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An Irene in Chicago Culinary Mystery #1
Saving Irene: A Culinary Mystery
Irene Foxglove wishes she were a French chef. Henrietta James, her assistant, knows she is nothing more than a small-time TV chef on a local Chicago channel. And yet when Irene is threatened, Henny tries desperately to save her, wishing always that “Madame” would tell her the truth--about her marriage, her spoiled daughter, her days in France, the man who threatens her. Henny’s best friend, the gay guy who lives next door, teases her, encourages her, and shares meals with her, even as she wishes for more. Murder, kidnapping, and some French gossip complicate this mystery, set in Chicago and redolent with the aroma of fine food.
- GenresMysteryContemporary
208 pages, Paperback
Published September 10, 2020
5 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Judy Alter
147 books133 followersAfter an established career writing historical fiction for adults and young adults about women of the nineteenth-century American West, Texas author Judy Alter turned her attention to contemporary cozy mysteries and wrote three series: Kelly O’Connell Mysteries, Blue Plate Café Mysteries, and Oak Grove Mysteries. She has most recently published two titles in her Irene in Chicago Culinary Mysteries--Saving Irene and Irene in Danger.
Her most recent historical books are The Most Land, the Best Cattle: The Waggoners of Texas and The Second Battle of the Alamo, a study in both Texas and women’s history. Judy’s western fiction has been recognized with awards from the Western Writers of America, the Texas Institute of Letters, and the National Cowboy Museum and Hall of Fame. She has been honored with the Owen Wister Award for Lifetime Achievement by WWA and inducted into the Texas Literary Hall of Fame at the Fort Worth Public Library. She was named One of 100 Women, Living and Dead, Who Have Left Their Mark on Texas by the Dallas Morning News, and named an Outstanding Woman of Fort Worth in the Arts, 1988, by the Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women
Judy is a member Sisters in Crime and Guppies, Women Writing the West, Story Circle Network, a past president of Western Writers of America, and an active member of the Texas Institute of Letters.
Retired after almost thirty years with TCU Press, twenty of them as director, Judy lives in a small cottage—just right for one and a dog—in Fort Worth, Texas with her Bordoodle Sophie. She is the mother of four and the grandmother of seven. Her hobby is cooking, and she’s learning how to cook in a postage-stamp kitchen without a stove. In fact, she wrote a cookbook about it: Gourmet on a Hot Plate.
Her most recent historical books are The Most Land, the Best Cattle: The Waggoners of Texas and The Second Battle of the Alamo, a study in both Texas and women’s history. Judy’s western fiction has been recognized with awards from the Western Writers of America, the Texas Institute of Letters, and the National Cowboy Museum and Hall of Fame. She has been honored with the Owen Wister Award for Lifetime Achievement by WWA and inducted into the Texas Literary Hall of Fame at the Fort Worth Public Library. She was named One of 100 Women, Living and Dead, Who Have Left Their Mark on Texas by the Dallas Morning News, and named an Outstanding Woman of Fort Worth in the Arts, 1988, by the Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women
Judy is a member Sisters in Crime and Guppies, Women Writing the West, Story Circle Network, a past president of Western Writers of America, and an active member of the Texas Institute of Letters.
Retired after almost thirty years with TCU Press, twenty of them as director, Judy lives in a small cottage—just right for one and a dog—in Fort Worth, Texas with her Bordoodle Sophie. She is the mother of four and the grandmother of seven. Her hobby is cooking, and she’s learning how to cook in a postage-stamp kitchen without a stove. In fact, she wrote a cookbook about it: Gourmet on a Hot Plate.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 30, 2020
This is the first book I have read by this author but it won't be the last. She takes a mixture of characters, tosses them together, and creates a story that is sure to delight.
Henny is a feisty Texan now living in Chicago. She has her eyes set on her future and until that time is the assistant/gopher to a local television chef that insists on being called Madame. Irene may appear tough on the outside, but I wondered about her character just from conversations with Henny, her husband, and her daughter. There is a lot more to her story that unfolds in this book.
Along with the mystery that is begging to be solved, there are many delicious recipes that might leave your mouth watering. I wouldn't read this book if you are hungry.
The mystery is intriguing because Irene is tightlipped about her past and is keeping information from her husband and daughter. Henny is able to uncover these secrets but not easily and not without the assistance of Gabrielle (Irene's daughter) and the detective trying to solve a murder tied to Irene. There are not a lot of clues to really point you in the direction of the killer or solving Irene's past, but there are enough to give you a hint.
I have to say my favorite character is probably Patrick, Henny's next-door neighbor. There is more to him than meets the eye and more than what Henny thinks or expects.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and don't know if there will be a follow-up book to create a series, but I will definitely look for more books by this author.
Henny is a feisty Texan now living in Chicago. She has her eyes set on her future and until that time is the assistant/gopher to a local television chef that insists on being called Madame. Irene may appear tough on the outside, but I wondered about her character just from conversations with Henny, her husband, and her daughter. There is a lot more to her story that unfolds in this book.
Along with the mystery that is begging to be solved, there are many delicious recipes that might leave your mouth watering. I wouldn't read this book if you are hungry.
The mystery is intriguing because Irene is tightlipped about her past and is keeping information from her husband and daughter. Henny is able to uncover these secrets but not easily and not without the assistance of Gabrielle (Irene's daughter) and the detective trying to solve a murder tied to Irene. There are not a lot of clues to really point you in the direction of the killer or solving Irene's past, but there are enough to give you a hint.
I have to say my favorite character is probably Patrick, Henny's next-door neighbor. There is more to him than meets the eye and more than what Henny thinks or expects.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and don't know if there will be a follow-up book to create a series, but I will definitely look for more books by this author.
October 26, 2020
Saving Irene by Judy Alter is the fourth book that I have read by this author, and I have to say that it is my favorite so far. The characters are full-bodied and the dialogue goes down smooth. It was really easy to stay in the moment because every scene felt authentic and intriguing.
While the main mystery is who could possibly be trying to hurt Irene, I got a kick out of the little side mystery of what the deal is with Henny's hot neighbor. I think that you will be surprised by one, if not both, of the outcomes in both cases.
The pace of the story was excellent up until the point of the big reveal. The explanation felt rushed and there didn't seem to be very many consequences. Nonetheless, it was a good ending and I wouldn't mind reading more about what happens to Henny next.
There are numerous typos in the book and the last few chapters just seemed rushed. Also, there was a bit of a disconnect between the description of Irene on the page and the woman chosen for the cover image. Four stars for a nicely written story that could have used a little more TLC to bump it up to 5 stars.
While the main mystery is who could possibly be trying to hurt Irene, I got a kick out of the little side mystery of what the deal is with Henny's hot neighbor. I think that you will be surprised by one, if not both, of the outcomes in both cases.
The pace of the story was excellent up until the point of the big reveal. The explanation felt rushed and there didn't seem to be very many consequences. Nonetheless, it was a good ending and I wouldn't mind reading more about what happens to Henny next.
There are numerous typos in the book and the last few chapters just seemed rushed. Also, there was a bit of a disconnect between the description of Irene on the page and the woman chosen for the cover image. Four stars for a nicely written story that could have used a little more TLC to bump it up to 5 stars.
November 9, 2020
Saving Irene is set in Chicago, present day but pre-Covid-19. It’s a delectable, fun read. Protagonist Henny James tells the story. Her voice is light, witty and brutally honest. Henny’s in her late 20s, ambitious, and recovering from a broken relationship back home in Texas. She is resourceful, patient, and smart. Like most of us, at times she’s her own worst enemy. Her dream job is to be a food producer for the on-air “Today Show Chef.” Henny’s stepping-stone position is assistant to Chicago TV Chef Irene Foxglove, an eccentric, demanding boss with an equally eccentric husband, Howard, who controls the budget for the unprofitable cable cooking show.
My favorite character after Henny is Patrick, her next-door neighbor. They met the day she moved into her apartment. He’s a college professor and so perfect that, relying on the old too-good-to-be-true theory, she’s sure he must be gay. They become best friends, share dinners most evenings, and have few secrets from each other.
Henny’s Foxglove employers are strange, snooty, and mysterious. “Irene could be arrogant and demanding one minute and charming the next.” Gabrielle is their devious, challenging and spoiled nineteen-year-old daughter who does not even know how to make a sandwich. Henny can’t help wondering why a chef does not teach her only child anything about cooking.
When tragedy strikes, Henny finds herself in hot water. Irene Foxglove demands far more from Henny than her job description includes. Patrick begins to accompany Henny to the television cooking set as the plot thickens, out of concern for her safety.
The seamless pacing, as well as the surprise ending, is refreshing. Henny’s single-minded determination to find success in the competitive world of television production and assisting eccentric TV chefs threads throughout the novel. It’s like Henny is wearing blinders as she misses obvious possibilities. But the reader doesn’t miss them, and you can’t help cheering for Henny as she maneuvers through the many plot twists.
This is a wonderful cozy mystery to get comfy with under a soft warm blanket. You’ll love the new friends you make as Saving Irene unfolds. And, there’s a bonus of Some of Irene’s Favorite Forty Recipes at the end of the book.
This book was reviewed for Story Circle Book Reviews by Ann McCauley.
My favorite character after Henny is Patrick, her next-door neighbor. They met the day she moved into her apartment. He’s a college professor and so perfect that, relying on the old too-good-to-be-true theory, she’s sure he must be gay. They become best friends, share dinners most evenings, and have few secrets from each other.
Henny’s Foxglove employers are strange, snooty, and mysterious. “Irene could be arrogant and demanding one minute and charming the next.” Gabrielle is their devious, challenging and spoiled nineteen-year-old daughter who does not even know how to make a sandwich. Henny can’t help wondering why a chef does not teach her only child anything about cooking.
When tragedy strikes, Henny finds herself in hot water. Irene Foxglove demands far more from Henny than her job description includes. Patrick begins to accompany Henny to the television cooking set as the plot thickens, out of concern for her safety.
The seamless pacing, as well as the surprise ending, is refreshing. Henny’s single-minded determination to find success in the competitive world of television production and assisting eccentric TV chefs threads throughout the novel. It’s like Henny is wearing blinders as she misses obvious possibilities. But the reader doesn’t miss them, and you can’t help cheering for Henny as she maneuvers through the many plot twists.
This is a wonderful cozy mystery to get comfy with under a soft warm blanket. You’ll love the new friends you make as Saving Irene unfolds. And, there’s a bonus of Some of Irene’s Favorite Forty Recipes at the end of the book.
This book was reviewed for Story Circle Book Reviews by Ann McCauley.
October 10, 2020
She prefers to be addressed as “Madame.” Her assistant, Henrietta James, aka “Henny” would prefer to call her something else! In Saving Irene, Henny has her hands full trying to keep her boss alive while keeping their weekly television cooking show on the air.
Henrietta James moved from Texas to Chicago after a heartbreak, much to her mother’s concern. She landed a job as an assistant on a cooking show. Little did she know the challenges she would face wouldn’t all be in the kitchen! Irene Foxglove, her boss, is quite a diva who speaks in French and expects to be called Madame! Irene’s devoted husband Howard and very spoiled teenage daughter Gabrielle add to Henny’s challenges. She gets caught up in their lives much more than she would ever have planned. Meanwhile, she has a crush on her hunky next-door neighbor, Patrick O’Malley, but they seem to be destined to be best friends. There is a mystery to solve as well as a murder and everyone seems to think Henny can help!
As usual, Judy Alter has created a feisty heroine for her cozy mystery, and this time one who finds herself in the middle of a murder that she can’t resist trying to solve. Alter’s characters are well defined and easy to identify with. Henny is flawed but smart and resourceful. And she is a darn good cook! This book also gives a glimpse into the backstage workings of a television cooking show, which seemingly doesn’t always go as smoothly as we see on the edited version!
The book is peppered with food, so don’t read on an empty stomach! As a bonus to the story the epilogue contains fun and simple recipes from the TV show. I tried the hamburger stroganoff and thought it was great. I can’t wait to give the others a try.
If you enjoy a good cozy mystery or cooking shows, this is a must read!
Henrietta James moved from Texas to Chicago after a heartbreak, much to her mother’s concern. She landed a job as an assistant on a cooking show. Little did she know the challenges she would face wouldn’t all be in the kitchen! Irene Foxglove, her boss, is quite a diva who speaks in French and expects to be called Madame! Irene’s devoted husband Howard and very spoiled teenage daughter Gabrielle add to Henny’s challenges. She gets caught up in their lives much more than she would ever have planned. Meanwhile, she has a crush on her hunky next-door neighbor, Patrick O’Malley, but they seem to be destined to be best friends. There is a mystery to solve as well as a murder and everyone seems to think Henny can help!
As usual, Judy Alter has created a feisty heroine for her cozy mystery, and this time one who finds herself in the middle of a murder that she can’t resist trying to solve. Alter’s characters are well defined and easy to identify with. Henny is flawed but smart and resourceful. And she is a darn good cook! This book also gives a glimpse into the backstage workings of a television cooking show, which seemingly doesn’t always go as smoothly as we see on the edited version!
The book is peppered with food, so don’t read on an empty stomach! As a bonus to the story the epilogue contains fun and simple recipes from the TV show. I tried the hamburger stroganoff and thought it was great. I can’t wait to give the others a try.
If you enjoy a good cozy mystery or cooking shows, this is a must read!
October 30, 2020
Saving Irene was my first introduction to the work of Judy Alter and the fact that I found myself talking back to the characters (Sorry, Henny, but no legit Italian cook adds oil to pasta unless they're making aglia e olio) says a lot for how real they felt to me.
Feisty, funny, Texan Henny with her grumbling asides really engaged me, while Madame Irene (as she prefers to be addresses) was a closed-mouthed mystery in herself, with only bits of her history being revealed through the conversations of others.
While I might have quibbled with some of the cooking tips, I enjoyed the characters aside from the main two (attention must be paid to Henny's neighbor Patrick… there's got to be something going on there) immensely. Madame Irene's daughter, Gabrielle, and husband are the two that come to mind, but even the ancillary characters were well-drawn, and I enjoyed their interactions.
I'm a long-time fan of culinary mysteries, and this genre is one of the reasons I always suggest a meal or snack pairing in my reviews. Food and books just go together for me, and this novel proved why by having food as an integral component.
This reads like a standalone novel, but there's certainly room for a sequel (hint, hint) should the author be so inclined. Meanwhile, I'll be checking out her earlier titles.
Goes well with: Croque madame and sparkling water with a twist of lime.
Feisty, funny, Texan Henny with her grumbling asides really engaged me, while Madame Irene (as she prefers to be addresses) was a closed-mouthed mystery in herself, with only bits of her history being revealed through the conversations of others.
While I might have quibbled with some of the cooking tips, I enjoyed the characters aside from the main two (attention must be paid to Henny's neighbor Patrick… there's got to be something going on there) immensely. Madame Irene's daughter, Gabrielle, and husband are the two that come to mind, but even the ancillary characters were well-drawn, and I enjoyed their interactions.
I'm a long-time fan of culinary mysteries, and this genre is one of the reasons I always suggest a meal or snack pairing in my reviews. Food and books just go together for me, and this novel proved why by having food as an integral component.
This reads like a standalone novel, but there's certainly room for a sequel (hint, hint) should the author be so inclined. Meanwhile, I'll be checking out her earlier titles.
Goes well with: Croque madame and sparkling water with a twist of lime.
October 14, 2021
Meet chef Irene Foxglove on the lovely cover of this cozy culinary mystery, then open the book to the first page to meet protagonist Henrietta James, aka Henny, who is the woman behind Irene. Henny hopes to one day have her own television culinary show but for now she is Irene's gofer to launch Irene's show, Cooking with Irene, on a local television station. This book is Judy Alter at her best: a fast moving pace; fascinating new characters in what one could only hope will become a series; a super friendship with Henny and Patrick with a great twist, other multiple twists and turns; a nice dive into terrific recipes, which are included; plus a gorgeous tour of Alter's beloved Chicago. You will enjoy this page turner from the first to the last page and then meet the author on the back. cover.
January 31, 2021
This was a wonderful surprise! Saving Irene is one of the best additions to the cozy mystery category I have read in quite a while. It is well-written and has characters with depth in the confines of a short, light mystery. The reader will care about all the characters. It's narrative is very real and not left to a romantic fantasy. The only downfall was near the end. Even after the reader knew who did it, I don't think Alter knew "how she was going to get us there." She did, maintaining that real world story she had maintained throughout.
I hope she writes another one...
I hope she writes another one...
March 25, 2021
Irene Foxglove is a TV chef on a regional Chicago station. She likes to think of herself as a global French chef, but her assistant, Henny James, knows she isn't. Irene's husband, Howard, controls the finances for Irene's failing cooking show. Chef Irene is demanding, difficult, and lately, quite afraid of something. Tragedy strikes, and Henny's in the stew. Her maybe boyfriend, Patrick, tries to save Henny as Henny tries to save Irene. Great ending. Hilarious characters. I loved reading this truly cozy mystery.
April 26, 2021
I normally love Judy Alter's writings, but this one was not one of my favorites. It was very hard to "care for" the characters in this novel and the intrigue was mediocre. I would love to see more adventures on the Kelly O'Connell series - they were fun, loved the characters and the dilemmas they faced.
February 11, 2021
Judy Alter is a new author to me and I am glad to have found her. Her style of writing is fun to read. The book is clean and well thought out. I enjoyed the narration too. Toni Alaniz is the narrator for this book and she was wonderful. Great book for a lazy weekend read.
November 28, 2020
Review coming soon!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews