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A White House Chef Mystery #4
Buffalo West Wing
No way is White House Executive Chef Olivia Paras handing over a suspicious box of barbecue chicken wings to Abigail and Josh Hyden, children of the country's new commander in chief and her new boss, with no clue as to who provided the culinary gift. With the First Lady giving her the cold shoulder for her decision and the family's personal chef being brought in, Ollie starts to fear for her job. But then it turns out that the chicken was poisoned...
461 pages, Paperback
First published January 4, 2011
97 people are currently reading
1014 people want to read
About the author
Julie Hyzy
46 books873 followersNew York Times bestselling author, Julie Hyzy, has won the Anthony, Barry, Phobos, and Derringer Awards for her fiction.
Novels include:
Virtual Sabotage
The White House Chef Mystery series
The Manor House Mysteries
Deadly Blessings
Deadly Interest
Dead Ringer
Artistic License
Playing With Matches
Visit:
www.juliehyzy.com
Novels include:
Virtual Sabotage
The White House Chef Mystery series
The Manor House Mysteries
Deadly Blessings
Deadly Interest
Dead Ringer
Artistic License
Playing With Matches
Visit:
www.juliehyzy.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 253 reviews
June 21, 2019
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Julie Hyzy did an incredible job in drawing the reader into the story and compelling them to stay focused as long as possible as they rode on her roller-coaster adventure of a lifetime. This was a cozy mystery that didn't seem to be formulaic at all. This heroine is observant, inquisitive, and determined when puzzled by something.
Introducing White House Assistant Chef Olivia Paras, who is rising-and sleuthing-to the top.
With a new First Family, White House executive chef Olivia Paras can't afford to make any mistakes. But when a box of take-out chicken mysteriously shows up for the First Kids, she soon finds herself in a "no-wing" situation. After Olivia refuses to serve the chicken, the First Lady gives her the cold shoulder. But when it turns out to be poisoned poultry, Olivia realizes the kids are true targets.
This was a very interesting and informative tale of the life of the White House kitchen staff. As always the main focus is on Olivia Paras, who demonstrates the ability to keep her wit and uses whatever is available to protect herself and others from danger. This time she must assist the President's son to evade his abductors. It captivates and compels readers to jump in and enjoy the strenuous experiences first hand.
Jeannie and Louis Rigod: One thing I especially enjoy with Ms. Hyzy's novels is her ability to make action scenes come alive. You can ride along with Ollie and experience her fears and solutions. 👍
I would recommend this choice to anyone interested in a clean and wholesome cozy mystery and/or the life of service in the White House. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Julie Hyzy did an incredible job in drawing the reader into the story and compelling them to stay focused as long as possible as they rode on her roller-coaster adventure of a lifetime. This was a cozy mystery that didn't seem to be formulaic at all. This heroine is observant, inquisitive, and determined when puzzled by something.
Introducing White House Assistant Chef Olivia Paras, who is rising-and sleuthing-to the top.
With a new First Family, White House executive chef Olivia Paras can't afford to make any mistakes. But when a box of take-out chicken mysteriously shows up for the First Kids, she soon finds herself in a "no-wing" situation. After Olivia refuses to serve the chicken, the First Lady gives her the cold shoulder. But when it turns out to be poisoned poultry, Olivia realizes the kids are true targets.
This was a very interesting and informative tale of the life of the White House kitchen staff. As always the main focus is on Olivia Paras, who demonstrates the ability to keep her wit and uses whatever is available to protect herself and others from danger. This time she must assist the President's son to evade his abductors. It captivates and compels readers to jump in and enjoy the strenuous experiences first hand.
Jeannie and Louis Rigod: One thing I especially enjoy with Ms. Hyzy's novels is her ability to make action scenes come alive. You can ride along with Ollie and experience her fears and solutions. 👍
I would recommend this choice to anyone interested in a clean and wholesome cozy mystery and/or the life of service in the White House. I look forward to reading more from this author.
July 6, 2024
Wonderful book! Loved the mystery and all of the characters
June 12, 2017
This has been one of my favorite books in the White House Chef series. It was interesting see the kitchen and Ollie adjusting to a new president and first family and all the changes that come with that. I got just as frustrated as Ollie with some of the situations she was in and caught on at about the same time as to what was going on. Well written story and good action at the end. Tons of recipes at the end, you could practically eat for a week off the menus in there.
February 2, 2018
It was fun, but I think I just read it out of order-which is not that bad, but now I want to go back to the previous administration for some comfort food-- and I"ll be honest, not sure how I feel about Ollie's love life. (Yes, I know she's fictional, but still...) =]
October 25, 2014
When a new President is elected everyone on the White House staff gets a little nervous. Then when White House Executive Chef, Olivia refuses to serve some buffalo wings that were left in the kitchen as a gift for the children of the new first family, she finds her job in peril.
The first family decides to bring in their own chef who will be in charge of all their meals, and the new guy definitely has his sights on Olivia's job and he's not above playing dirty to get it.
Meanwhile a terrorist group has targeted the first family and think the children are the perfect way to advance their agenda.
This series is kind of addictive. Olivia is a smart heroine even if the heroes of the piece are occasionally TSTL. Despite being book four it still works and is somehow both fresh and charming.
The first family decides to bring in their own chef who will be in charge of all their meals, and the new guy definitely has his sights on Olivia's job and he's not above playing dirty to get it.
Meanwhile a terrorist group has targeted the first family and think the children are the perfect way to advance their agenda.
This series is kind of addictive. Olivia is a smart heroine even if the heroes of the piece are occasionally TSTL. Despite being book four it still works and is somehow both fresh and charming.
January 7, 2025
Excellent cozy mystery! I highly recommend this series, beginning with Book 1.
September 17, 2017
This is an intelligent crime series, which largely centres on the kitchen staff of the White House. The first female executive chef in this establishment now finds herself in danger of being usurped.
The arrival of a new First Family, kids in tow, means a shakeup all around. New agents, new catering staff - an insufferable personal chef who thinks he should thus run the kitchen - and new dangers. Ollie's watchful eye catches sight of a box of cooked chicken wings from a popular chain, delivered for the children, and she personally decides to play by the rules and withhold the food from the kids. This doesn't make her popular, and it's only the first of a series of unusual incidents and dangers.
The middle part is a little tedious with professional altercations, Secret Service being suitably menacing and obtuse, and musing about whether Ollie works so hard to replace a love interest. But the end sequence makes up for it, the circumstances having been carefully established and a full alert now taking place.
This tale is suitable for adult or teen readers. We can all learn a lot about the White House; like that the staff grow some of the vegetables. And cooking. Find recipes in the back.
This is an unbiased review.
The arrival of a new First Family, kids in tow, means a shakeup all around. New agents, new catering staff - an insufferable personal chef who thinks he should thus run the kitchen - and new dangers. Ollie's watchful eye catches sight of a box of cooked chicken wings from a popular chain, delivered for the children, and she personally decides to play by the rules and withhold the food from the kids. This doesn't make her popular, and it's only the first of a series of unusual incidents and dangers.
The middle part is a little tedious with professional altercations, Secret Service being suitably menacing and obtuse, and musing about whether Ollie works so hard to replace a love interest. But the end sequence makes up for it, the circumstances having been carefully established and a full alert now taking place.
This tale is suitable for adult or teen readers. We can all learn a lot about the White House; like that the staff grow some of the vegetables. And cooking. Find recipes in the back.
This is an unbiased review.
February 26, 2018
Not bad, but the repetitive "oh I'm going to lose my job to the new family chef" stuff got annoying. I like this series, but this wasn't one of the better episodes.
October 8, 2017
White House executive chef Olivia Paras isn’t pleased when a new First Family moves into residence and informs her they’re bringing in their personal chef. It’s clear the man is after her job, but that isn’t the only threat on the horizon. Somebody tries to sneak in a box of chicken wings addressed to the President’s children. Olivia won’t permit them to be served until she learns who sent them. It turns out her judgement call was correct as a bigger conspiracy unfolds. Can she gain the First Lady’s respect and hold onto her job while protecting the First Kids? It’s fun getting a behind-the-scenes look at the White House kitchen while unraveling a mystery. Olivia’s personal life adds a hint of romance to this easy-to-read tale.
January 4, 2018
Very good entry in the White House Chef mysteries. I had guessed WHEN the action was going to take place but not the who or the why or what would happen. It was excellent.
There is a new president in office and with that comes a whole new load of responsibility and crisis. Ollie and her team have to face a huge uphill battle from almost day one when it becomes apparent that the new occupants are not crazy about her and their personal chef shows up and starts throwing Ollie and her team under the bus. Add a lot of seriously BAD bad guys and kidnappings and poison, and you have one heck of a mystery.
There is a new president in office and with that comes a whole new load of responsibility and crisis. Ollie and her team have to face a huge uphill battle from almost day one when it becomes apparent that the new occupants are not crazy about her and their personal chef shows up and starts throwing Ollie and her team under the bus. Add a lot of seriously BAD bad guys and kidnappings and poison, and you have one heck of a mystery.
June 6, 2018
This book hit me all up with the feels. 7 years - boom, I was crying. I loved the suspense and tension that was driven throughout the entire book. My favorite book so far. I cannot get enough of this series!
Read
September 10, 20163.5 stars. I had to try just one more in the series, I already had the book from the library, I was still in the mood for a mystery, and I couldn't resist when I saw that it was about the transition to a new President. It was so timely with our nation just having gone through an election, even though our President stayed the same (2012 Obama). The glimpse into what goes on behind the scenes at the White House during a changeover and the impact it has on the employees both professionally and personally was a treat.
It's also interesting that the book takes place a whole year after the last book and that Ollie and Tom are still broken up and aren't even really friends. She's in a whole different place mentally and it think it was good for the book. She seemed more focused and mature. And she says she isn't open to meeting any new men, but if the right guy shows up, that could change...
What made me like it more than the last book was that overall it was a much more reality-based story this time, actually grounded in Ollie's life as a White House chef. There was a lot more of her day to say life as a chef, as a boss, and as a woman. It was a more emotional and personal story than in the past. She also wasn't pushy and annoying and really did get dragged into the situation unwillingly. Of course it was absurd that she didn't get searched at the key point in the story, this author always takes liberties that stretch my credulity beyond reason, but overall I'm glad I gave the series one more try.
One thing that did bug me was the use of a fake country and locations in this book. So much of previous books were based on real locations, like when she took her mom and Nana to the National Mall or to Arlington Cemetery. The major charm of the books is this fantasy story we're reading placed in these very real locations. So when the author made up the country of Armustan for her terrorists to be from it just felt so off. I get that she probably didn't want to target an existing country, this is a cozy mystery, not a thriller, you don't want anyone to have any bad feelings about it. But it makes it seem so silly at the same time. And it was a fake hospital too, there is no Lyman Hall Hospital. Normally she goes to real DC tourist spots and places that allow the reader to "see" where they are in the city, that's the draw of these books. Having these fake elements really detracts from the reason I have for reading the series at all, since I usually find Ollie so annoying.
It was definitely the best book in the series for me. The author is starting to reveal more of who Ollie is as a person and not just as this overly perfect creature she's created for her to be as the chef who meddles. She tried not to meddle this time and it did make her a lot more likable. And when it was time to act she was brave and clever. There was a lot more balance this time and the story was tighter. I will be giving the next book a try.
It's also interesting that the book takes place a whole year after the last book and that Ollie and Tom are still broken up and aren't even really friends. She's in a whole different place mentally and it think it was good for the book. She seemed more focused and mature. And she says she isn't open to meeting any new men, but if the right guy shows up, that could change...
What made me like it more than the last book was that overall it was a much more reality-based story this time, actually grounded in Ollie's life as a White House chef. There was a lot more of her day to say life as a chef, as a boss, and as a woman. It was a more emotional and personal story than in the past. She also wasn't pushy and annoying and really did get dragged into the situation unwillingly. Of course it was absurd that she didn't get searched at the key point in the story, this author always takes liberties that stretch my credulity beyond reason, but overall I'm glad I gave the series one more try.
One thing that did bug me was the use of a fake country and locations in this book. So much of previous books were based on real locations, like when she took her mom and Nana to the National Mall or to Arlington Cemetery. The major charm of the books is this fantasy story we're reading placed in these very real locations. So when the author made up the country of Armustan for her terrorists to be from it just felt so off. I get that she probably didn't want to target an existing country, this is a cozy mystery, not a thriller, you don't want anyone to have any bad feelings about it. But it makes it seem so silly at the same time. And it was a fake hospital too, there is no Lyman Hall Hospital. Normally she goes to real DC tourist spots and places that allow the reader to "see" where they are in the city, that's the draw of these books. Having these fake elements really detracts from the reason I have for reading the series at all, since I usually find Ollie so annoying.
It was definitely the best book in the series for me. The author is starting to reveal more of who Ollie is as a person and not just as this overly perfect creature she's created for her to be as the chef who meddles. She tried not to meddle this time and it did make her a lot more likable. And when it was time to act she was brave and clever. There was a lot more balance this time and the story was tighter. I will be giving the next book a try.
January 2, 2011
Buffalo West Wing is the fourth book in the White House Chef Mystery series, but it's the first I've read. Culinary cozies are a favorite of mine. I love the cooking, the menus, and the descriptions of the foods. Buffalo West Wing did not disappoint. It included three very different menus at the end of the book, each tying nicely different scenes in the book.
I particularly loved that Buffalo West Wing, and I'd assume the previous books in the series as well, mixes something most of us know at least the basics of (cooking) with a less familiar topic. Life in the White House, particularly behind the scenes, is something I never much considered and was delighted to find how truly interesting it is. The different procedures relating to security, especially how it relates to every aspect of the way a White House staffer does their job, is fascinating.
The mystery in Buffalo West Wing was puzzling and built to a unexpected and thrilling conclusion. Olivia Paras makes a wonderful amateur sleuth and has a valid reason to be involved in the mystery and its investigation, which is a big plus.
This was an exciting read. It kept me on the edge of my seat and often made me feel rather hungry. Buffalo West Wing has certainly peaked my interest and I'm anxious to go back and read the previous novels in the series.
I particularly loved that Buffalo West Wing, and I'd assume the previous books in the series as well, mixes something most of us know at least the basics of (cooking) with a less familiar topic. Life in the White House, particularly behind the scenes, is something I never much considered and was delighted to find how truly interesting it is. The different procedures relating to security, especially how it relates to every aspect of the way a White House staffer does their job, is fascinating.
The mystery in Buffalo West Wing was puzzling and built to a unexpected and thrilling conclusion. Olivia Paras makes a wonderful amateur sleuth and has a valid reason to be involved in the mystery and its investigation, which is a big plus.
This was an exciting read. It kept me on the edge of my seat and often made me feel rather hungry. Buffalo West Wing has certainly peaked my interest and I'm anxious to go back and read the previous novels in the series.
June 8, 2017
That's it. I am so done with this series. I loved the concept of it. The main plot of the book is great but I cannot get past the fact that so many of the characters are idiots or a-holes. A large order of chicken wings appear in the White House kitchen for the new first children and EVERYONE wants the kids to have them except the head chef who is following protocol and notifying Secret Service about the problem. When the kids stumble upon them matters get even worse.
Long story short, the secret service did a half baked job of investigating, the wings were poisoned, and one of the kitchen staff, knowing her bosses desires, gave the wings to the cleaning staff who ended up in the hospital. THEN the hospital is taken over by terrorists.
So, instead of everyone going "Wow Ollie! Thank you for saving the kids! You were so right!" they go "Why do these things always happen to you!" Really?!
Nope, I am over it. Good bye Julie Hyzy. When you learn to write a story where I don't hate ALL the secondary characters then maybe I will give you another chance. I don't get all the 5 star reviews.
Long story short, the secret service did a half baked job of investigating, the wings were poisoned, and one of the kitchen staff, knowing her bosses desires, gave the wings to the cleaning staff who ended up in the hospital. THEN the hospital is taken over by terrorists.
So, instead of everyone going "Wow Ollie! Thank you for saving the kids! You were so right!" they go "Why do these things always happen to you!" Really?!
Nope, I am over it. Good bye Julie Hyzy. When you learn to write a story where I don't hate ALL the secondary characters then maybe I will give you another chance. I don't get all the 5 star reviews.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2011
BWW is the fourth in the White House Chef Mystery series. I would have to rate it the best so far in the series.
A box of chicken wings delvered to the White House for the First Families children has put things in an uproar. Ollie, following procedures, refuses to give them to the children and then one the of assistant chefs gives them to some workers in the laundry room of the White House. The wings have been tainted with arsenic and some of workers go to the hospital. Soon Ollie learns that the First Family has hired a personal chef. Not sure whether she is being just replaced or if it is tied to the chiken wing episode. Frustrations run high for Ollie is the kitchen as the Secret Service is unwlling to explain to the First Family about the tainted chicken. In the middle of all this Ollie manages to spend some time with an old friend and hopefully a little romance will be in the aire for her. The book ends with an action packed finish.
A nice collection of recipes are also included with the book.
A box of chicken wings delvered to the White House for the First Families children has put things in an uproar. Ollie, following procedures, refuses to give them to the children and then one the of assistant chefs gives them to some workers in the laundry room of the White House. The wings have been tainted with arsenic and some of workers go to the hospital. Soon Ollie learns that the First Family has hired a personal chef. Not sure whether she is being just replaced or if it is tied to the chiken wing episode. Frustrations run high for Ollie is the kitchen as the Secret Service is unwlling to explain to the First Family about the tainted chicken. In the middle of all this Ollie manages to spend some time with an old friend and hopefully a little romance will be in the aire for her. The book ends with an action packed finish.
A nice collection of recipes are also included with the book.
August 5, 2013
Ok when I read the third book in the White House Chef series I said it was the best in the series so far and it was. But now the best in the series is Buffalo West Wing. A new family has moved into the White House and this brings other changes and new things with it. Ollie has a new challenge -will she get in trouble or not? You will have to read this one to find out.
February 25, 2024
Good Addition to Established Series
Focusing on the White House kitchen, and the executive chef in particular, Ms. Hyzy's fourth entry in "A White House Chef Mystery series begins and ends strongly. Using established characters and a handful of new secondary characters, we are reminded that every 4 (or maybe 8) years, new residents move to Washington DC and life changes for both the staff and the new comers at the White House. New residents with new mystery opportunities.
An experienced chef in a high profile position, Olivia Paras is like many professionals who get a new boss; nervous about first impressions and how they'll get along. While Olivia is extremely talented, she still feels as if she doesn't quite belong in charge. Luckily, Olivia is good at following her gut and that really pays off from the get go.
The secondary characters are well developed and the established secondary characters are always entertaining. I especially enjoyed getti g to see Olivia's ex, Tom, more and I'm glad he's her ex, he was totally wrong for her. We also get to see Special Agent in Charge Leonard Gavin(he's yummy) and a whole new set of bad guys. The story is well paced and the mystery is engaging.
Will Olivia survive the change in first families? Will Olivia follow her gut and save the first family in the process? And will she allow her growing attraction to someone in her past develope into a new romance? Read Buffalo West Wing to find out.
Focusing on the White House kitchen, and the executive chef in particular, Ms. Hyzy's fourth entry in "A White House Chef Mystery series begins and ends strongly. Using established characters and a handful of new secondary characters, we are reminded that every 4 (or maybe 8) years, new residents move to Washington DC and life changes for both the staff and the new comers at the White House. New residents with new mystery opportunities.
An experienced chef in a high profile position, Olivia Paras is like many professionals who get a new boss; nervous about first impressions and how they'll get along. While Olivia is extremely talented, she still feels as if she doesn't quite belong in charge. Luckily, Olivia is good at following her gut and that really pays off from the get go.
The secondary characters are well developed and the established secondary characters are always entertaining. I especially enjoyed getti g to see Olivia's ex, Tom, more and I'm glad he's her ex, he was totally wrong for her. We also get to see Special Agent in Charge Leonard Gavin(he's yummy) and a whole new set of bad guys. The story is well paced and the mystery is engaging.
Will Olivia survive the change in first families? Will Olivia follow her gut and save the first family in the process? And will she allow her growing attraction to someone in her past develope into a new romance? Read Buffalo West Wing to find out.
March 31, 2021
Enjoyable, and I continue to find this series addictive. I will say the side characters can be incredibly irritating, however. Poor Ollie constantly gets told "why does it always have to be you?" Tom is a tool and I'm glad to see their relationship has changed. Instead of getting credit for doing the right protocol and saving the children from a painful trip the E.R., Ollie gets treated like crap for most of the book...again. This is frustrating.
That said, the drama with the Secret Service and behind the scenes of the White House is interesting as always. The new chef, Virgil, is a bumble of misteps, hilarious tantrums, stress, and a new ingredient to the series dish. We see more human sides of Cyan, while last book was Bucky. I didn't see the culprit coming, that was certainly a twist. This ends with heavier action-orientated danger toward Ollie compared to previous books - intense stuff. Oh, and the new little boy is adorable, but I'm already missing Miss Campbell.
That said, the drama with the Secret Service and behind the scenes of the White House is interesting as always. The new chef, Virgil, is a bumble of misteps, hilarious tantrums, stress, and a new ingredient to the series dish. We see more human sides of Cyan, while last book was Bucky. I didn't see the culprit coming, that was certainly a twist. This ends with heavier action-orientated danger toward Ollie compared to previous books - intense stuff. Oh, and the new little boy is adorable, but I'm already missing Miss Campbell.
May 9, 2020
3.5.
This is a fun cozy mystery series. Ollie always seems to be in the thick of it, whether by accident or just her keen observational skills.
In this one Executive Chef Ollie finds a package of buffalo wings with the name of the new admin’s kids name on it and has no idea who brought them in. She contacts the secret service then tries to hide them in the fridge. But, not before the kids see them and she’s forced to deny them their present and it gets back to the First Lady. On top of that a new primadonna chef is brought in as a personal chef and makes well known he thought he was in charge not Ollie.
So despite the fact that those wings had been poisoned, and Ollie saved the kids lives, no one in the first family can know. Which means massive tension between the First Lady and Ollie.
Ollie’s pluck and resolve keeps her open to her surroundings and a badass chef. Plus, romantic tensions occur with special agent Gav from last book. Finally, someone who appreciates Ollie’s amateur sleuthing.
This is a fun cozy mystery series. Ollie always seems to be in the thick of it, whether by accident or just her keen observational skills.
In this one Executive Chef Ollie finds a package of buffalo wings with the name of the new admin’s kids name on it and has no idea who brought them in. She contacts the secret service then tries to hide them in the fridge. But, not before the kids see them and she’s forced to deny them their present and it gets back to the First Lady. On top of that a new primadonna chef is brought in as a personal chef and makes well known he thought he was in charge not Ollie.
So despite the fact that those wings had been poisoned, and Ollie saved the kids lives, no one in the first family can know. Which means massive tension between the First Lady and Ollie.
Ollie’s pluck and resolve keeps her open to her surroundings and a badass chef. Plus, romantic tensions occur with special agent Gav from last book. Finally, someone who appreciates Ollie’s amateur sleuthing.
February 10, 2020
I like this series, although it also annoys me. I have lived on this planet for 50 years. I have worked in many different jobs and fields with hundreds of different people. I have never had a co-worker hate me so much that they actively tried to get me fired and took glee when things went poorly for me. Ollie seems like a nice person, there is no reason for this Peter person to hate her so much. It's annoying and takes me out of the story when I get to his parts. That said, I enjoy the books and the mysteries and the (in this case very little) cooking. And Tom is an ass.
February 10, 2022
I was prepared to give this a four-star rating until the major discrepancy at the end. Good main character (and associates), but really wanted to smack one of the new characters.
December 27, 2020
There is a new family who have moved into the White House and Chef Ollie and her staff are facing the possibility of losing their positions. It doesn't help the new First Lady has bought with her a new chef who believes he is the executive chef and controls the kitchen. This creates conflict and the disrupts the usual smooth running of the kitchen.
February 5, 2019
I think I enjoyed this installment of Hyzy’s White House Chef mysteries even more than the first one. Ollie is now safely ensconced as chief WH chef and there’s a new First Family in the house. There is a questionable box of chicken delivered to the two kids and the story is off at a gallop. Great character and I was surprised at where it all went. These are really fun reads!!!
September 19, 2022
Very intense cozy mystery!
October 2, 2020
What a great book, mystery and series. I really enjoyed this one. Surprising ending.
January 29, 2011
Well, Julie has done it again! She has come up with a new culinary thriller adventure featuring Ollie Paras, the White House executive chef, that not only grabbed my attention from the beginning but held it throughout the entire book.
It's inaguration day at the White House and Ollie and her staff, not to mention the secret service, are run off their feet. It's a big production when the new president and his family move into the White House. This time it's a little different as the new family, the Hydens, have two young children.
When a box of chicken wings from a popular chain shows up with a note saying they are for the new first kids, Josh and Abby, Ollie follows protocol and does not allow them to have the treat until she finds out where they came from.When they turn out to be poisoned, Ollie and the secret service wonder if the wings were part of a plot against the incoming president. The big question is how did they come to be in the kitchen and how did they get past security. Could it be someone with a hidden agenda? Has there been a security breach?
Not only does Ollie have to worry about security threats and preparing for a big state dinner but now she is worried about her job. The new first lady has brought in her own personal chef. Unfortunately, he is a kitchen diva who likes to throw hissy fits which really throws everyone off their game. What will Ollie do?
This is the fourth book in the White House Chef series. It's not necessary to have read the preceding three but I would recommend starting with State of the Onion, the first in the series and winner of the Anthony and Barry awards for 2009. With the addition of some new characters, Julie has kept this series fresh and exciting. It's obvious how much research Julie has put into this series. I really enjoyed seeing how the White House staff operates on a day to day basis and how much is involved in putting on a big state dinner.
The twist at the end, which I never saw coming, led to a heart thumping thrill ride of an ending. Great job, Julie! If you are a fan of cozies or culinary thrillers, this one will definite suit your taste. Recipes are included at the end of the book. I can't wait for the next adventure for Ollie and her friends in the White House kitchen. Such wonderful characters!
It's inaguration day at the White House and Ollie and her staff, not to mention the secret service, are run off their feet. It's a big production when the new president and his family move into the White House. This time it's a little different as the new family, the Hydens, have two young children.
When a box of chicken wings from a popular chain shows up with a note saying they are for the new first kids, Josh and Abby, Ollie follows protocol and does not allow them to have the treat until she finds out where they came from.When they turn out to be poisoned, Ollie and the secret service wonder if the wings were part of a plot against the incoming president. The big question is how did they come to be in the kitchen and how did they get past security. Could it be someone with a hidden agenda? Has there been a security breach?
Not only does Ollie have to worry about security threats and preparing for a big state dinner but now she is worried about her job. The new first lady has brought in her own personal chef. Unfortunately, he is a kitchen diva who likes to throw hissy fits which really throws everyone off their game. What will Ollie do?
This is the fourth book in the White House Chef series. It's not necessary to have read the preceding three but I would recommend starting with State of the Onion, the first in the series and winner of the Anthony and Barry awards for 2009. With the addition of some new characters, Julie has kept this series fresh and exciting. It's obvious how much research Julie has put into this series. I really enjoyed seeing how the White House staff operates on a day to day basis and how much is involved in putting on a big state dinner.
The twist at the end, which I never saw coming, led to a heart thumping thrill ride of an ending. Great job, Julie! If you are a fan of cozies or culinary thrillers, this one will definite suit your taste. Recipes are included at the end of the book. I can't wait for the next adventure for Ollie and her friends in the White House kitchen. Such wonderful characters!
May 13, 2011
This White House chef mystery was back up to par, with lots of details about cooking for the White House and the presidential family. I love those behind-the-scenes details, although I'm sort of appalled by the bickering, competition, and backstabbing. In this book, a new president and First Family have moved into the White House and we see how the kitchen staff transition to serve the tastes and needs of new residents. Although, every four or eight years, the president changes but the staffers largely remain the same. On the very day of the inauguration, a box of hot wings show up in the White House kitchen--favorites of the president's elementary-age children--but Chef Ollie won't let them have the wings because the security protocols have not been followed and no one knows who sent it as a gift for the kids. Ollie gets a black eye with the First Lady for denying the children a treat but it turns out Ollie was right because the hot wings were arsenic-laced. while the President is informed, the First Lady is not, and Ollie can't seem to get into her good graces. Tension builds when the First Lady hires her own personal chef to take over the presidential meals. Although Ollie is still the head chef for all state meals and other functions, she is worried that her days are numbered. And then to complicate the storyline, a group of terrorists who had targeted the president's children as a ploy to get their imprisoned leader released are still plotting. The only thing that disappointed me with this book 4 of the series was that although Ollie saved the day, there was no resolution with the tension over the family chef and the First Lady. I wanted Ollie to be vindicated more, but I guess that is part of the job working at the White House--the staff is there to serve in a professional manner, not make a name for yourself or cause ripples. Besides, I suspect that this story line conflict will continue into the next installment!
January 15, 2011
I have been eagerly awaiting the release of this novel as I so enjoyed the last three titles in the series so much. Ms. Hyzy did not let me down. Not one iota.
This book, however, had the new perspective of adding school-aged children to the normal demands of the White House kitchen. As anyone can attest, when you add children to a situation, it becomes quite fluid. This was shown in the character, Josh. I liked Josh and became concerned for him. I had to laugh when the First Children 'told' on Chef Ollie to their Mother. How real is that?
I did feel the author was constrained by the amount of pages, in other words, I felt she had more to say but was concerned that the book would be too long. I have no way of knowing this but Ollie's personal life was touched upon but not explored. Just a quick scene here and there.
One thing I especially enjoy with Ms. Hyzy's novels is her ability to make action scenes come alive. You can ride along with Ollie and experience her fears and solutions.
My only dislike is of the character, Peter and I'm sure I'm not alone.
I eagerly await the next book in this series. Oh and Ms. Hyzy also writes a terrific series "Grace Under Pressure" that I truly enjoy as well.
This book, however, had the new perspective of adding school-aged children to the normal demands of the White House kitchen. As anyone can attest, when you add children to a situation, it becomes quite fluid. This was shown in the character, Josh. I liked Josh and became concerned for him. I had to laugh when the First Children 'told' on Chef Ollie to their Mother. How real is that?
I did feel the author was constrained by the amount of pages, in other words, I felt she had more to say but was concerned that the book would be too long. I have no way of knowing this but Ollie's personal life was touched upon but not explored. Just a quick scene here and there.
One thing I especially enjoy with Ms. Hyzy's novels is her ability to make action scenes come alive. You can ride along with Ollie and experience her fears and solutions.
My only dislike is of the character, Peter and I'm sure I'm not alone.
I eagerly await the next book in this series. Oh and Ms. Hyzy also writes a terrific series "Grace Under Pressure" that I truly enjoy as well.
March 30, 2015
Wow, this series just keeps getting better and better with every book. This book made me love every character more and more.
Every really good book has lovable and hateable characters, and this book had the perfect hateable character, a new chef that's brought in. He was arrogant, cocky, and rude but he was vital to the story and because he was so rude he even had me laughing at times. I kinda hope he murders someone in the next book, but another part of me hopes he stays on to keep some humor in the series.
I loved the fact that this book did not have a real murder in it. It had a few almost murders but yet it didn't have a real murder, which made it a nice change from typical cozies.
The characters and setting were very good, once again. Ms. Hyzy really knows how to create a setting and a mystery.
The one point I thought was weird was the fact that there really wasn't very much cooking in this. It didn't take away from the mystery, but I thought that in real life she would've been doing a bit more cooking.
Overall an amazing book. I'm really looking forward to reading the next!
Every really good book has lovable and hateable characters, and this book had the perfect hateable character, a new chef that's brought in. He was arrogant, cocky, and rude but he was vital to the story and because he was so rude he even had me laughing at times. I kinda hope he murders someone in the next book, but another part of me hopes he stays on to keep some humor in the series.
I loved the fact that this book did not have a real murder in it. It had a few almost murders but yet it didn't have a real murder, which made it a nice change from typical cozies.
The characters and setting were very good, once again. Ms. Hyzy really knows how to create a setting and a mystery.
The one point I thought was weird was the fact that there really wasn't very much cooking in this. It didn't take away from the mystery, but I thought that in real life she would've been doing a bit more cooking.
Overall an amazing book. I'm really looking forward to reading the next!
February 19, 2011
So, the bad first: Some of the secondary characters are very black and white, and really become very annoying in a frustrating way, as they appear to have no redeeming characteristics at all. I suppose this could be viewed as a plus point - the writing is good enough to actually have the characters annoy you?
I'm still loving the White House backdrop and the whole Presidency transition thing reminded me of Ellen Emerson White's President's Daughter series, except from the other side of the fence, so to speak, which was intriguing.
The whole book built up to a rather fast-paced and action-filled climax, which I was not expecting, but it was in a good way! I am surprised Ms Hyzy is hinting at a new love interest, which is an interesting choice in a cozy mystery IMO - on the other hand, I don't read that many cozies myself...
I'm still loving the White House backdrop and the whole Presidency transition thing reminded me of Ellen Emerson White's President's Daughter series, except from the other side of the fence, so to speak, which was intriguing.
The whole book built up to a rather fast-paced and action-filled climax, which I was not expecting, but it was in a good way! I am surprised Ms Hyzy is hinting at a new love interest, which is an interesting choice in a cozy mystery IMO - on the other hand, I don't read that many cozies myself...
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