Fine Dining

Trudie Fine Mystery #2

by Gale Deitch

Trudie Fine’s romantic dinner with Detective Daniel Goldman is cut short by a gruesome murder. When her good friend May Dubois is discovered sitting by the body of her dead brother, holding a bloody knife, the case seems as cut and dried as sliced okra. From the start, however, Trudie believes in her friend and sets out to prove May’s innocence.

But if May isn’t the killer, who is?

Taking over as temporary manager at May’s New Orleans-themed restaurant to do some sleuthing plunges Trudie into a jambalaya of dangerous waters.

*Recipes Included

Genres: Mystery

266 pages, Paperback

First published December 13, 2014

About the author

Gale Deitch enjoys writing all types of fiction--novels, short stories, flash fiction and poetry. Her short fiction and poetry have appeared in various literary magazines and journals.

Although most culinary mysteries take place in small town USA locales, having been born and raised in the Washington, DC area, Gale's Trudie Fine Mystery Series, and much of her other writing, is based in her hometown, Washington, DC. The series currently includes "A Fine Fix," "Fine Dining," "Fine Arts," "A Fine Line," and "A Fine Grain of Sand." Like her protagonist, Trudie Fine, Gale loves to cook, read cookbooks, watch cooking shows on TV, and of course, eat. All of the books in the series include recipes of dishes that appear in the stories. Many of these recipes are provided by James Turner, the executive chef at Blue 44 Restaurant in Washington, DC.

Gale is retired and writing full time. Gale has two grown children and one grandchild and lives with her husband in Georgetown, Delaware.

Reviews

[Kimberly Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A second helping of culinary-cozy sleuth Trudie Fine & her dishy detective Daniel Goldman. A little less of sleuthing and a little more of Trudie getting caught in the middle compared to the first book. Works as a stand-alone if you haven't read the first, but I think they'd be better in order.

[Cynthia Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Find Dining

This is another book by Gale that I thoroughly enjoyed! I adore the characters; they are interesting and engaging. Trudy is entertaining with the terminology she uses instead of using curse words. It is enjoyable to read a book without curse words in every paragraph.

[Jennifer Hartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick delicious mystery!

[Joni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this one

A good cozy mystery with the main character who is not a gorgeous young woman. Glad to see someone writing a book about someone like me...a bit plump.

[M.L. Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The star in this kitchen-centric story is Trudie Fine, a caterer who loves brightly colored clothes, is growing accustomed to a new boyfriend in her life in the form of a handsome detective, and whose loyalty for a close friend lands her in the middle of a murder investigation.

This time, the story centers around, Maybeline and her New Orleans themed restaurant. If you read the first book in the series, A Fine Fix, you’ll recognize this spicy character who always had time to listen to Trudie’s troubles and provide sage advice. This time, it’s Maybeline who needs the help when she becomes the prime suspect in a murder. Trudie isn’t only a friendly ear. She and her detective boyfriend, Daniel Goldman were in the restaurant at the time of the murder, making them both witnesses in an investigation that could land Trudie’s best friend in jail for a very long time.

The rich cast of characters in this mystery make it difficult to figure out the solution to the puzzles but, like a long meal of multiple courses, you’ll gladly keep with it until the sticky, gooey desert.

The added treat is that the book closes out with several recipes supplied by the chef at restaurant Blue 44 in Washington D.C., James Turner. Each recipe features a dish highlighted in the book. The recipes are like an added delight to the nourishing story that will gratify any mystery lovers craving.

[Christa Nardi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trudie Fine and her long time friend Zach run a catering business, but that takes second fiddle to her friend May's problems when May's brother is killed and she's holding the murder weapon. Trudie wants to help May and agrees to "manage" the New Orleans themed restaurant with all the personalities that work there, including the Chef who doesn't welcome her help. Trudie's romance with Daniel cools off a bit while she stays at May's, with the advances of May's lawyer adding a bit of tension. Her attempt to surprise him at his place backfires humorously. In the meantime, though she doesn't seem any closer to the killer, the men in her life are not pleased with her as they try to keep her safe.

The relationships and the descriptions are rich and engaging. There are several subplots that keep the story moving and some, like the romance between Trudie and Daniel, that likely could continue. It isn't obvious who the killer is until the end but the conclusion makes sense and the wrap up is warm and fuzzy. And, of course, the recipes...

This is the second in the Trudy Fine Mystery series, but it can be read as a stand alone - I will have to go back and read A FINE FIX! I hope Deitch has a third one in the works!


I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fine Dining: A Trudie Fine Mystery, Book 2
: Gale Deitch



Book 2 in the Trudie series. This fast paced cozy mystery / romance is well done. The author kept me guessing between at least 3 villains. It wasn't until the end when the reveal happened with an ............oh yeah! I look forward to the next installment of this Fine series!!


The narration was well done.The characters were well portrayed. Kristin James voice of Trudie could be a bit more mature, but that's just my opinion. I adore the voicing of May!!!!



"I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator."

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent mystery! Fine NOLA food, good friends, a whodunit, and a good cop, what more could you ask for? The plot moves along quickly and the characters are basically fun. Some good situational humor and snappy dialog add to the story. The publisher's blurb gives hints so there is no need for spoilers.
Kristin James is great at providing voice and emotion to the text.
I requested and received a free review copy from the publisher, author, or narrator courtesy of AudioBookBOOM.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great writer. Love the tales of Trudie Fine. Her characters are fun, colorful and you like them alot. Makes you wanting to read her next book. She keeps you guessing who the killer is and hard to narrow down who did it. Great cozy!

[FangirlNation · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Fine Dining by Gale Deitch, Trudie and her detective boyfriend, Daniel, spend an evening out dining at Maybelline's, the restaurant of Trudie's close friend May. A couple times during the night, they hear a disturbance in the kitchen, which Trudie learns is related to the fact that a gang has been demanding payment for protection from all the local establishments. May has been standing up to them, so far successfully, but she learns that her brother, Micah, who has recently joined her from their native New Orleans, has been paying the gang on the sly. This leads to strife between the siblings, bringing all in the kitchen to a standstill, but which May pretty expertly deals with. However, as the couple is waiting for their dinner cheque to arrive, loud screams ring from outside, sending Daniel and Trudie running to the back alley, where they see May sitting on the ground next to the body of her dead brother, screaming while waving a large knife around in the air. Daniel is forced to arrest the woman for fratricide.

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