Killer Pancake

Goldy Bear Culinary Mystery #5

by Diane Mott Davidson

This is an alternate cover edition of ISBN 0553572040.

When Goldy, owner of Goldilocks' Catering, faces the challenge of whipping up a sumptuous lowfat feast for the Mignon Cosmetics' company banquet, she rises to the occasion brilliantly...only to discover just how ugly the beauty biz can be!

On the day of the banquet Goldy finds herself confronting an angry mob of demonstrators—"Spare the Hares"—who object to Mignon Cosmetics' animal-testing policies. As she struggles to carry forty pounds of lowfat fare from her van to the mall where the banquet is being held, she hears an ominous squeal of tires and a horrifying thump. Seconds later, a Mignon employee lies dead on the pavement. And soon the police discover that this hit-and-run was no accident.

Now Goldy is enmeshed up to her saute pans in a homicide investigation. Could the murder have had something to do with Spare the Hares—or with the exotic flower found near the dead body? Though busy serving up Hoisin Turkey and Grand Marnier Cranberry Muffins, Goldy decides to start digging at Mignon's million-dollar cosmetics counter. But when another murder takes place and Goldy herself is attacked, the caterer turned sleuth knows she must step up her search for a gruesome killer. For this time was only a warning. Next time she'll be dead—and it won't be pretty.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook, Culinary

331 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

New York Times bestselling author Diane Mott Davidson wrote three novels before one was accepted for publication—when she was 41. She has since written 14 more mysteries, all featuring Goldy the caterer. In addition, she has written short stories and poetry for various publications. Davidson has won the Anthony Award from Bouchercon, and has been nominated for the Agatha, another Anthony, and the Macavity Award. In 1993 she was named Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers' Writer of the Year.

Davidson was educated at St. Anne's School in Charlottesville, Virginia, where her English teacher, Emyl Jenkins, encouraged her to become a writer. She attended Wellesley College, where she was named a Wellesley Scholar, before transferring to Stanford University, from which she graduated with a double major in Art History and Political Science. Several years (and one child) later, she received her MA in Art History from Johns Hopkins.

Davidson has volunteered for numerous organizations. She was a tutor in a correctional facility, rape-victim counselor, and served for 10 years on the Board of Examining Chaplains of the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado. For years she taught the adult Bible study at her parish, where she was also licensed to preach.

Davidson has been married to her husband, Jim, for almost 40 years. They have three sons, a daughter-in-law, two grandchildren, and a basset hound.

Reviews

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Review
3 of 5 stars to the fifth entry in the "Gold Bear Culinary" mysteries, Killer Pancake, written in 1995 by Diane Mott Davidson. As we've all come to expect, Goldy's off searching for the killer in another crazy story line. In this one, she delves into the seedy cosmetic business where too much pancake makeup (just kidding, sort of) has claimed the latest victim. And this time, it's the girlfriend of my favorite character, Julian. So much death, such a small family. How does this happen time and time again? Oh, that's right... it's fiction, to I really shouldn't give that a second thought. Reliable author. Good characters. Decent story, but a bit weak from a reasoning and character likability perspective. Goldy's getting a little too narrow-minded and preachy about a few things, and I wish this would have gone a little more open-minded and fresh, but it's still always a fun read. But I want more with Marla! She brings the laughs.

About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by. Note: All written content is my original creation and copyrighted to me, but the graphics and images were linked from other sites and belong to them. Many thanks to their original creators.

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[polldaddy poll=9719251]Diane Mott Davidson

[Nicole · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay. I just need to stop reading this series. I realize many people love this series, but it's just not working for me. A cozy mystery (for me) should have a great setting that I'd like to live in, unique characters whom I'd like to visit, and a fun mystery--not stellar, just fun. This series has none of those things, as far as I can tell.

You may wonder why I've read 5 of the books in this series if I dislike it so much. The answer is threefold: 1) I'm terribly OCD and feel compelled to finish any series I start; 2) I kept hoping that as the author wrote and time passed the books would be better written and less dated (that never happened); and 3) I bought the whole damn series at a used book store several years ago. I felt obligated to read it.

I just don't get the series. The characters are quite unlikable--I actively dislike pretty much all of them. The plot developments are awkward at best, puzzling at worst. (Goldy's ex-husband basically breaks into her house and breaks things . . . while she's married to a large detective who carries a gun? That detective/husband basically sabotages her catering event to "keep her busy" at the job so she won't sleuth around?) And I never want to visit this strange town.

If this series works for you, that's cool. But I think I need to step away.

[Anubha (BooksFullOfLife, LifeFullOfBooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was a delight, a cozy mystery where the main character was a caterer and despite her investigator husband warning her to not put herself she does exactly that and snoops around while catering and cooking low fat meals. What was incredible about this book was that there were list of recipes given which were mentioned in the book. For eg, if she is serving cocoa fudge you can find the recipe on the next few pages with detailed instruction which gave a more realistic feel to the food being cooked.

[Weisser · Rating 1 out of 5]

It is getting harder to read these books. This will be my last. I get more irritated with Goldy and her narcissistic behavior, her son, Arch, and her live-in catering helper, Julian with each book. The books are very dated and I feel like I am listening to my mother and grandmother. I have been listening to the audio versions of the books and I think the individual chosen sounds like my very snooty mother. Goldy is very judgmental of the wealthy and constantly berates their behavior but never fails to mention that she went to boarding school and college and was once married to a wealthy doctor. Bitter much? Not my cup of Earl Grey.

[Erica Chaillot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good addition to the series… I always enjoy reading these stories.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy the mysteries in this series, but I think I’m done after I read the next book I’ve already purchased. I’ve come to not really care for Goldy and the continuing storyline. Goldy has a “do whatever you want” attitude toward her son and a little involvement style of parenting, which I don’t care for. Hobbies and things he will get into make her worry, but then she never does anything about it, as if she has no responsibility or authority. Some of her interactions (or lack of it) with her son make me cringe. Also, the romance with her now husband Tom just isn’t that great. All of their interactions on the page are very business like, or he’s telling her to not investigate and she just ignores him. She withholds a lot of information from him, which I just find weird for a wife to do to her husband. Lastly, her abusive ex-husband is a prominent character in the series and he usually has at least one big incident in every book where he’s harassing Goldy. Yet he never gets his comeuppance. I admit that I don’t understand what it’s like to be in an abusive relationship, but for as strong as Goldy seems to have become after her divorce she sure never tries to get justice for her ex-husband’s actions in these books. And you’d think Tom the cop would try to bring the hammer down. But no, he just gets on to Goldy about how she allows John Richard Korman into her life. And what really gets me is how her son Arch is allowed anywhere near him. This man drinks, has an anger problem, and is physically violent. He has abused multiple women, including putting one in the hospital in this book! Yet he gets to have Arch in his care for weekends at a time. All of these background threads have become too much for me to look past.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

By book five, readers come to expect certain things within a series. In the case of the Goldy Culinary Mysteries, we expect both delicious sounding recipes, one of Goldy's loved ones to be suspected of murdering a fairly new character and Goldy getting involved way beyond what's considered acceptable and yet still managing to help solve the murder (thus clearing the loved one's name.) In Killer Pancake, the recipes are slightly less delicious sounding than usual. Maybe it's my personal bias against "healthy" food or maybe Turkey Curry and Raisin Rice and Hoisin Turkey with Roasted Pine Nuts in Lettuce Cups sound rather disgusting. Either way, the recipes were a disappointment for me. Goldy's assistant, Julian, is suspected of killing his pretty new girlfriend. Goldy gets nosy and ultimately saves the day. No huge shocks there. The mystery itself wasn't shocking, but I'll admit I didn't see it coming. Overall, Killer Pancake didn't quite work for me. The recipes set the tone in culinary mysteries and I couldn't make myself interested in food I would never ever eat.

[Jayme(theghostreader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book. I am really enjoying this series. In this book, Goldy has a catering job with a cosmetics company. Her assistant Julian has a girlfriend who works at the company and then she is found dead, run down. Goldy goes undercover and gets covered up in foundation. The only thing I didn't like was the way the recipes were put in the middle of the chapters. I thought it was distracting. The recipes should go at the end of the chapters like they do with the Chocolate Chip Cookie series.

[Thereadingbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Goldy caters an event for a cosmetics company, one of their top saleswomen is killed. The murdered women was Julian's girlfriend, so of course Goldy feels compelled to help out the police with their investigation, much to Tom's chagrin. She takes a few chances this time and gets herself into some trouble, but luckily everything works out, although there were some dangerous moments Goldy finds herself in. Goldy's catering jobs with the menu she creates as well as how she prepares the food makes my mouth water. In this book Goldy is finding low-fat recipes, both for the cosmetics firm as well as for Marla who has been in the hospital.

The characterizations of the wealthy indulgent cosmetic-buying women was very funny. The whole characterization of the cosmetic industry with its big promises with little effect had a lot of truth in it. Underneath the humor and mystery were some good lessons about family, good marriages, friendship, not-judging others, kindness & caring, and the blessing of good food. I like my cozies like this.

[Mary K. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too preachy. Author picks a theme and creates a narrative, last time college admissions, this time cosmetics. I think I’m done!

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been quite awhile since I read the first few in this series, and I don't think I'm going to wait as long to read the next; this book was solid, fun, and a perfect read for a stormy day! The characters were wonderful. I love Goldy and her sometimes dysfunctional family and friends. The mystery was excellent, the killer wasn't very surprising, but there weren't many suspects, so I don't think I would've been surprised regardless. Overall excellent, I just bought the next one!

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this one on audiobook as I have with all but one of the series so far. I really like the narrator and when I actually had to read one of the books in print I found myself pining to hear her voice. Anyway, I have heard the series goes downhill somewhat later,but so far I am still enjoying it. I have never made any of the recipes, so can't speak for them :)

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite cozy mystery. I’m not a huge make up fan and everyone who knows me knows that low-fat food does nothing for me. I could have guessed whodunit as it seemed pretty obvious. But I just didn’t care enough to give it much thought. I do still, however, enjoy the characters in this series. There’s not even one noticeably detestable one in the bunch.

[Ronald Wilcox · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually have enjoyed the books in this series before this one but this go-around the dialogue and story line were just over the top and unrealistic/unbelievable. Hopefully this was a fluke and the remaining ones in the series will be as good as the first four.

[Crazy for Books (Stephanie) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little racist and old fashioned in some places. Also, not that many people have cell phones, which is also a late 90's early 2000's thing. Who, as a caterer, doesn't have a cell phone for last minute issues? But I definitely like more than the Hannah Swensen series I was trying to listen to. That was awful.

I love with Goldy is hilarious. Makes me laugh so hard.

[GB Deans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my favorite Davidson Mystery but it wasn't the worst. Still would recommend giving it a try.

[James Piss · Rating 3 out of 5]

ᗩ Ŧ𝐑𝒶𝓳ⓔĐЎ 𝓘ᶰ ᵗн尺𝓔𝐄 คᶜⓣs 😺

[Lisa B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goldie has such a sarcastic wit.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always feel very torn after reading an installment of the Goldy Bear mysteries. I love the writing (for the most part), the pacing, and the mystery, but I really can't stand most of the characters. Julian and Tom are really the only bearable characters in the entire cast. Everyone else is fake, conniving, miserable or nasty. Goldy's ex John is beyond abusive, and I can't imagine why he isn't in jail or why she doesn't have a restraining order against him. Every scene with him makes me cringe. Goldy's son Arch is annoying beyond reproach, and acts like a 6 year old instead of a 12 year old. Everyone else, from Goldy's clients to her neighbors, are nosey or simply unpleasant.
The mystery was rather engaging, and enough red herrings were thrown in to keep me guessing who the murderer was until the very end. The conclusion happened a little too quickly for my taste, and there was hardly an epilogue; but besides that, I was satisfied. The theme of cosmetics and facials really didn't hold my interest, but luckily Goldy's cooking and serving did. That being said, the recipes included didn't sound like anything I would want to make. Issues aside, it was a smooth, quick read and I did enjoy the mystery, if not the characters.
Quick heads up for those who might take offense to this- there are many, MANY mentions of overweight people and how they looked, with a condescending nature.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 rating. This was a fun story - when I need a lighter book I enjoy Diane Mott Davidson's culinary mysteries. The many references to foods and flowers are enjoyable. This was a good mystery that wasn't easily figured out by the reader. More information was needed, and given as it went along. The reader discovered the truth right along with Goldy, the caterer. I liked Goldy, Tom, and Julian. I found the characterizations of the wealthy, over-indulgent, expensive cosmetic-buying women to be amusing. The whole depiction of the cosmetic industry as big promises with little effect had a lot of truth in it. Underneath the humor and mystery were some good lessons about family, good marriages, friendship, not-judging others, kindness & caring, and the blessing of good food! The audio reader, Barbara Rosenblat was excellent. My only criticism is that her voice puts her in the over 60 age group and sounded too old to be Goldy, who is telling the story and who is near 40.

[Amy Ayers · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve binge read too many of these without writing specific reviews and can’t remember the details of each one enough to write it’s own review. So below is a blanket review I’m giving to all of the books I’ve read so far.

These are a cute little series. I can’t say I love them, but apparently I like them enough to keep buying the next one. My biggest complaint on some of the books, is that the story follows Goldie around running her errands, and while I know it’s important for her to talk to people to build the story sometimes it’s tiring listening to her tedious errands. Also the books make me hungry all the time because she’s always going into great detail about food which is not a good thing when you’re trying to diet.

[Tara Godbolt · Rating 1 out of 5]

This series is really going downhill for me. Goldy once again is in the middle of a murder that she HAS to solve. Never mind that her very capable husband is on the job. I wonder how she would feel if he started taking over her catering assignments. She's so annoying, ditzy and judgmental. And I swear if she doesn't trip or fall over something at least 5 times a book then I'm not reading the same series. The writer can't seem to find anything sensible to do with the character. And again with the Tom Schulz. Why is she still calling him by his full name. By book 5 I'm sure someone would have pointed this out.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The fifth in this series-which I am reading because it takes place in Colorado and she's a caterer and I like reading about food. The plots are always a little forced-I mean this is seriously the fifth or sixth murder that this gal has been privy to....and she's a CATERER for Heaven's sake!!! But, due to her best friends heart attack, she decides to start cooking low fat, which was interesting...and, by the way, accurate. I've tried some of her recipes which are conveniently printed in the book-they are okay-not great...a good place to start if you like to experiment with food.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was in between 2 stars and 3 stars with this book. So, essentially I will give it 2.5 stars. The more books I read into the series, the more I am not sure if I want to continue on. In this book in particular, there were a lot of random facts thrown in at the very last minute (or chapter) to make the reader focus in a little more on the murderer. There were so many things going on and people with similar names, that I couldn't keep up with who was a suspect, who was murdered, and who was cleared. If the series continues on this way, I likely will not continue.

[Booklady · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice fluffy quick read, loaded with mouth-watering recipes. While nice to read a series in order, you can pretty much read any of this series in any order. In this book, Goldy -- a busy caterer -- helps her police detective husband once again in solving a murder. In typical Goldy fashion she is a bit too inquisitive for her own good, but manages, as usual, to catch the murderer and solve the mystery minutes before the police.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, but didn't love it. This particular book showed that the author didn't do much research on procedures. I do get that this book was wrutten in the mid 90s, but that's just it. The hospital procedures described were totally out of date by then, even at some of the most backward hospitals.
No witnesses for a hit and run in a CROWDED mall? I was disgruntled enough that it took me away from the enjoyment of characters and mystery.

[Beck · Rating 2 out of 5]

These books are really cringeworthy (Julian has that "wise, Navajo healer" spirit, really?!) And what's with Marla calling the doctor "white man?" And why does the author point out that Harriet is waiting on a black woman? It was of zero importance. And the 12 year old son acts and is rewarded like he's about 6. But the mysteries themselves are ok. Not great fiction by any means. Oh, and it'd be great if she stopped describing people by their sizes (over and over and over).

[BonLivre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another helping of delicious mystery and humor awaits in this serving of Diane Mott Davidson’s series. Goldy’s encounters are riddled with intrigue, social political rifts, and scientific discoveries. I enjoyed all of the vivid locations and minor characters that were introduced as the plot unfolded, and this mystery kept me guessing until the very end. Barbara Rosenblat continues to wow with her performance.

[Lorraine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh! This series seems to be going downhill again. I know all the murders can't be set in Aspen Meadows, but would Goldy really get so many catering jobs in Denver. And, then, why is Tom involved? At the end of the book - and I went back and read it again - I still can't figure out whether the villain committed all the crimes, and if so, why. Especially, why was the large body where it was, and how did it get there. I was left at the end of this book going, "What???"

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read two others in this series, and I liked them. This one just did not do it for me. For one thing, I noticed how the author kept repeating "important" info to the mystery. This happened so much, I started to wonder if the target audience was meant to be quite old (no offense). It was just weird.
The story was fine. It was a little far fetched, bit a clever idea.