A wedding, a dead ex-wife and a sister who will not listen. The Diva Takes the Cake by Krista Davis is the second Domestic Diva mystery. Berkley published it in 2009, a year after the series began.
On Goodreads it holds 3.94 out of 5 from more than 5,000 ratings. Here is the story, what readers say and where the book fits in the series.
What Is The Diva Takes the Cake About?
Event planner Sophie Winston lives in Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia. Sophie’s sister Hannah is getting married—again. It is her third wedding, Sophie is in charge of it, and the family is in town.
Then the groom’s ex is found dead, hanging. At first it looks like suicide, but it turns out to be murder. That’s the question on everyone’s mind: is Hannah about to marry a killer? Sophie Winston vows to catch the killer. She must solve the murder in time to stop her sister from making the worst mistake of her life. As hidden family secrets begin to come to light, the list of suspects grows almost as long as the list of wedding guests.
Our Review: A Wedding, an Ex and a Heroine Under Pressure
The wedding is a smart setting for a cozy. Everyone is under stress, everyone has a reason to argue, and every guest is a possible suspect. The historic setting gives the book a real, lived-in feel.
The feud with rival domestic diva Natasha supplies much of the humor. Natasha’s latest crime: she now lives with Sophie’s ex-husband Mars. At the beginning of each chapter you find entertaining tips, and the book ends with recipes. That food-and-party thread is why the series sits among culinary cozy mysteries.
The weak spots are the ones readers mention most. The cast is large, and some minor characters blur together. Sophie can also be too patient with the people who push her around, her sister above all.
Are There Reviews for The Diva Takes the Cake?
Yes. On Goodreads, readers praise the first-person narration, the wedding theme, the recipes and the colorful small-city setting. Many say the long suspect list kept them guessing. The most common complaints: too many side characters, a bridezilla sister and a heroine who needs more backbone. The publisher quotes one review praising the series’ “raucous humor, affectionate characters, and delectable recipes.”
Domestic Diva Mysteries in Order: The Next Book in This Series
This is the second book in the Domestic Diva series, which begins like this:
- The Diva Runs Out of Thyme (2008)
- The Diva Takes the Cake (2009)
- The Diva Paints the Town (2009)
- The Diva Cooks a Goose (2010)
The series now has 19 books. The newest is The Diva Hosts a Murderer (2026). Book 20, The Diva Toasts a Killer, is announced for 2027. See every title on our Domestic Diva Mysteries in order page.
Who Is Krista Davis? Her Other Books and How to Reach Her
New York Times bestselling author Krista Davis writes the Domestic Diva Mysteries, the Paws & Claws Mysteries and the Pen & Ink Mysteries. Several of her books have been nominated for the Agatha Award. She lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia with cats and dogs, including a Jack Russell terrier. Readers can reach her through her website, and more about her books is on our Krista Davis author page.
Book Recommendations: Cozy Mysteries Like the Domestic Diva Mystery Series
If you love this series for its parties and recipes, add these to your TBR list. Joanne Fluke’s Hannah Swensen Mysteries pair murder with baking, and Jenn McKinlay’s Cupcake Bakery Mysteries do the same with cupcakes. For more laughs and a little romance, Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum books are a good next step.
Quick Facts
| Author | Krista Davis |
|---|---|
| Series | Second book of 19 |
| First published | 2009, Berkley |
| Setting | Old Town Alexandria, Virginia |
| Sleuth | Sophie Winston |
| Extras | Recipes and entertaining tips |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to read book 1 first?
No. The mystery stands on its own, and you can read the next book in the series right after it. Book 1 introduces Sophie, Natasha and Mars, so it helps with the background.
Are there recipes in the book?
Yes. The book comes with recipes and party tips, like every book in the series.
Where can I buy it?
It is available as a mass market paperback, an ebook and an audiobook from the major bookstores, and many libraries carry it.