Helpful Score: 1
Another great book in the series. Looking forward to the next one.
I did enjoy reading this book. It was a fast read and I found myself mildly entertained. I have never read another book by this author before and the playful writing style was easy to follow. You really don't have to read another of the series to read this book.
Of the things I didn't like in this book, I did feel like there were too many subplots going on at the same time. Too many subplots ruin the broth. Usually, I prefer one mystery done well, instead of 5 mysteries which make no sense. Also, at times the dialogue between the characters seemed overly wordy. I found myself swimming in the details a few times, however, the conclusion of the main mystery was a surprise.
In order to read this book, you really have to expect the unrealistic. For example, what are the chances that a woman and her husband (who is a cop who investigates homicides) would actually let Yolanda (one of the main suspects) live with them while she's under investigation? From the beginning I thought just that was unbelievable. I know it's fiction, but, for myself it's more enjoyable if it's realistic.
If you're in the mood for a cozy mystery, with lots of food and coffee descriptions, this is a good book. If you're looking for something realistic, though, this might not be your cup of tea.
Of the things I didn't like in this book, I did feel like there were too many subplots going on at the same time. Too many subplots ruin the broth. Usually, I prefer one mystery done well, instead of 5 mysteries which make no sense. Also, at times the dialogue between the characters seemed overly wordy. I found myself swimming in the details a few times, however, the conclusion of the main mystery was a surprise.
In order to read this book, you really have to expect the unrealistic. For example, what are the chances that a woman and her husband (who is a cop who investigates homicides) would actually let Yolanda (one of the main suspects) live with them while she's under investigation? From the beginning I thought just that was unbelievable. I know it's fiction, but, for myself it's more enjoyable if it's realistic.
If you're in the mood for a cozy mystery, with lots of food and coffee descriptions, this is a good book. If you're looking for something realistic, though, this might not be your cup of tea.
Loved this book. This one keeps you guessing until the end. Even though the things that happen to Goldy are a little unbelievable, it's fun to see what mishaps and messes she gets herself into.
Goldy Schultz, Colorado caterer, is in hot water again as she tries to help her friend, employee and fellow chef, Yolanda Garcia. It seems Yolanda is having a bit of bad luck after breaking up with her "boyfriend". The rental she is sharing with her great aunt Ferdinanda burns to the ground and arson is suspected. Then they move in with cop turned private detective Ernest McLeod. Shortly thereafter Ernest is killed and his house goes up in flames. Goldy, Yolanda, Ferinanda and nine puppies rescued from a puppy mill, barely escape with their lives.
Goldy takes them all in thinking that her house will surely be safe since her husband is a cop but they are not even safe there. The house is almost burglarized but Golldy's son foils that attempt. Then another body is found.
Goldy decides it is Crunch Time and jumps from the frying pan into the investigation of the fires and the murders. Can she stay one step ahead of the killer and keep herself from being their next victim?
My Thoughts
I have enjoyed this series since Catering to Nobody (Goldy, Book 1) but by the 16th installment it must get harder to write for characters. I really had a hard time finishing this book. The main plot and subplots were very good and I love these characters but the book seem so dragged out and really long. It is over 400 pages and 100 could have easily been cut. The last installment came out in April of 2009 which leads me to believe the author may have struggled a bit with this one and it shows.
An the positive side, Aunt Ferninada is hilarious, her little digs and her amazing wheelchair carried this story.
If you are a fan of this series you will want to read it to keep up with the characters you love but I recommend picking it up at the library unless you have the whole series collected on your keeper shelf. It will be interesting to see if this is the last we read about Goldy Schultz or if the author brings back a new installment more like the previous editions I loved.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Amazon Vine Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 : Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Goldy takes them all in thinking that her house will surely be safe since her husband is a cop but they are not even safe there. The house is almost burglarized but Golldy's son foils that attempt. Then another body is found.
Goldy decides it is Crunch Time and jumps from the frying pan into the investigation of the fires and the murders. Can she stay one step ahead of the killer and keep herself from being their next victim?
My Thoughts
I have enjoyed this series since Catering to Nobody (Goldy, Book 1) but by the 16th installment it must get harder to write for characters. I really had a hard time finishing this book. The main plot and subplots were very good and I love these characters but the book seem so dragged out and really long. It is over 400 pages and 100 could have easily been cut. The last installment came out in April of 2009 which leads me to believe the author may have struggled a bit with this one and it shows.
An the positive side, Aunt Ferninada is hilarious, her little digs and her amazing wheelchair carried this story.
If you are a fan of this series you will want to read it to keep up with the characters you love but I recommend picking it up at the library unless you have the whole series collected on your keeper shelf. It will be interesting to see if this is the last we read about Goldy Schultz or if the author brings back a new installment more like the previous editions I loved.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Amazon Vine Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 : Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Loved it
