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Death Warmed Up
A mysterious series of "accidents" plagues Jean Ainsley's Executive Meal Service, mishaps that threaten both the success of her catering business and the lives of people involved with it
Paperback
First published January 1, 1982
2 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Marian Babson
62 books88 followersMarian Babson, a pseudonym for Ruth Stenstreem, was born in Salem, Massachusetts, but lived in London for the greater part of her life.
She worked as a librarian; managed a campaign headquarters; was a receptionist, secretary, and den mother to a firm of commercial artists; and was co-editor of a machine knitting magazine, despite the fact that she can’t knit, even with two needles.
A long sojourn as a temp sent her into the heart of business life all over London, working for architects, law firms, the British Museum, a Soho club, and even a visiting superstar.
She also served as secretary to the Crime Writers’ Association. She became a full-time writer whose many interests included theatre, cinema, art, cooking, travel, and, of course, cats, which feature in many of her mystery books. Her first published work was 'Cover-Up Story' in 1971 and 'Only the Cat' (2007) was her 44th novel.
The publisher's tagline for her style is "Murder Most British," a style reflected in each of her novels. Any violence is not graphically described and the sleuths are usually amateurs.
She re-used certain characters, such as the publicity firm Perkins & Tate, and a couple of ageing actresses, her books all stand-alone and can be read in any order.
Gerry Wolstenholme
September 2010
She worked as a librarian; managed a campaign headquarters; was a receptionist, secretary, and den mother to a firm of commercial artists; and was co-editor of a machine knitting magazine, despite the fact that she can’t knit, even with two needles.
A long sojourn as a temp sent her into the heart of business life all over London, working for architects, law firms, the British Museum, a Soho club, and even a visiting superstar.
She also served as secretary to the Crime Writers’ Association. She became a full-time writer whose many interests included theatre, cinema, art, cooking, travel, and, of course, cats, which feature in many of her mystery books. Her first published work was 'Cover-Up Story' in 1971 and 'Only the Cat' (2007) was her 44th novel.
The publisher's tagline for her style is "Murder Most British," a style reflected in each of her novels. Any violence is not graphically described and the sleuths are usually amateurs.
She re-used certain characters, such as the publicity firm Perkins & Tate, and a couple of ageing actresses, her books all stand-alone and can be read in any order.
Gerry Wolstenholme
September 2010
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
April 1, 2019
An excellent cozy focused on food and catering. This would be of particular interest to those interested in traditional British cooking. Surprisingly for Babson, this one lacks cats, but it has her humorous touch.
May 6, 2018
It was OK. Probably nothig special, but was cozy, quick-read, interesting characters, nice mystery.
May 10, 2018
seemed slow, but the ending was a surprise
April 17, 2012
A fast, uncomplicated and entertaining read very typical of modern English cozy-style mysteries. Although it takes place in London, it has the small village air of a limited setting (home and work), minimal gruesome death, eccentric charactors, witty dialogue and loverly red herrings. Speaking of food, the descriptions of food preparation, menus, wines, and the delicacies offered the clients of this catering business had me wishing for recipes at the end. Engaging characters that one would almost like to see again, but not as part of a long running series because that would become boring. A quick, frothy weekend read.
January 18, 2011
Boring! Not up to Marian Babson's usual standards.
March 12, 2015
Someday I'll find a copy of this again. I loved this book.
January 24, 2016
This is, without a doubt, the most awful book I have ever, ever read! Truly dire.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews