The Grilling Season

Diane Mott Davidson

Goldy Bear is catering a late Stanley Cup hockey party for one of Aspen Meadow's residents. The party had been delayed a couple months because of the hostess' (Patricia) miscarriage. Patricia blames the HMO and her OB/GYN, Goldy's ex-husband. She is suing them for malpractice. She complains to Goldy every time they discuss arrangements for the party.

On the morning of the party, Goldy drives over to pick up Arch, her son, from an overnighter. She drives by John Richard Korman's (or The Jerk, as she calls her ex-hubby) girlfriend's house. She doesn't see his car, so he should be home when she takes Arch over after he is picked up. Instead, she sees the woman's body lying in the ditch. The woman had been a vice-president of the HMO. Her death apparently was caused by a beating similar to the ones he had given both Goldy and his second ex-wife. He is arrested for the murder.

Arch pleads with his mother to help exonerate his father. She is torn between hoping The Jerk finally gets his come uppance and wanting to help her son. Tom, her policeman current husband, warns her to stay out because of her status as witness. Goldy, being Goldy, has to keep nosing around.

This is another fun "culinary mystery" in the Goldy Bear series, including recipes. A lot of Goldy's ongoing problems are because of her nosiness. It is certainly true in this book. I kept chuckling silently at her the whole way through. This is cute, an easy read. It can stand alone in the series but also furthers the family's story. Read this when you're in the mood for something light and cute.

Catering to Nobody
Dying for Chocolate
The Cereal Murders
The Last Suppers
Killer Pancake
The Main Corpse
The Grilling Season
Prime Cut
Tough Cookie
Sticks and Scones
Chopping Spree
Double Shot
Dark Tort
Sweet Revenge
Fatally Flaky
Crunch Time

Death on Demand by Carolyn Hart