"Pet chef Kitty serves "killer" meals to the pampered canines of upscale L.A. residents: braised lamb, steak and egg burrito, salmon and cheese omelette,etc. Unfortunately, a drugged up ex-rock star eats his pet's meal by mistake and dies of poisoning. Kitty, aghast and under suspicion by the police, works to clear her name with help from best friend Velma. Light-weight prose, a humorous approach, and idiosyncratic LA characters transform this series start into a real treat." – Library Journal

"Exceptional!!!" Today's Books, a Public News Service, April 2005

"DISHING UP DEATH is a rollicking tale meant to be fun to read -- and it succeeds. Celine has a wry sense of humor which peeks through every so often in this romp through Los Angeles' more expensive neighborhoods.” – I Love A Mystery, May 2005

"1 young, naive gourmet pet chef. Several hungry pampered pets. 1 fading rock star (dead). Many red herrings. 1 attractive detective. 1 murderer on the loose. Mix all ingredients together and you have an entertaining first mystery novel..." –Skokie Public Library April 2005

“From delectable dishes to long-buried secrets and quirky celebrities, this story has all the ingredients that make up a great read.” Cats and Kittens Magazine, July 2005

“An enjoyable, light-hearted mystery.” Tucson-Pima Public Library, a Staff Pick

“Kitty Karlyle has managed to begin a business post chef school by cooking delicious meals, complete with cute little recipe cards, for a few select animals in the Hollywood area. Naturally the pet owners all have their idiosyncracies, whether it's an aging rock star with a little too much sexual energy or an old woman with a mysterious past. But when one of Kitty's well intentioned meals kills the stoned rock star, the hunt is on...Kitty Karlyle is a darling detective, and her frantic efforts to avoid the amorous Detective Jack only serve to make her a more endearing character. She chases around Los Angeles serving her meals and trying to make sense of a diabolical plot that almost ensnares her at the end.

DISHING UP DEATH is a very cute, well plotted mystery with lots of flair. Marie Celine seems to know her subject well and dishes up characters with enough evil intentions and weird lifestyles to please even the most critical mystery reader. The Los Angeles "thing" permeates the novel, and eccentricity makes this book a thoroughly delightful read. Marie Celine has done a smash-up job on her first novel and has a great idea with the pet chef business. We'll expect to see more mysteries from this very promising new writer. A great job!”   Midwest Book Review