Little Italy, 1946 - Sophia Mancini would have enjoyed the grand opening celebration of her family's private detective agency if the volatile chef at Vincenzo's Ristorante had actually survived the meal. But before Sophia's chilled spoon hit the spumoni, someone plunged a knife into Vincenzo's back and the word on everyone's lips went from mangia to murder.

Sophia soon finds herself trailing crime boss Frankie Vidoni, chatting with his mouthy mistress Maria, and dodging henchman Mooch DiMuccio. She's suspicious of Vincenzo's widow, Stella, and his assistant chef, Eugene, because they don't appear the least bit dismayed by Vincenzo's passing. There is no conversation Sophia won't eavesdrop on, no question she won't ask, and no danger she won't face to find the killer.