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A Gourmet De-Lite Mystery #2
Steamed to Death
Gourmet health food caterer Gigi Fitzgerald is used to helping dieters drop a dress size. But when her clients start dropping dead, she’s ready to switch her chef’s hat for a detective’s cap and track down a killer. . .
Aging soap star Felicity Davenport is looking to revamp her image, and she’s using Gigi’s Gourmet De-Lite to help her shed a few of those unwanted pounds. Having such a high-profile client is definitely good for business, but when Felicity is found murdered in her sauna, things start getting too hot for Gigi to handle.
The list of suspects is a mile long, and Gigi’s best friend, Sienna, is at the top. Refusing to let her friend get blamed for a crime she didn’t commit, Gigi is determined to hunt down the real killer. But, as the case reaches a boiling point, Gigi will have to be careful or she could be the next one getting burned.
INCLUDES DELICIOUS—AND HEALTHY—RECIPES!
Aging soap star Felicity Davenport is looking to revamp her image, and she’s using Gigi’s Gourmet De-Lite to help her shed a few of those unwanted pounds. Having such a high-profile client is definitely good for business, but when Felicity is found murdered in her sauna, things start getting too hot for Gigi to handle.
The list of suspects is a mile long, and Gigi’s best friend, Sienna, is at the top. Refusing to let her friend get blamed for a crime she didn’t commit, Gigi is determined to hunt down the real killer. But, as the case reaches a boiling point, Gigi will have to be careful or she could be the next one getting burned.
INCLUDES DELICIOUS—AND HEALTHY—RECIPES!
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 4, 2013
About the author
Peg Cochran
28 books401 followersMystery writing lets Peg indulge her curiosity under the guise of “work” (aka research). She put pen to paper at age seven when she wrote plays and forced her cousins to perform them at Christmas dinner. She switched to mysteries when she discovered the perfect hiding place for a body down the street from her house.
When she’s not writing, she spends her time reading, cooking, spoiling her granddaughter and checking her books' stats on Amazon.
A former Jersey girl, Peg now resides in Michigan. She is the author of the Open Book Series (written as Margaret Loudon), the Murder, She Reported series, the Cranberry Cove Series, the Farmer’s Daughter series, the Gourmet De-Lite series, the Lucille series, and the Sweet Nothings Lingerie series (written as Meg London.)
When she’s not writing, she spends her time reading, cooking, spoiling her granddaughter and checking her books' stats on Amazon.
A former Jersey girl, Peg now resides in Michigan. She is the author of the Open Book Series (written as Margaret Loudon), the Murder, She Reported series, the Cranberry Cove Series, the Farmer’s Daughter series, the Gourmet De-Lite series, the Lucille series, and the Sweet Nothings Lingerie series (written as Meg London.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
April 1, 2014
Normally when I pick up a poorly written book, I stop reading it. But in this case I want to see just how bad this book can get. This novel makes me think that Peg Cochran is actually a group of writers each tackling a different chapter. discrepancy rides high in this novel and it amazes me an editor missed it all.
1. There is a 10 pound weight loss discrepancy regarding Felicity in the 1st 15 pages. Is it 20 or is it 10?
2. Does Alice always announce it is going to rain when she enters the house? And further on - does it always rain in this town????
3. The author has a terrible habit of switching between first and last names when referring to characters. This makes reading confusing such that the reader is often forced to backtrack and find out who the heck is being talked about.
4.How could Sienna even be a prime suspect when she hadn't been to Felicity's house until AFTER the body was found?
5. Gigi had been in Derek's room to take him tea (which she was told he likes with honey but she says she doesn't know how he likes so she takes honey, sugar and cream?) when he was allegedly ill so A) the author dropped the ball here when Derek wasn't in his room and Gigi (of course) never searched him out or questioned where he was and B)later when Gigi finds him dead the author describes the room through Gigi's eyes like she had never seen it before.
6.Alice hears about Derek's death and shows up at the house so her and Gigi talk about Stacy? Really?
7. The Book Nook coffee corner is described twice - the author can't even remember what she has written previously?
8. Mertz did say dinner another time despite Gigi denying that fact to Sienna - so let's return the dress because Mertz is investigating 2 murders now and hasn't rescheduled dinner. Makes sense? To who?
9.Gigi injures her ankle in the fall in the basement but continues to prepare dessert. Then she goes to the ER?
10. Vanessa should have been a prime suspect in Gigi's yes from the get-go. But this suddenly occurs to her? Some sleuth she is!
11.Then Tammy just pours out all the background info to gigi about Vanessa? A total stranger?
Continuing on - backtracking -which seems to be the way of this novel. why wouldn't super sleuth gigi verify Don's claim of Doc Hollywood's botox instead of taking his feeble word as truth and he was in the ER with chest pains when she overheard this and she doesn't for a minute suspect he A) could be another victim i.e. chest pains B) a liar. Nothing further is ever discussed about either.
So the best the author can come up with as the deep dark ominous secret is Sienna followed her husband to a casino? Now that is worth going to jail over!
Thanksgiving menu word for word what Gig had advised Declan do make but he has to show it to her written on paper? And super sleuth never once mentions Stacy?
Always a heated argument in the library. why?
Convenient article in the cookbook of all places that Gigi suddenly finds - and she never uses a cookbook. Huh.
Always DeClan then Mertz appears. Tiresome.
So there is a broken arm, a pregnancy , a not so bum ankle, and now a car accident?
So what do her clients do when their meals are no shows? They don't even call her. Bizarre.
How does 10 more days of pregnancy morph into a few more weeks? Inconsistency.
suddenly Gigi knows there is an exercise room on the 3rd floor after just telling mertz she might have seen a treadmill there and then she definitely knows Derek exercised there.
so whoever loosened Gigi's tire obviously was in the Felicity house but no connection is made to investigate that?
Duh. Been in the basement before for brandy when there were no lights and she injured her ankle and now she says she never noticed how it was laid out? Guess not - it was freaking dark there!
Oh the 10 days morph to few weeks morphs to labor.
How high is a basement ceiling??????
And mertz knows Reg's barking behavior - how?
the who-dun-it? Knew that in the first few pages but I muddled through this terrible excuse of a novel just to prove to myself it was as terrible as the first 15 pages lead me to believe it would be.
1. There is a 10 pound weight loss discrepancy regarding Felicity in the 1st 15 pages. Is it 20 or is it 10?
2. Does Alice always announce it is going to rain when she enters the house? And further on - does it always rain in this town????
3. The author has a terrible habit of switching between first and last names when referring to characters. This makes reading confusing such that the reader is often forced to backtrack and find out who the heck is being talked about.
4.How could Sienna even be a prime suspect when she hadn't been to Felicity's house until AFTER the body was found?
5. Gigi had been in Derek's room to take him tea (which she was told he likes with honey but she says she doesn't know how he likes so she takes honey, sugar and cream?) when he was allegedly ill so A) the author dropped the ball here when Derek wasn't in his room and Gigi (of course) never searched him out or questioned where he was and B)later when Gigi finds him dead the author describes the room through Gigi's eyes like she had never seen it before.
6.Alice hears about Derek's death and shows up at the house so her and Gigi talk about Stacy? Really?
7. The Book Nook coffee corner is described twice - the author can't even remember what she has written previously?
8. Mertz did say dinner another time despite Gigi denying that fact to Sienna - so let's return the dress because Mertz is investigating 2 murders now and hasn't rescheduled dinner. Makes sense? To who?
9.Gigi injures her ankle in the fall in the basement but continues to prepare dessert. Then she goes to the ER?
10. Vanessa should have been a prime suspect in Gigi's yes from the get-go. But this suddenly occurs to her? Some sleuth she is!
11.Then Tammy just pours out all the background info to gigi about Vanessa? A total stranger?
Continuing on - backtracking -which seems to be the way of this novel. why wouldn't super sleuth gigi verify Don's claim of Doc Hollywood's botox instead of taking his feeble word as truth and he was in the ER with chest pains when she overheard this and she doesn't for a minute suspect he A) could be another victim i.e. chest pains B) a liar. Nothing further is ever discussed about either.
So the best the author can come up with as the deep dark ominous secret is Sienna followed her husband to a casino? Now that is worth going to jail over!
Thanksgiving menu word for word what Gig had advised Declan do make but he has to show it to her written on paper? And super sleuth never once mentions Stacy?
Always a heated argument in the library. why?
Convenient article in the cookbook of all places that Gigi suddenly finds - and she never uses a cookbook. Huh.
Always DeClan then Mertz appears. Tiresome.
So there is a broken arm, a pregnancy , a not so bum ankle, and now a car accident?
So what do her clients do when their meals are no shows? They don't even call her. Bizarre.
How does 10 more days of pregnancy morph into a few more weeks? Inconsistency.
suddenly Gigi knows there is an exercise room on the 3rd floor after just telling mertz she might have seen a treadmill there and then she definitely knows Derek exercised there.
so whoever loosened Gigi's tire obviously was in the Felicity house but no connection is made to investigate that?
Duh. Been in the basement before for brandy when there were no lights and she injured her ankle and now she says she never noticed how it was laid out? Guess not - it was freaking dark there!
Oh the 10 days morph to few weeks morphs to labor.
How high is a basement ceiling??????
And mertz knows Reg's barking behavior - how?
the who-dun-it? Knew that in the first few pages but I muddled through this terrible excuse of a novel just to prove to myself it was as terrible as the first 15 pages lead me to believe it would be.
February 15, 2020
A solid follow-up to the first book in the series (this is #2) . In this entry, Gigi is hired to fix several meals for parties for Felicity, a soap opera diva. This is obviously good for Gigi's bank account, which continues to run low as she continues to build clients. But this particular client meets a bitter end, and of course, there are no shortages of suspects. But when the suspect pool focuses around Sienna, Gigi's very pregnant friend, then Gigi feels she has to step in to find the real killer. Because evidence, Sienna cannot be involved - even if she is withholding information.
The mystery is well constructed, and I enjoyed finding out who the killer was. We're introduced to Declan, who owns a restaurant and could be a love interest, but things between Gigi and Detective Mertz are heating up. But here's a pet peeve; Mertz is mostly referred to as Mertz. I hope in future stories that, if their relationship continues, they get on a first name basis!
As this is a culinary mystery, I'd lave liked more recipes at the end. Gigi is working on a deal in the book to bring some of her low-cal recipes to a frozen food company. These dishes are tested on clients and others through the book, and I was a little disappointed that the recipes were not included.
The biggest pet peeve I have is that Gigi seems very immature for someone who owns their own business and manages logistics as well as she does. When Mertz begs her to stay out of the investigation, she agrees, but with her fingers crossed behind her back. Really, is she a 13 year old? I hope that the character matures in subsequent installments. I plan to read further stories to see if this happens.
The mystery is well constructed, and I enjoyed finding out who the killer was. We're introduced to Declan, who owns a restaurant and could be a love interest, but things between Gigi and Detective Mertz are heating up. But here's a pet peeve; Mertz is mostly referred to as Mertz. I hope in future stories that, if their relationship continues, they get on a first name basis!
As this is a culinary mystery, I'd lave liked more recipes at the end. Gigi is working on a deal in the book to bring some of her low-cal recipes to a frozen food company. These dishes are tested on clients and others through the book, and I was a little disappointed that the recipes were not included.
The biggest pet peeve I have is that Gigi seems very immature for someone who owns their own business and manages logistics as well as she does. When Mertz begs her to stay out of the investigation, she agrees, but with her fingers crossed behind her back. Really, is she a 13 year old? I hope that the character matures in subsequent installments. I plan to read further stories to see if this happens.
Read
May 5, 2019I thought this second book started out pretty slowly, better by the end. I found out there are only 3 books, and I do have the third one, so will read it eventually. Gigi is doing some catering for soap opera star Felicity, when she is suddenly found dead in her sauna, steamed to death. Which of the fellow cast members, house guests or relatives did the dirty deed? Sienna is ready to have her baby, which could be a bad thing, when she finds herself a suspect in the murder. Who wants their baby born in jail? No fear, Gigi to the rescue.
June 12, 2013
Reviewed for Read Your Writes Book Reviews
by: Kim
www.readyourwrites.blogspot.com
STEAMED TO DEATH is the second book in the A Gourmet De-Lite Mystery Series from Peg Cochran. I’m going to say this is a standalone book since I didn’t read the first book and I had no trouble reading and following along with the story.
Gigi Fitzgerald is a personal chef living in Woodstone, Connecticut. Gigi is the person people go to for healthy meals, if they want to lose weight, and look good.
Felicity Davenport is an aging soap opera star. Felicity is worried about being replaced by younger starlet Vanessa Huff. So, Felicity turns to Gigi for help. Felicity plans a big party that includes overnight guests and asks Gigi to cater the party for her.
Less than an hour before the party starts, Felicity is found dead in her bathroom sauna. Once Felicity’s death is determined to be murder, the suspect list starts to grow with Gigi’s best friend and Felicity’s publicist, Sienna Paisley being at the top of the list. It’s true that to the public eye, Sienna has reason to want to kill Felicity. In fact, just the day before she said she could kill her for making it appear that Sienna’s husband, Oliver was having an affair with her. With her pregnant best friend at the top of the suspect list, Gigi puts on her amateur detective hat to find out who the real killer is. This puts Gigi back up against Detective Bill Mertz, who’s had issues with Gigi and her snooping in the past.
Peg introduces you to several people who could be responsible for Felicity’s murder. While it is easy to figure out who the killer is, the why is quite surprising and unexpected. I loved the little side romantic tension going on between Gigi and Mertz. I actually felt rather sorry for the guy; he was so cute.
I’m looking forward to reading more books in this series.
Rating: 3.5
Source: Blog Tour Host via Penguin-Berkley & NetGalley
by: Kim
www.readyourwrites.blogspot.com
STEAMED TO DEATH is the second book in the A Gourmet De-Lite Mystery Series from Peg Cochran. I’m going to say this is a standalone book since I didn’t read the first book and I had no trouble reading and following along with the story.
Gigi Fitzgerald is a personal chef living in Woodstone, Connecticut. Gigi is the person people go to for healthy meals, if they want to lose weight, and look good.
Felicity Davenport is an aging soap opera star. Felicity is worried about being replaced by younger starlet Vanessa Huff. So, Felicity turns to Gigi for help. Felicity plans a big party that includes overnight guests and asks Gigi to cater the party for her.
Less than an hour before the party starts, Felicity is found dead in her bathroom sauna. Once Felicity’s death is determined to be murder, the suspect list starts to grow with Gigi’s best friend and Felicity’s publicist, Sienna Paisley being at the top of the list. It’s true that to the public eye, Sienna has reason to want to kill Felicity. In fact, just the day before she said she could kill her for making it appear that Sienna’s husband, Oliver was having an affair with her. With her pregnant best friend at the top of the suspect list, Gigi puts on her amateur detective hat to find out who the real killer is. This puts Gigi back up against Detective Bill Mertz, who’s had issues with Gigi and her snooping in the past.
Peg introduces you to several people who could be responsible for Felicity’s murder. While it is easy to figure out who the killer is, the why is quite surprising and unexpected. I loved the little side romantic tension going on between Gigi and Mertz. I actually felt rather sorry for the guy; he was so cute.
I’m looking forward to reading more books in this series.
Rating: 3.5
Source: Blog Tour Host via Penguin-Berkley & NetGalley
June 5, 2013
Gigi Fitzgerald is very busy with her gourmet health food catering business in Woodstone, Connecticut. One of her clients, an aging soap opera star, Felicity Donovan, hires Gigi to help her get into shape so she doesn’t lose her stardom status. Gigi is more than happy to work for Felicity since it could do wonders for her business.
When Felicity is found dead in her sauna, things get more than a little difficult for Gigi – especially when her best friend – very pregnant friend, Sienna, is accused of the murder. Much to the dismay of the handsome Detective Mertz, Gigi conducts her own investigation. There’s no way she’s going to let her best friend have her baby in a prison cell.
Gigi is quite shocked to discover there are a number of suspects who wanted to do in Felicity from a thieving step-son to a jealous co-star to a disgruntled agent and who knows how many others? Gigi is determined to get answers.
This is the second book book in Peg Cochran’s “A Gourmet De-Lite Mystery”. I haven’t read the first one yet as I wanted to read this one for the blog tour first. I absolutely loved this book. I wasn’t sure how I would feel since I didn’t read the first book yet, but it didn’t matter. I quickly grew to love the characters, especially Gigi and Sienna.
There is a great mix of romance and mystery in this story. It even includes a few recipes. I loved every minute of it. I enjoyed trying to crack this case along with Gigi. It’s everything I love about a cozy mystery – all the elements are there. It reminded me of the classic Agatha Christie books.
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
When Felicity is found dead in her sauna, things get more than a little difficult for Gigi – especially when her best friend – very pregnant friend, Sienna, is accused of the murder. Much to the dismay of the handsome Detective Mertz, Gigi conducts her own investigation. There’s no way she’s going to let her best friend have her baby in a prison cell.
Gigi is quite shocked to discover there are a number of suspects who wanted to do in Felicity from a thieving step-son to a jealous co-star to a disgruntled agent and who knows how many others? Gigi is determined to get answers.
This is the second book book in Peg Cochran’s “A Gourmet De-Lite Mystery”. I haven’t read the first one yet as I wanted to read this one for the blog tour first. I absolutely loved this book. I wasn’t sure how I would feel since I didn’t read the first book yet, but it didn’t matter. I quickly grew to love the characters, especially Gigi and Sienna.
There is a great mix of romance and mystery in this story. It even includes a few recipes. I loved every minute of it. I enjoyed trying to crack this case along with Gigi. It’s everything I love about a cozy mystery – all the elements are there. It reminded me of the classic Agatha Christie books.
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 16, 2016
One of Gigi’s new clients is aging soap star Felicity Davenport. She needs to lose a few pounds and then plans to have an extreme makeover to give her career a boost. Felicity has also asked Gigi to do a little catering as she entertains some high profile guests from out of town. But before the guests even arrive Felicity has been steamed permanently. She was found dead in her sauna and it was definitely murder.
The cops suspect Gigi’s very pregnant friend Sienna. Gigi heats things up when she directs them toward several other suspects that have much better reasons to want the actress out of the picture. She had better be careful or she may be the next one getting burned!!
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I fell for these characters quickly while reading the first book in this series, Allergic to Death.They are even better in this one and they are joined by Declan McQuaid. He may just give Dectective Mertz a run for his money when it comes to Gigi’s affections. In addition to Sienna she has served up a nice batch of other suspects too. From Felicity’s husband, her stepson, her manager, to the young starlet that plans to replace Felicity in the starring role, and more. Each could have set the dial to cook the soap star.
The other thing I enjoy about these books is Gigi promotes healthy eating without sounding preachy and the delightful meals are described so well you can almost taste them. I wish they were really coming to our grocery stores but we are treated to a couple of recipes. One we plan to try soon as my husband just doesn’t believe it will work. I hope to post more about “Magic Omelets” soon!
You do not have to be on a diet or a foodie to love this story. A well plotted mystery with plenty of red herrings - in the story, not in the recipes
The cops suspect Gigi’s very pregnant friend Sienna. Gigi heats things up when she directs them toward several other suspects that have much better reasons to want the actress out of the picture. She had better be careful or she may be the next one getting burned!!
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I fell for these characters quickly while reading the first book in this series, Allergic to Death.They are even better in this one and they are joined by Declan McQuaid. He may just give Dectective Mertz a run for his money when it comes to Gigi’s affections. In addition to Sienna she has served up a nice batch of other suspects too. From Felicity’s husband, her stepson, her manager, to the young starlet that plans to replace Felicity in the starring role, and more. Each could have set the dial to cook the soap star.
The other thing I enjoy about these books is Gigi promotes healthy eating without sounding preachy and the delightful meals are described so well you can almost taste them. I wish they were really coming to our grocery stores but we are treated to a couple of recipes. One we plan to try soon as my husband just doesn’t believe it will work. I hope to post more about “Magic Omelets” soon!
You do not have to be on a diet or a foodie to love this story. A well plotted mystery with plenty of red herrings - in the story, not in the recipes
June 3, 2013
Steamed To Death is the second book in the A Gourmet De-Lite Mystery series. And de-lite-ful series it is too.
Soap opera star, Felicity Davenport has hired Gigi to help her lose a few pounds and to and prepare the food for a party she is giving for co-star and others from the show. Shortly before the party is to begin, Felicity is found dead in her sauna. What first appears as an accidental death, is soon to be considered murder as Gigi finds marks on the door, preventing Felicity to escape.
There is a long list of possible suspects, the first being Sienna, Gigi's dear friend. Felicity's husband is reported to have money problems, Felicity's step son is known to steal money from her. Gigi needs to look at Vanessa, co-star of the soap and someone who desperately wants Felicity role, who is sporting an expensive.
Gigi definitely has her plate full and not with her de-lite meals, if she is going to prevent Sienna from being charged with murder.
Gigi's favorite restaurant is under new ownership and the owner, Declan McQuaid, a handsome Irishman with a tendency to flirt. Most of the other main characters from Allergic To Death are back to help. Alice, a police dispatcher, helping with the meals and helping Gigi sleuth. And of course of the person that Gigi would like to know better, Detective Mertz is back. Police work seems to always get in the way, but things are looking up. Last but certainly not least, Reg is back with his lovable little Westie ways. He's even called a Hero in this book.
Delicious recipes are also included.
Definitely looking forward to book 3.
Soap opera star, Felicity Davenport has hired Gigi to help her lose a few pounds and to and prepare the food for a party she is giving for co-star and others from the show. Shortly before the party is to begin, Felicity is found dead in her sauna. What first appears as an accidental death, is soon to be considered murder as Gigi finds marks on the door, preventing Felicity to escape.
There is a long list of possible suspects, the first being Sienna, Gigi's dear friend. Felicity's husband is reported to have money problems, Felicity's step son is known to steal money from her. Gigi needs to look at Vanessa, co-star of the soap and someone who desperately wants Felicity role, who is sporting an expensive.
Gigi definitely has her plate full and not with her de-lite meals, if she is going to prevent Sienna from being charged with murder.
Gigi's favorite restaurant is under new ownership and the owner, Declan McQuaid, a handsome Irishman with a tendency to flirt. Most of the other main characters from Allergic To Death are back to help. Alice, a police dispatcher, helping with the meals and helping Gigi sleuth. And of course of the person that Gigi would like to know better, Detective Mertz is back. Police work seems to always get in the way, but things are looking up. Last but certainly not least, Reg is back with his lovable little Westie ways. He's even called a Hero in this book.
Delicious recipes are also included.
Definitely looking forward to book 3.
August 30, 2015
I really liked this book! STEAMED TO DEATH, the second in Peg Cochran's Gourmet De-lite Mystery series, continues following Gigi Fitzgerald and her career in food preparation. Although her main focus is providing 3-a-day low calorie meals for her clients, Gigi has taken on a catering job at the home of a local celebrity, soap opera star Felicity Davenport. When Felicity ends up dead, Sienna, Gigi's best friend, is under suspicion because she was Miss Davenport's secretary. Ms. Cochran has created a clever plot with fascinating characters and placed them in a beautiful mansion in Connecticut. There's a sweet romantic undercurrent between Gigi and police Detective Mertz, and lots of cooking tips, too. I'll definitely be reading the next one!
June 21, 2013
I liked this book. I'd rather it be from Gigi's point of view. If it were, I think some places would flow better. I have a vague recollection of a couple of continuity inconsistencies, but the one that sticks out the most is on page 283 when Gigi gets into her MINI, but her MINI was in the shop and she had driven Alice's Taurus.
I will continue to read the series. I appreciate Gigi's earnestness, and I look forward to seeing where her romance goes.
I will continue to read the series. I appreciate Gigi's earnestness, and I look forward to seeing where her romance goes.
July 16, 2018
I am blaming this story for not getting any housework done. Once again Gigi is delivering her special meals but this time she is working for a Soap star and only catering to her meal needs, but when her client is steamed to death Gigi can't help but to investigate.
Nice, quick little read. I'm enjoying this series.
Nice, quick little read. I'm enjoying this series.
September 24, 2018
Would have given 2 more stars, despite the TSTL that the main characters were on occasion, because I don't expect much from my cozys, but for the scene where the main character and her love interest briefly crap on about how getting a kitten declawed is a good idea.
Oh hell no.
Oh hell no.
July 17, 2017
Peg Cochran returns with an amusing second instalment for Gigi Fitzgerald, the Gourmet de-Lite caterer who is always stumbling into murderous mysteries in a small town that hadn't seen an unexplained death in decades before her arrival. . . To make things worse, her very pregnant best friend Sienna is at the top of the suspect list so naturally Gigi can't mind her own business and leave the alluring Detective Mertz to do his job. The balance between Gigi solving the crime and Mertz looking like a dumb cluck plodder who doesn't seem to have a clue is nicely balanced, so this time round I could accept that she'd once again got ahead of him. I've just got the feeling if he keeps on being beaten to the punch by the sweetly naive Gigi we will start to ask ourselves if he's worth his pay! A light funny read, with the requisite tempting foodie stuff for those who enjoy perusing the menu.
Read
October 17, 2018The first one was cute and a quick, fun read.
This one is exactly the same book just change the murder victim.
1. Apparently none of the characters in this book have heard of confidentiality. A paralegal should know she’s not supposed to discuss clients’ business.
2. We get it. Gigi’s biological clock is ticking and her ex husband was a jerk. Get over it already.
3. How does she have time to cook and deliver 3 meals a day to her two clients and snoop for clues?
4. For someone who is offering lifestyle advice to her dieting clients, she doesn’t seem to follow any of it herself.
5. Declawing cats is inhumane and she’s completely lost me as a fan for even suggesting it.
That’s how she lost all the stars for my rating.
This one is exactly the same book just change the murder victim.
1. Apparently none of the characters in this book have heard of confidentiality. A paralegal should know she’s not supposed to discuss clients’ business.
2. We get it. Gigi’s biological clock is ticking and her ex husband was a jerk. Get over it already.
3. How does she have time to cook and deliver 3 meals a day to her two clients and snoop for clues?
4. For someone who is offering lifestyle advice to her dieting clients, she doesn’t seem to follow any of it herself.
5. Declawing cats is inhumane and she’s completely lost me as a fan for even suggesting it.
That’s how she lost all the stars for my rating.
November 18, 2019
In Steamed to Death - the second Gourmet De-Lite Mystery by Peg Cochran, Gigi finds herself solving another murder in order to help protect her pregnant friend, Sienna from being arrested. Gigi and Detective Mertz are once again toe to toe over her involvement, although it appears they might want to get closer than that!
January 21, 2023
It's the dark days of January and I am reading "fluff" I loved the animals, the dogs are delightful. I guessed the murdered but I loved two men to make our heroine flush with embarassment.
June 18, 2024
3 1/2 Stars
January 24, 2025
It was cute. I figured it out before she did.
September 25, 2016
This is the second book in the De-Lite Mystery series, and unfortunately it is not holding my interest as much as I would like it to. The main character, Gigi, runs a business where she prepares low calorie meals for people. In this book, she agrees to cater a dinner party for a soap actress who lives in the town. Just prior to the dinner, she actress is found dead. Of course, there are many potential suspects with several motives. When Gigi's best friend, Sienna, becomes the police's main suspect, Gigi is determined to find the real killer. Toward the end of the book, it's pretty apparent who the killer is and why. However, even though the clues are right in Gigi's face, she doesn't put it together. While I generally like the main character, sometimes she acts too naive and less smart than I believe a typical person would act. For example, she doesn't know what lug nuts are on a tire. Really? In the last book, Gigi had a romantic interest in the police detective. She toys around with that again, and there is another male character who arrives to peak her interest. I usually like these cozy mysteries that include recipes at the end. However, I was a little disappointed with the recipes included. Throughout the book, Gigi describes some meals she makes that sound really good. I would have like some of those to make it to the back of the book. Maybe next time...we'll see.
June 15, 2013
Meh. This is really more 2.5 stars. The main character, while not unappealing, isn't really three dimensional enough to be appealing. No hint of spark, or humour - even her "temper" isn't really much of anything to make one sit up and take notice. She's terribly earnest and has a hint of wounded bird about her that makes me want to tell her to suck it up and get over it. Comments about her biological clock were about three to many. The 'romance' is rather tepid as well, although the men are likeable and appealing enough. If all the characters were 20-30 years older, the whole character dynamic would work better, I think. (ok, maybe not the biological clock bit.)
The plot was, well, I don't know. I pegged the villain very early on in the book so the whole thing felt predictable.
I want to like this series - there are themes and bits that appeal to me, but I just don't know that I'll be continuing on with it beyond this book.
The plot was, well, I don't know. I pegged the villain very early on in the book so the whole thing felt predictable.
I want to like this series - there are themes and bits that appeal to me, but I just don't know that I'll be continuing on with it beyond this book.
April 9, 2014
Book two was a little better than book 1, but there were still too many clunky shifts in the narrative for me to truly enjoy the entire story. I also would have liked to have had a better sense of how much time had passed from book 1 to book 2. Two things bothered me. One, the abrupt removal of two characters from book 1, with no explanation as to why or where they went. I realize that they were on of my annoyances in book 1, but they were and easy fix. The other little plot point that bothered me was with the shop clerk at the upscale store Gigi goes to in book 1, where she is given a chilly reception, is given "good deals" in book 2. What changed? I feel that this series is not for me and I will not be reading any more of this series. It hopefully will improve as it goes as it does have potential, but not enough for me to continue.
October 3, 2013
Just finished Steamed to Death last night, the second in the Gourmet De-lite Mystery series. I did enjoy this book, but the first one Allergic to Death is my favorite of the two. I like the slow progress in the romance between GiGi and Detective Mertz (I hope Declan is just a distraction). Detective Mertz really won me over this book as a love interest – there is a scene with a kitten that just did it for me. The other characters are interesting and provided red herrings in solving the murders (plural). There was one clue that was a little heavy handed and I solved the mystery right at that point, but it did not spoil the book for me. It wasn’t that far from the end anyway.
Light, fun mystery with cooking and animals and small town life mixed all together.
Light, fun mystery with cooking and animals and small town life mixed all together.
July 16, 2013
This new series is quickly becoming one of my favorites! Between the super cozy weather descriptions that really make you feel like it's fall, thecute descriptions of Gigi's dog Reg and all the yummy sounding food that Gigi is constantly preparing for her clients, this book is a truly COZY cozy mystery. I can't wait for the next in this series! I hope there is a Christmas themed installment coming soon because I feel like the authors descriptions are so great that I would really be transported to the holidays.
September 21, 2015
This was a great mystery book that was really hard to put down. The main character of this book is Gigi Fitzgerald is a gourmet health food caterer who solves mysteries on the side. This mystery centers around an aging soap star named Felicity Davenport who is one of Gigi's clients. She's using her Gigi's Gourmet Delights to help her shed a few unwanted pounds. Next thing you know, Gigi finds Felicity murdered in her sauna and things get really crazy. This book has lots of twists and turns and worth picking up for a read. Will definitely find more of her books to read.
April 25, 2014
Steamed to Death by Peg Cochran is the second book in A Gourmet De-lite mystery series which has become a favourite of mine.A plumbing catastrophe at her cottage sees Gigi moving into soap star star Felicity Davenport's kitchen. When Felicity is found "steamed to death" in her sauna and the clues start pointing to her friend Sienna, Gigi is once again looking for the real killer. This mystery was even better than the first and I especially enjoy the healthy food tips and descriptions. Healthy recipes are also included and I'm looking forward to the next instalment.
July 19, 2014
This series has potential, but needs more thorough editing as there were a number of inconsistencies. For example, her friend is due to give birth in 10 days initially, but later she says it's a few weeks away. One character breaks her arm, but then meets GiGi for lunch and there is no mention of it. After that, suddenly the woman hasn't been able to get out of the house due to not being able to drive. There were numerous issues like this. I do like the setting and characters, so will try reading the third one.
July 10, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. The writing was good and I liked the characters. And of course all the cooking and and food descriptions. But the reason I gave this book only 4 stars were all the annoying discrepancies throughout the book. Like for example; when Gigi parks her friends Taurus only to come back out to get into her own MINI???? There are more but I don't want to spoil the story for anyone. Maybe a better proofreader next time? Very frustrating, especially when you have a good story buried beneath all the mistakes.
September 19, 2013
this is a fun series! I love to cook and the idea of cooking for people to help them lose weight/be healthier is an intriguing idea. Of course any time food is mentioned I'm all in! Gigi manages to find herself in the thick of things and discovers (almost too late) who the murderer is and of course nearly gets herself killed....but that is how cozies always turn out!
I sort of suspected who the killer was, nothing concrete just a gut feeling.
I sort of suspected who the killer was, nothing concrete just a gut feeling.
June 9, 2013
The second in the series didn't fail to keep me drawn in. This time Gigi is working for a soap opera star. There's not one but two murders and so many suspects you can't keep track. Gigi's best friend Sienna is even suspect. Who really did do it? How do you feel about handsome hunks? Well, there are two. I had it sort of figured out but not until the very end and not for the reason I thought....boy was I off there. Still a great book and am looking forward to the next one in the series.
March 31, 2014
Gigi Fitzgerald makes low cal meals for people who want to lose weight. She is hired by a soap opera star to help her. In addtion, she has her catering meals for her many guests. Gigi gets involved when a body is found and they are suspecting a very pregnant Sienna. Also Gigi is dealing with two suitors and awaiting news of a big contract. The mystery was interesting as many showed up on the radar. I enjoyed the mystery and Gigi's suitor dilemma. good cozy mysyery
May 24, 2014
I would say 2 and out with this series, but I have the third one around here somewhere, so will read it eventually. There is no spark with these books. Don't love any of the characters. Don't hate 'em, guess they're just there. Like I said, I'll get to the third one...........one of these days. Ho hum!
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