taking the light rail from Seattle back to Timber Lake. Koby’s foster brother happens to be taking the same train and is going to meet Keaton at her stop. When Keaton steps on the train, she finds Reef dead in his seat. Koby is a natural sleuth and wants to know what happened to his foster brother. Keaton believes Reef’s death is similar to one of her favorite Agatha Christie’s books. Keaton and Koby work together to reveal Reef’s killer. Body and Soul Food by Abby Collette is the debut of A Books & Biscuits Mysteries. I liked the premise for this series. A bookstore with a soul food café run by fraternal twins. I bet as the scent of the delectable soul food wafts through the bookstore, people will be clamoring to get in the café. I enjoyed the author’s detailed descriptions of the Pacific Northwest, Timber Lake, and Books & Biscuits. Keaton is a woman after my own heart. She is a lady who loves books. Her brother convinced her to give up her job as a librarian and open a bookstore. There are a number of characters in this story. It can be difficult to keep them all straight. I like Mama Zola who raised Koby and Reef. She is the one who taught Koby how to make soul food. The death of Reef Jeffries was sad. He was such a friendly, warm character. I prefer it when the cruel or the nasty are killed off. Koby is a man who notices the details. It takes Keaton longer to put together the clues. The pair work together to find out who killed their friend. I like how Keaton’s keen sense of smell played into the story. The twins are also searching for their biological mother. Koby is determined to find the woman and get answers. He also wishes to expand his family circle. At the end we are left with a cliffhanger regarding this matter. We will have to wait for Soul of a Killer to get the answer. Body and Soul Food has a more serious tone compared to Abby Collette’s An Ice Cream Parlor Mysteries. There is some humor sprinkled here and there. Koby and Keaton are just getting to know each other. I hope we get to learn more about them in the next A Books & Biscuits Mystery. Body and Soul Food will have your mouth watering with the food descriptions. Body and Soul Food is a tempting tome with soul rolls, a bevy of books, an uncovered cousin, a curious killing, several suspicious suspects, and a searing reveal. ( )