Last Bite: A Novel

Amy S. Peele’s Last Bite is a deliciously layered novel that mixes humor, heart, and mystery in equal measure. Set in Chicago’s vibrant Italian-American community, the book opens at a funeral that’s anything but somber. “All Italians had their funerals at Rago Brothers,” Peele writes, setting the tone for a story steeped in tradition, family quirks, and the unfiltered humanity of everyday people. What begins as grieving widow Angie Sortino’s attempt to navigate her husband Vinnie’s chaotic funeral quickly unfolds into a tangle of secrets, debts, and unexpected revelations that pull readers into her world with both laughter and empathy.

Angie is the emotional center of the novel, a widow whose grief is complicated by unanswered questions about her husband’s finances, a mysterious storage unit, and a revolving cast of eccentric friends and family. Peele’s portrayal of Angie is at once tender and relatable: “Where did all our money go? Vinnie said we were golden,” Angie wonders, echoing a fear shared by many who suddenly find their life upended. Despite the chaos, Angie’s resilience and humor shine through, giving the story its heartbeat.

Peele’s background in healthcare and her signature wit, evident in her earlier novels Cut and Match, are on full display here. She writes with a sharp eye for the absurdities of daily life: the church ladies sneaking cookies into their purses, the awkward bathroom tryst at a funeral, and the unexpected reappearance of a not-so-dead sister-in-law on a mobility scooter. These moments give Last Bite its vibrant comic rhythm, grounding the mystery in the humor of human imperfection.

Themes of love, loyalty, deception, and reinvention course through the narrative. As Angie digs into her late husband’s secrets, Peele deftly explores how we confront the truth about those we love, and ourselves, when the comfortable illusions fade. The city of Chicago itself becomes a living, breathing character, from Murphy’s Bleachers by Wrigley Field to the bustling streets of Little Italy. Peele’s affection for her hometown pulses through every page, making the setting feel as authentic as Angie’s voice.

Beneath the humor and intrigue lies a compassionate meditation on starting over. Angie’s journey isn’t just about uncovering Vinnie’s secrets; it’s about rediscovering her own strength. “One foot in front of the other,” she tells herself, a mantra that becomes symbolic of moving forward after loss. Her relationships with her niece, Gina, and best friend Connie infuse the story with warmth and female solidarity, balancing the darker threads of crime, betrayal, and moral compromise.

Last Bite will appeal to readers who enjoy smart, character-driven women’s fiction with a dash of cozy mystery; fans of Fannie Flagg, Janet Evanovich, or Maria Semple will feel right at home here. It’s a story for anyone who has loved deeply, lost suddenly, and laughed through tears. Peele serves up a narrative that’s equal parts comfort food and sharp spice, a reminder that even in the messiest moments, there’s room for humor, forgiveness, and, of course, one last bite.