Book Review: Chopping Spree

Reviewed By: Dawn Dowdle

[5 stars]

Chopping Spree Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Diane Mott Davidson
Class/Genre: Mystery Cozy Woman Main Character Culinary
Series: Goldy Bear # 11
Bantam, 320 pages June 25, 2002

This series stars Caterer Goldy Schulz (Goldilocks Catering Where Everything Is Just Right) of Aspen Meadow, Colorado. She is married to Tom (a detective) and has a teenage son Arch from her first marriage. Her ex-husband is usually just referred to as the Jerk. He was a doctor and beat her up when they were married. He is currently in jail. Her best friend Marla is also an ex-husband of the Jerk.

Goldy is hired by her old college friend Barry Dean to cater a uncheon at the Westside Mall. There are many close calls and Goldy feels Barry wants to talk to her about something. Unfortunately before they can have that talk, Goldy finds Barry stabbed with one of her knives.

Julian is accused of the murder. Julian is a young man in his twenties who has lived with Goldy and her family on and off over the years. He is one of her best helpers.

Goldy feels she has to find out who killed Barry to get Julian out of jail. In the meantime her son Arch is constantly pressuring her for many expensive birthday gifts. Because Goldy ends up hurt, Liz -- her new assistant -- takes over many of the catering assignments which frees up Goldy to do more investigating.

Tom has been pulled off of the case due to his wife's assistant being charged. But he still can help Goldy by getting information she needs. Goldy also obtains some information through practices frowned on by the police.

Since Marla is in the "in" crowd, she also obtains lots of information to assist Goldy.

I always enjoy books by Ms. Davidson. I actually got to meet her last month as well. She gave us information on how/why she wrote each book. Was very informative.

The recipes in this book sound scrumptious. She brought us Spice Cookies at the signing last month!

Dawn Dowdle

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Dawn Dowdle

Please visit Dawns website at www.mysteryloverscorner.com