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Goldy Bear Culinary Mystery #14
Sweet Revenge
Goldy Schulz is thrilled to be catering a holiday breakfast feast for the staff of the Aspen Meadow Library. But little does she know that on the menu, alongside the Great Expectations Grapefruit, Chuzzlewit Cheese Pie, and Bleak House Bars, is a large helping of murder.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published August 21, 2007
328 people are currently reading
2466 people want to read
About the author
Diane Mott Davidson
82 books2,328 followers 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 551 reviews
April 30, 2023
Book Review
3 of 5 stars for Sweet Revenge, the 14th book in the "Goldy Bear Schultz Culinary" cozy mystery series, written in 2007 by Diane Mott Davidson. I enjoyed this book and have been rather fond of the series, but it was not without its issues. What's great about this edition is not only do you have the normal delicious and fun recipes, but you've got a mystery about old maps and books. Goldy's catering at the library and serves up some fun themes between what she's preparing and the murder she needs to solve. And on top of the normal fun, the woman who killed Goldy's ex, thought to be dead, has popped back up. Is it her our a look-a-like? And if it's her, does she want revenge on Goldy, or are they on the same side? Lots of open questions, but given this deals with stuff that happened in a prior book, you need to have read the first one. But you also feel it's a bit repetitive. That said, Goldy is a great character and I love all the shenanigans.
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.
3 of 5 stars for Sweet Revenge, the 14th book in the "Goldy Bear Schultz Culinary" cozy mystery series, written in 2007 by Diane Mott Davidson. I enjoyed this book and have been rather fond of the series, but it was not without its issues. What's great about this edition is not only do you have the normal delicious and fun recipes, but you've got a mystery about old maps and books. Goldy's catering at the library and serves up some fun themes between what she's preparing and the murder she needs to solve. And on top of the normal fun, the woman who killed Goldy's ex, thought to be dead, has popped back up. Is it her our a look-a-like? And if it's her, does she want revenge on Goldy, or are they on the same side? Lots of open questions, but given this deals with stuff that happened in a prior book, you need to have read the first one. But you also feel it's a bit repetitive. That said, Goldy is a great character and I love all the shenanigans.
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.
December 1, 2007
This could very well be the worst Goldy mystery yet. Not only are the characters mere two-dimensional puppets, Goldy has turned into a narcissitic busy-body who I found myself rooting against. The supporting characters are merely that -- props that allow Goldy to to do whatever the heck she wants and then pull her out of trouble when she finds herself stuck.
How many times can one person put themselves in harrowing circumstances with no clear reason? How often can Goldy tromp over her friends and lie to everyone under the sun to stick her nose where it doesn't belong? How many map dealers could there possibly be in one small town? And how often can DMD use the phrases "white stuff," "two-step," and "quickstep?" The mystery itself doesn't make much sense, and Goldy vacillates from feeling sorry for Sandy to quaking in her boots at the mere mention of her name.
I used to love this series, but I'm afraid it just went onto my "don't waste your time list."
How many times can one person put themselves in harrowing circumstances with no clear reason? How often can Goldy tromp over her friends and lie to everyone under the sun to stick her nose where it doesn't belong? How many map dealers could there possibly be in one small town? And how often can DMD use the phrases "white stuff," "two-step," and "quickstep?" The mystery itself doesn't make much sense, and Goldy vacillates from feeling sorry for Sandy to quaking in her boots at the mere mention of her name.
I used to love this series, but I'm afraid it just went onto my "don't waste your time list."
January 14, 2011
Skip to the last chapter. Read that. It's faster and less painful.
I can suspend reality and accept the coincidences of all those involved in the murders are in Goldy's life right now, that she's super-sleuth compared to the cops, and similar quirks associated with the murder-mystery genre. But Super Goldy, as she is in this book, is just too much. What human can set up for a catering event, and deal with cops after finding a body one evening, then the next day cater three events, plus run around town, deal with visitors dropping by, and taxi her son and his friends from snowboarding, and the next day get up early for church, crash a car, fall down a ravine (hitting treeS and rocks), run around town again, visit the ski slope and be knocked out, go to the hospital, get up the next morning for a quickie with her husband before catering another event...and solve a mystery. Did I mention that it was snowing the whole time? Caffeine is great, but please. That's 72 hours. No way.
My other big beef with the book is that the plot, at least for the first half of the book, only moves along by people TELLING Goldy information. What a boring way to develop a mystery. And then once a chapter (at least) Goldy reviews the information and events (I swear she narrates the main murder three or four times within 50 pages of it happening). She throws in speculation/question after speculation/question that are already obvious to a reader only half paying attention. "Why is Sandee here? How did she not die in the fire? Who murdered Drew Wellington?" Duh. We realize those are questions to be answered: you don't have to spell them out for us OVER AND OVER.
The characters are all pretty flat and unimaginative, and in this audio version, the men all sound impatient, angry, and rude; the women are self-centred and weepy; and the kids are whiners. Or maybe that's just the writing.
If you like to read a chapter a week, this book is for you. If you want to be treated like an intelligent reader, try PD James. I think I'm done with Goldy Bear and her stupid catering business "Where everything is justright boring".
I can suspend reality and accept the coincidences of all those involved in the murders are in Goldy's life right now, that she's super-sleuth compared to the cops, and similar quirks associated with the murder-mystery genre. But Super Goldy, as she is in this book, is just too much. What human can set up for a catering event, and deal with cops after finding a body one evening, then the next day cater three events, plus run around town, deal with visitors dropping by, and taxi her son and his friends from snowboarding, and the next day get up early for church, crash a car, fall down a ravine (hitting treeS and rocks), run around town again, visit the ski slope and be knocked out, go to the hospital, get up the next morning for a quickie with her husband before catering another event...and solve a mystery. Did I mention that it was snowing the whole time? Caffeine is great, but please. That's 72 hours. No way.
My other big beef with the book is that the plot, at least for the first half of the book, only moves along by people TELLING Goldy information. What a boring way to develop a mystery. And then once a chapter (at least) Goldy reviews the information and events (I swear she narrates the main murder three or four times within 50 pages of it happening). She throws in speculation/question after speculation/question that are already obvious to a reader only half paying attention. "Why is Sandee here? How did she not die in the fire? Who murdered Drew Wellington?" Duh. We realize those are questions to be answered: you don't have to spell them out for us OVER AND OVER.
The characters are all pretty flat and unimaginative, and in this audio version, the men all sound impatient, angry, and rude; the women are self-centred and weepy; and the kids are whiners. Or maybe that's just the writing.
If you like to read a chapter a week, this book is for you. If you want to be treated like an intelligent reader, try PD James. I think I'm done with Goldy Bear and her stupid catering business "Where everything is just
February 3, 2022
I usually favor Goldy over Hannah and Lucy when it comes to the most popular three cozy heroines. Towards the end of the 14th book I was ready to throw in the towel and dub Goldy a moron. But hey I've read all Flukes dragged out mysteries and many Meier's lackluster mysteries. I don't give up easily. Besides the fact the book was much longer than usual and the end felt very rushed and that the killer's motive was weak and not thought out I felt like Goldy was a total idiot. This time around, I started questioning why cozy heroines end up in the clutches of a killer in every book? Why these women who are able to figure out what the cops can't prevent their own abduction and attempted murder? This time around it was pretty blatant, Goldy was acting recklessly and asking for trouble. What normal person who has been brutally attacked twice in once day decides to go towards where they think a killer is hiding? An idiot. Usually I felt bad for Goldy and wondered why Davidson made her the victim all the time. Now I am just starting to think Goldy's choices make it easier for her to be the victim. No one's luck is that good she should be dead by now. With 2 books left to go in the series, I'm hoping Davidson will either start to wrap it up or get with the program and Goldy will start to behave more rationally. Either way this tripe is getting old.
September 29, 2009
I used to really love the Goldy Bear mysteries. The way she would wax rhapsodic about the food she was preparing or tasting was always a fun read. Unfortunately, this book was the worst of the entire series so far. Honestly, how many times can one person endure life-threatening injuries in one day? In Goldy's case, the answer is apparently 3. I also found her constant questioning of the facts for pages and pages at multiple points in the story to be tedious. This is not a 1000 page novel!! I'm sure your average reader can remember everything that happened in the previous 25-30 pages without the author needing to go over it ad nauseum. And, frankly, I'm with Arch: let the boy grow up already and stop being such a freakishly over-protective mom!!! I don't know if I'll read any of the further mysteries in this series or if I'll just start back over with Catering to Nobody and stop before I get to this stinker.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2016
Overly longgggg and wordy. I actually like the food/cooking descriptions, but I can't stand the repetition and tangents. Plus, I was bummed that even though this book takes place at Christmas there is virtually no discussion of the holiday season. Goldy doesn't even cater any holiday parties or make any seasonal recipes, it might as well have taken place in March :(
August 13, 2011
It was refreshing to read a gentle mystery. There were murders, crazy people, mean people, skulduggery but all without the graphic details. This is an example of the only sex scene in the book, "We made love in the shower." I don't need to know any more than that.
There are plenty of humorous antics and recipes at the end (Goldie, the main character, is a caterer).
There are plenty of humorous antics and recipes at the end (Goldie, the main character, is a caterer).
July 1, 2024
I haven't read a book in this series in over a decade, and I was happy to be back in the world of Goldilocks Catering. Goldie is getting grumpier with age and seems unable to get off her very sweet son's back, but she is still a compelling protagonist. The characters in her inner circle - Marla, Tom, Julian - are distinct and entertaining.
The mystery, on the other hand, is incoherent. Some guy gets killed three different ways (and Davidson sadly missed an opportunity for a Murder on the Orient Express reference here), there are maps attained in various unethical ways, ex and future wives, a *bunch* of cranky characters, grooming, a serial killer...Almost any one of these elements could have been a book in itself, but here they are all thrown together. There are a ton of loose ends, but by the end I was more worried about Goldie's caffeine consumption than who did it.
If you have a chance to listen to Barbara Rosenblatt's narration of the early books in this series, I recommend doing it.
The mystery, on the other hand, is incoherent. Some guy gets killed three different ways (and Davidson sadly missed an opportunity for a Murder on the Orient Express reference here), there are maps attained in various unethical ways, ex and future wives, a *bunch* of cranky characters, grooming, a serial killer...Almost any one of these elements could have been a book in itself, but here they are all thrown together. There are a ton of loose ends, but by the end I was more worried about Goldie's caffeine consumption than who did it.
If you have a chance to listen to Barbara Rosenblatt's narration of the early books in this series, I recommend doing it.
May 16, 2018
This was an audiobook, so I'll begin with the reader. Barbara Rosenblat is one of my favorite readers, though I have to admit, I don't think this was her best work. A lot of her male voices sounded so similar, I sometimes had trouble telling them apart. They all sounded adolescent, which was fine for the adolescent character, but not for the adults. And more than once, when she read an attribution followed by an adverb ("she said hesitantly"), I didn't think the tone of her voice matched the adverb. It was enough to pull me from the story while I wondered why she'd said it the way she had. Still, her reading may have been what got me all the way through the story.
I had trouble caring about the characters and I'm not sure why. It's not that they were all unpleasant or even uninteresting. I did have a bit of trouble keeping the suspects/victims/other players straight. They almost all seemed to be cut from the same mold~ that is, all the same type of people (mega-wealthy, white, entitled, and not much else). The main character, Goldy, is a caterer, and this was set in December, so it was her busy season, yet I really got tired of her cooking constantly and describing her cooking in great detail as she did it. I didn't need that much detail (I do like to cook, but perhaps not so much as I thought). There were plenty of nice red herrings in the mystery plot, fairly well laid out, and the solution worked, but somehow, I was unsatisfied.
But I'll give the novel the benefit of the doubt~ it was a library book and some of the CD tracks skipped so I missed bits of the story. Maybe I missed something important.
I had trouble caring about the characters and I'm not sure why. It's not that they were all unpleasant or even uninteresting. I did have a bit of trouble keeping the suspects/victims/other players straight. They almost all seemed to be cut from the same mold~ that is, all the same type of people (mega-wealthy, white, entitled, and not much else). The main character, Goldy, is a caterer, and this was set in December, so it was her busy season, yet I really got tired of her cooking constantly and describing her cooking in great detail as she did it. I didn't need that much detail (I do like to cook, but perhaps not so much as I thought). There were plenty of nice red herrings in the mystery plot, fairly well laid out, and the solution worked, but somehow, I was unsatisfied.
But I'll give the novel the benefit of the doubt~ it was a library book and some of the CD tracks skipped so I missed bits of the story. Maybe I missed something important.
May 29, 2008
Murder and mayhem set against the backdrop of stealing maps from rare book libraries...Although if we had referred to said libraries as "what's called Special Collections" one more time, I was going to go crazy.
January 23, 2020
As always, I enjoyed this book in this series
July 14, 2023
I agree with others that doubt whether the original author actually wrote this. There is so much that is inconsistent with prior books. Disappointing.
July 28, 2013
I grabbed this audio book as an antidote to a long 8 hour drive this summer. I wanted something entertaining and engaging enough to keep boredom at bay and my eyes wide awake. I broke my own rule with this story and deviated from starting a series at the very beginning. As everyone always says about most series, "you don't need to read them from the beginning." This is one of the places I exhibit a little OCD in my life, let me have it. But, that statement does apply in this case. A little long (10 disks) but enjoyable and I'm happy to report that it keep me awake and engaged the whole way...and then some. My only criticism is the author's habit of having her character review everything that has happened up to that poin,t on numerous occasions. She must encounter a lot of readers with short term memory. A minor inconvenience for a fun little murder mystery with recipes to boot. I'm afraid I can't remember the name of the woman who read the novel for the CD but she was very good. She had an amazing ability to alter her voice just slightly for a different character that was easily discernible. Not the easiest thing to do when asked to do voices for more than 5 woman and 6 men, a few of which were teenage boys. Well done!
September 11, 2007
My friend Gretchen shared this author with me. Diane Mott Davidson has a series of Culinary Mysteries that are, in Gretchen's words, "potato chips for the mind". No deep, dark insights here...but wonderfully commentary on the foibles and peculiarities of the mountain community people of Colorado..some of whom are Episcopalians. Yes, the main character espouses faith. So delightful!
Best bonus is that the main sleuth is a Caterer and proceeds to solve crimes while on the various jobs she takes on. All the recipes mentioned are collected in the back of the book. Yum!!!
Best bonus is that the main sleuth is a Caterer and proceeds to solve crimes while on the various jobs she takes on. All the recipes mentioned are collected in the back of the book. Yum!!!
October 10, 2014
Why do I keep reading these books? Oh right, because when a challenge requires food in the story or on the cover, I know I can find a Diane Mott Davidson book at the library. I hate this stupid caterer and her idiot circle of family and friends. I wish Aspen Whatever would disappear in an avalanche. The phrase "too stupid to live" was invented for this moronic woman. I've got to find a better class of books with food involved and dump this dummy forever.
July 19, 2012
One of the worst books I have ever read. It was our monthly pick for the mystery book club at the library, so that is why I read it. Completely unbelievable book and if you like actual mysteries you will likely hate it. If you like "fluff" that you don't have to think about, then you might like it but if you do, then unfriend me so that I never take your recommendation for a book.
December 4, 2015
I know some may think it's corny, but I really like the food-related mysteries by Diane Mott Davidson. Every once in a while, I actually find a recipe I like. But mostly, Davidson writes a good story.
In Sweet Revenge, Sandee Brisbane returns. The story takes place during a winter season, and I finished it during my own snowy season. Another good mystery.
In Sweet Revenge, Sandee Brisbane returns. The story takes place during a winter season, and I finished it during my own snowy season. Another good mystery.
May 1, 2016
Good book
It amazes me how well the author knows how teenage boys act and feel. Having one of my own, I can attest to the eye rolls.
All of the books in this series make me think about the duality of humans; how people can be generous and dangerous, good and evil. It is in everyone to be either way...it is up to the person to choose the right path.
It amazes me how well the author knows how teenage boys act and feel. Having one of my own, I can attest to the eye rolls.
All of the books in this series make me think about the duality of humans; how people can be generous and dangerous, good and evil. It is in everyone to be either way...it is up to the person to choose the right path.
July 6, 2008
Another good mystery by this author. Good recipes included also. I always get hungry when reading her books! I recommend this book and others from her series for a nice read.
July 4, 2008
The Goldy Bear mysteries are brain candy. Fun characters, good recipes at the end.
October 18, 2008
I like this series of books. They are quick read books that are fun. Goldie Schlutz is always getting into some kind of trouble. She is funny.
November 28, 2011
Goldy deals with map dealing and murder.
July 9, 2021
Set in Aspen Meadows with the beautiful Colorado scenery as the background, Goldy Schulz is busily preparing for the upcoming Christmas holiday as any mother of a 15-year-old would be. The only difference? Goldy owns a small catering business that employs only two people, herself and her former tenant Julian, the business operates out of her house, her new husband Tom is an investigator with the Sherrif's Department, she has a way of finding dead bodies and becoming involved in the investigations (sometimes on the list of suspects), and her best friend Marla is the self-titled queen of gossips in Aspen Meadows.
As Christmas Day approaches, Goldy finds herself busily preparing for the many parties she has booked for her catering business. Although she feels overworked, she is happy knowing that her business is booming and that she has booked some new clients. One such client, Smithfield and Hermie MacArthur are one of the richest couples that live in Aspen Meadows. Goldy considers the booking of their two catered events (one a Friday night buffet to show off Smithfield's new antique map, and the other a Monday luncheon with the map dealer Drew Wellington to celebrate the finding of the map) to be the highlight of the season.
But when one of the invited guests to the MacArthur's affairs ends up dead at the public library just as Goldy is setting up for the catered employee/volunteer breakfast the gossip line of Aspen Meadows is in full swing and airing out everyone's laundry! Will the local law enforcement be able to solve the mystery before the killer strikes again?
Once again, Diane Mott Davidson brings back the familiar characters (Goldy, Tom, Arch, Julian, & Marla) while introducing the reader to a cast of new characters specifically for the novel (the MacArthurs, Drew Wellington, Father Pete, Patricia Ingersoll, to name a few). Throughout the novel, Davidson gives clues to the mystery without fully giving away the final solution, which makes the reader want to continue reading until the killer is revealed. And as she has done in her previous Goldy books, she tempts the reader with descriptions of delicious main dishes and desserts that Goldy prepares for her clients and then gives us four to five recipes to try on our own.
As Christmas Day approaches, Goldy finds herself busily preparing for the many parties she has booked for her catering business. Although she feels overworked, she is happy knowing that her business is booming and that she has booked some new clients. One such client, Smithfield and Hermie MacArthur are one of the richest couples that live in Aspen Meadows. Goldy considers the booking of their two catered events (one a Friday night buffet to show off Smithfield's new antique map, and the other a Monday luncheon with the map dealer Drew Wellington to celebrate the finding of the map) to be the highlight of the season.
But when one of the invited guests to the MacArthur's affairs ends up dead at the public library just as Goldy is setting up for the catered employee/volunteer breakfast the gossip line of Aspen Meadows is in full swing and airing out everyone's laundry! Will the local law enforcement be able to solve the mystery before the killer strikes again?
Once again, Diane Mott Davidson brings back the familiar characters (Goldy, Tom, Arch, Julian, & Marla) while introducing the reader to a cast of new characters specifically for the novel (the MacArthurs, Drew Wellington, Father Pete, Patricia Ingersoll, to name a few). Throughout the novel, Davidson gives clues to the mystery without fully giving away the final solution, which makes the reader want to continue reading until the killer is revealed. And as she has done in her previous Goldy books, she tempts the reader with descriptions of delicious main dishes and desserts that Goldy prepares for her clients and then gives us four to five recipes to try on our own.
June 3, 2017
Sweet Revenge is a solid 2.5 star novel, that unfortunately doesn't work well as a stand alone novel or else it would be closer to a 3 or 3.5 star. I got this book and a few others by Diane Mott Davidson at a used book sale, without realizing this was the 14th installment in a series.
The bulk of this story involves elements from a previous story (apparently in book 12) and the summaries given in this book are not sufficient for someone who hasn't read that story. The basic gist can be understood but I wouldn't recommend reading this book without reading Double Shot first.
That being said the rest of the story is enjoyable. While setting up a catering event at the local library, Goldy is the second on scene when a dead body is found in the reading room. Drew Wellington, the former district attorney, was involved in dealing in high end antique maps and meeting clients at the library was his well known routine. His girlfriend, Patricia Ingersoll, a former client and acquaintance of Goldy asks for her help in clearing her name and finding out what really happened to Drew. With her husband Tom, a sheriff's department investigator, Goldy risks life and limb to get to the bottom of things; all while preparing and serving fabulous catered meals.
Overall the story was decent but unremarkable and without the context of the previous book the Sandee Brisbane elements weren't strong.
The bulk of this story involves elements from a previous story (apparently in book 12) and the summaries given in this book are not sufficient for someone who hasn't read that story. The basic gist can be understood but I wouldn't recommend reading this book without reading Double Shot first.
That being said the rest of the story is enjoyable. While setting up a catering event at the local library, Goldy is the second on scene when a dead body is found in the reading room. Drew Wellington, the former district attorney, was involved in dealing in high end antique maps and meeting clients at the library was his well known routine. His girlfriend, Patricia Ingersoll, a former client and acquaintance of Goldy asks for her help in clearing her name and finding out what really happened to Drew. With her husband Tom, a sheriff's department investigator, Goldy risks life and limb to get to the bottom of things; all while preparing and serving fabulous catered meals.
Overall the story was decent but unremarkable and without the context of the previous book the Sandee Brisbane elements weren't strong.
November 8, 2022
I would like to say sorry for my rant ahead of time. I thought the book kept repeating a lot of things, which made it boring, and it seemed to drag on. The ending was also very disappointing, there I was expecting this big twist that would shock to me when we found out who the killer was, but instead it was all jumbled up made no sense, and, the killer seemed to have no motive for actually killing anyone (-_-). Not only that but Goldy was so annoying at some points I thought that I ought to kill her my self. In the end the investigation seemed like a waste of time because all the information they gathered was useless shit that only confused people, and it didn't even help find the killer, just boring stuff that NO BODY CARED ABOUT to fill the pages. It was terrible but for some odd reason I felt as if I actually liked the book(very weird I know)but, when ever the main character is really stupid and always doing things without thinking you kind of want to see what kind of trouble they're going to get themselves into. After reading this book I kind of disliked Goldy and all the other characters except Sandee Brisbane(yes I know...) Julian and Tom. I really don't know why I only like those characters. In the end I was falling asleep at some points(Literally)but I somehow managed to finish the book.
April 17, 2021
I have been reading the Goldy Bear (Schultz) murder mysteries for a long time. This is not as good as some of the earlier works, but has enough twists and turns to keep you interested. One of my pet peeves is authors who use poor grammar unless it is part of the character they are trying to build.
In this book, Goldy thinks she has seen the ghost of Sandee Brisbane, the girl who murdered her ex husband. As we find out later in the book, she did indeed see Sandee. Through most of the book, Goldy is certain Sandee has comitted the murder that is central to the story. She is attempting to help exonerate Patricia, the girlfriend of the murder victim, who is first arrested for and then released on murder charges. As the clues come together, Goldy realizes she was wrong and solves the crime, all the while cooking up a stormcatering holiday parties. She has one very bad day where she totals her friend's Lexus and ruins her mink coat, falls down an embankment while trying to scope out a secondary murder scene and almost gets pushed over a ravine.
C onstants throughout the book are her son, Arch, her husband, Tom, her BFF, Marla and her assistant, Julian. I thunk a fun story line woild be to involve them in thier own adventure
In this book, Goldy thinks she has seen the ghost of Sandee Brisbane, the girl who murdered her ex husband. As we find out later in the book, she did indeed see Sandee. Through most of the book, Goldy is certain Sandee has comitted the murder that is central to the story. She is attempting to help exonerate Patricia, the girlfriend of the murder victim, who is first arrested for and then released on murder charges. As the clues come together, Goldy realizes she was wrong and solves the crime, all the while cooking up a stormcatering holiday parties. She has one very bad day where she totals her friend's Lexus and ruins her mink coat, falls down an embankment while trying to scope out a secondary murder scene and almost gets pushed over a ravine.
C onstants throughout the book are her son, Arch, her husband, Tom, her BFF, Marla and her assistant, Julian. I thunk a fun story line woild be to involve them in thier own adventure
June 15, 2025
This is a meh book. Although I am a big fan of murder mysteries, my main complaints with this book are the lack of substantial plot development and the unmemorable characters.
1. Very little happens in this story besides cooking and gossip. The 6 or so scenes where interesting plot development happens are each interspersed by 30-40 pages of cooking, drinking espresso, talking to characters the police have already questioned, and repeating every clue that has already been shown in the book up to that point. I think it would have been fairly easy to trim a hundred pages off this book without really losing much of the interesting part.
2. The supporting characters in this book can each be fully described in less than one sentence with little nuance. you have --- Perfect cop husband, perfect catering assistant, rich gossipy best friend, fragile old library employee, jaded ex-lover 1 & 2, and then about 5 characters that fall under "asshole rich person." Goldy and Sandee are more or less the only characters that have any deeper character traits.
Ultimately this book is a very light read, and it doesn't take a lot of effort to follow thus the 2 stars. However, it was not really engaging other than being "something to read"
1. Very little happens in this story besides cooking and gossip. The 6 or so scenes where interesting plot development happens are each interspersed by 30-40 pages of cooking, drinking espresso, talking to characters the police have already questioned, and repeating every clue that has already been shown in the book up to that point. I think it would have been fairly easy to trim a hundred pages off this book without really losing much of the interesting part.
2. The supporting characters in this book can each be fully described in less than one sentence with little nuance. you have --- Perfect cop husband, perfect catering assistant, rich gossipy best friend, fragile old library employee, jaded ex-lover 1 & 2, and then about 5 characters that fall under "asshole rich person." Goldy and Sandee are more or less the only characters that have any deeper character traits.
Ultimately this book is a very light read, and it doesn't take a lot of effort to follow thus the 2 stars. However, it was not really engaging other than being "something to read"
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2019
It is Christmas and New Years time. Goldy Schultz's busiest time of the year. Her catering service is in high demand among the citizens of Aspen Meadow. How is she going to work in solving a murder with all her culinary demands?
While she is setting up a special breakfast at the library, she thinks she sees a woman who should be dead! Is it really her or is it a look-alike? To top that off, the ex-DA is found dead in the library on the same morning. Not being the best thought of man, it is no surprise but then who among those who don't like him did him in?
While Goldy is hunting for clues she uncovers a number of not-so-nice things about the ex-DA and the people he has associated with. Seems some of these folk are not the nicest and would have no problem making Goldy disappear.
I've probably read almost the whole series, and it has been a while since I've picked one of Diane Mott Davidson's book up, but I find that I still enjoy the characters and the town of Aspen Meadow. I also like that the recipes mentioned and included in the book are grouped at the end for easy reading. A nice cozy of a read.
While she is setting up a special breakfast at the library, she thinks she sees a woman who should be dead! Is it really her or is it a look-alike? To top that off, the ex-DA is found dead in the library on the same morning. Not being the best thought of man, it is no surprise but then who among those who don't like him did him in?
While Goldy is hunting for clues she uncovers a number of not-so-nice things about the ex-DA and the people he has associated with. Seems some of these folk are not the nicest and would have no problem making Goldy disappear.
I've probably read almost the whole series, and it has been a while since I've picked one of Diane Mott Davidson's book up, but I find that I still enjoy the characters and the town of Aspen Meadow. I also like that the recipes mentioned and included in the book are grouped at the end for easy reading. A nice cozy of a read.
June 10, 2021
Sandee Blue is back and may be responsible for two recent murders. Goldy has her hands full with this one as she flies around catering, trying to convince her skeptical husband that she’s seen a woman who supposedly perished in a forest blaze and saving a friend from prison. As in Double Shot, clues and suspects abound, baffling the ever-resourceful Goldy and her long-suffering husband.
Along with the stress of catering, Goldy is once again taking her lumps. She actually gets battered three times in one day! I keep wondering why she isn’t in traction by now. Along with the shattered thumb and aching shoulders she got from the Jerk, she’s been knocked unconscious, nearly strangled, had her arms twisted and suffered all manner of contusions, lacerations, body and head blows. You wonder just how much more she can take before she collapses of internal bleeding.
As always, Ms. Davidson whips the culinary treats seamlessly into the story (with Goldy taking on some very willing helpers), proving her adeptness at the culinary mystery.
Along with the stress of catering, Goldy is once again taking her lumps. She actually gets battered three times in one day! I keep wondering why she isn’t in traction by now. Along with the shattered thumb and aching shoulders she got from the Jerk, she’s been knocked unconscious, nearly strangled, had her arms twisted and suffered all manner of contusions, lacerations, body and head blows. You wonder just how much more she can take before she collapses of internal bleeding.
As always, Ms. Davidson whips the culinary treats seamlessly into the story (with Goldy taking on some very willing helpers), proving her adeptness at the culinary mystery.
May 17, 2024
I truly used to enjoy this series, however just wish there was a more realistic story line. Goldy ignores all direction and advice from her investigator husband and continues to put herself in harms way to solve crimes. This particular story was so convoluted with stolen maps, and pedophiles giving alcohol to minors while taking inappropriate pictures. And to make matters even worse after confessing his involvement to Tom, the predator gets away with a warning not to do it again???
It is simply unbelievable that Goldy is injured not once but twice in one day and returns home to cook meals for her family and catering business! And for a woman so obsessed with the safety of her son she has no problem putting her life in jeopardy to solve crimes instead of leaving it to the police to follow the clues. Not to mention ruining her friend’s fur coat and totaling her new car(no problem there either). This may be my last DMD. The only entertaining aspects are the foods she prepares and the presence of Julian!
It is simply unbelievable that Goldy is injured not once but twice in one day and returns home to cook meals for her family and catering business! And for a woman so obsessed with the safety of her son she has no problem putting her life in jeopardy to solve crimes instead of leaving it to the police to follow the clues. Not to mention ruining her friend’s fur coat and totaling her new car(no problem there either). This may be my last DMD. The only entertaining aspects are the foods she prepares and the presence of Julian!
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