Reviews

"I like books that take me to adventures I may not be able to do in my own life. The Bulgarian Bartender is an empowerment story that shows how female strength can rise no matter what personal tragedies one has experienced."

Angelle M. - reader

“Kulak’s prose is lighthearted and fun, keeping the reader engaged in every chapter, with a solid plot that is refreshingly character-driven.”

Alana M. - Reedsy Discovery reviewer

"Put a huge smile on my face!"

Emily N. - Amazon reviewer

"Debut novelist Daryl Kulak has created a pair of hilariously gritty American heroines...the more the story reveals the trap that Kaylee has likely fallen into, the more addictive it becomes. Much of the book’s humor lies in the banter between each the two main characters. The Bulgarian Bartender has rare comic chemistry."

Michelle R. - BestThrillers.com

The Bulgarian Bartender

Are cozy mysteries just a little too “cozy” for your taste? Would you like to see more realistic small-town women who drink and swear and can get past their own insecurities to accomplish great and wonderful things?

Welcome to “The Bulgarian Bartender!”

It looks like a couple of foul-mouthed, wisecracking country women are going to have to kick some mafia butt! Tiff and Angie are best friends in Mount Miffsberg, Ohio. Tiff is a stripper with street smarts and Angie a martial arts instructor and owner of a welding shop. Suddenly their beloved but slightly wild friend Kaylee goes missing. Kaylee’s new boyfriend has taken her on a vacation to Bulgaria to “meet his family” and that is the last they hear from her. Getting no help from the American or Bulgarian government, Tiff and Angie determine to find their dear friend by themselves, which means going to Bulgaria to try to bring her safely back home. They get help from strangers along the way, but are spotted and hunted by the Bulgarian mafia and other criminals who are determined to stop them from what they need to do.

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More Reviews

"It’s always refreshing to see a portrayal of women who empower and celebrate each other."

Melissa S. - Independent Book Review

Daryl Kulak’s THE BULGARIAN BARTENDER is more than a mystery novel. It’s a fast-paced, sharply written debut that blends humor, danger, and friendship into an unforgettable, action-packed adventure through the heart of Eastern Europe with three powerful women as its leading characters.

Tomi Alo - IndieReader.com

"I love that Tiff is not super skinny and just knows who she is and that she's valuable."

Kala W. - reader

"The description of the Brotherhood characters was perfect. I could clearly hear their accents, smell their liquor-infused breath and see their shiny suits."

Ann T. - reader

"The Bulgarian Bartender is a thrilling read that sets the stage for Kulak’s 'Country Girl Courage' series. Readers who enjoy stories such as Hudson Hawk and The Spy Who Dumped Me will enjoy tearing through this narrative."

Alana M. - Reedsy Discovery

"Both women (Tiff and Angie) are smart, resilient, and embody strong female characters with whom the reader can’t help but fall in love. The novel brilliantly explores the depths of their friendship as they create plans, navigate a new country, narrowly escape death, and fight against the odds to rescue Kaylee. Their journey also becomes one of personal growth and self-discovery for each character as the story progresses."

Tomi Alo - IndieReader.com

"Well-developed female leads and loads of action and adventure."

Kirkus Reviews

"What makes this book shine is its relationship between its leading women. Author Daryl Kulak blends sharp, witty banter with moments of heartfelt affection, creating a dynamic that feels raw and unapologetically real. Tiff's crass humor, Angie's no-nonsense practicality, and Kaylee's magnetic charisma each shine through, keeping the story lively and engaging—even amidst all the ass-kicking."

Melissa S. - Independent Book Review