Kansas City’s Flavorful Mystery: Laura Wetsel’s “Burnt Ends” Blends Culinary Delight with Suspense

Kansas City: A Culinary Mystery Unfolds

Ah, Kansas City! Home of sumptuous barbeque, vibrant neighborhoods, and a slice of Midwestern charm that leaves a lasting impression. One dynamic author, Laura Wetsel, has captured this spirit beautifully in her new mystery novel, Burnt Ends, that just hit the shelves this September. Wetsel may have spent only four years in KC, but she took the city’s energy, and oh yes, its mouth-watering barbeque, with her all the way to Washington, D.C.

A Deliciously Dark Whodunit

So, what’s the scoop on Burnt Ends? Picture this: you have a drive-in BBQ chain owned by a fabulously wealthy family, right in our beloved Midwest. The story follows the relentless P.I. Tori Swenson, who is not just seeking whodunit answers, but is also trying to peel back the layers of family secrets and shocking betrayals. Tori’s tale begins with a heartbreaking family backstory, sparked by her father’s tragic overdose, when his iconic West Bottoms BBQ joint is taken away from her. If that doesn’t set the stage for drama, what does?

Locked away during the pandemic, Wetsel channeled her nostalgia for Kansas City to craft this intricate mystery. “It felt like a nostalgic sort of place to go,” she shares, capturing not just the local vibe but also the love for the city itself. “I wanted to give something to the city.”

Navigating Kansas City

Throughout the novel, Tori gets embroiled in an investigation leading her through iconic Kansas City neighborhoods. From the quaint charm of Hyde Park to the bustling energy of Westport, and even the elegant pathways of Leawood, readers will explore the city’s vibrancy right alongside Tori. Wetsel’s characters take refuge in familiar spots throughout the city, including the soft jazz sounds of Green Lady Lounge, which adds a lush layer to the atmosphere. And let’s not forget about the mishap she has on The Plaza—it’s these vibrant nods to local places that make Kansas City feel like a character on its own.

Addiction and Authenticity

In typical mystery fashion, characters often deal with their set of demons, and Tori is no exception. But hold on, she’s not your run-of-the-mill chain-smoking sleuth. Instead, she struggles with opioid addiction—a subject that Wetsel approaches with heartfelt authenticity. “My close friend died of an opioid overdose,” Wetsel reveals, and that personal connection drives her portrayal. She bravely intertwines the realities of addiction with humor, showcasing the delicate balance of darkness and light. “I wanted to accurately convey this very serious subject matter while also trying to still have humor in it,” she expresses.

Navigating the Plot Twists

As Tori digs deeper into the complexity of her uncle’s life and the circumstances around her father’s will change, a whirlwind of shocking twists reveals drugs, affairs, and an unsettling comfort within family betrayal. This multifaceted plot ensures that readers are always guessing—just when you think you’ve got it figured out, the tension escalates further.

Barbeque and Americana

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Kansas City novel without some love for barbeque. Wetsel’s fondness for the city’s iconic food shines through as the BBQ ties the characters’ stories together. With a nod to her favorite local spot, Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, she intertwines this delicious element into the family drama, portraying them as a reflection of KC’s rich culinary tapestry.

A Love Letter to Kansas City

This novel is not just a gripping read but also an affectionate tribute. As she crafted her story, Wetsel’s deep understanding and love for the city blossomed into a narrative that offers both savory and unsavory glimpses into the heart of our community. “Kansas City has always felt like it’s in the middle of the country. It’s emblematic of the American spirit,” she says, and it’s clear that her novel echoes this sentiment.

Final Thoughts

With Burnt Ends, Laura Wetsel invites you to explore the bustling backdrop of Kansas City through Tori’s lens—filled with suspense, humor, and mouthwatering bites of barbeque culture. As fans of mystery novels and Kansas City cuisine alike dive into the pages, they won’t just experience a chase for clues, but they’ll also find themselves deeply rooted in the city they love. Here’s to great literature and the tantalizing essence of our vibrant Kansas City!