Double Shot

Starred review from September 13, 2004
The divine diva of the culinary cozy returns with a crime novel that will have fans of Goldy Bear Schulz, caterer and caffeinated sleuth, cheering as they race for the nearest pastry shop. The 12th carb-laden installment of Goldy's adventures (Chopping Spree
, etc.) offers as its main course a toothsome corpse –du jour: Goldy's abusive ex-husband, Dr. John Richard Korman ("the Jerk"), whose shenanigans have annoyed a long-suffering Goldy and enlivened Davidson's series since its debut 14 years ago. After Goldy arrives at her new catering center to prepare for a memorial luncheon, she's attacked; when she comes to, she discovers that her kitchen is full of spoiled food and overrun with mice. She immediately suspects her longtime nemesis Korman, who's out of prison after serving less than a year for aggravated assault and living lavishly in Aspen Meadows with Sandee Blue, his "fifty-fourth conquest"—a young stripper, according to his other ex, Marla, Goldy's entertaining sidekick. When Korman attends the almost-sabotaged event, he argues with Goldy over their son, Arch. Shortly afterward, he turns up dead alongside Goldy's missing gun, making her a prime suspect in an aromatic brew of murder and mayhem. This marks a turning point for Davidson, as the elimination of Korman provides a much needed jolt to the series. Her latest noir-flavored cozy may attract new readers to a sleuth who feverishly cooks through any crisis and whose recipes are now gathered at the back of the book. (Warning: do not read on an empty stomach!) Agent, Sandra Dijkstra
. 9-city author tour.

October 1, 2004
One sabotage attack on our fair if graying heroine (Sticks & Scones), two dead bodies, and a baker's dozen new recipes fill the pages of Davidson's 12th culinary whodunit. Caterer/sleuth Goldy Schultz turns from victim to suspect in the eyes of the law when she finds a prominent Aspen Meadows citizen shot dead. Meanwhile, rumors and allegations about ex-husband John Richard Korman's misdeeds present another set of concerns for Goldy. Dust swirls and mountain fires burn in the background, adding Colorado color to this cozy mystery. Davidson hides clues in plain sight, and as one suspenseful chapter in Goldy's life ends, she sets the stage for another. For series fans and mystery readers who enjoy tasty puzzles. Davidson lives in Evergreen, CO. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 7/04.]-Jennifer Burek Pierce, Indiana Univ. SLIS, Indianapolis

Copyright 2004 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2004
Goldy keeps catering, even as her husband's early release from prison leads to threats-and murder. A one-day laydown on October 12; a nine-city author tour.

Copyright 2004 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2004
Colorado caterer Goldy Schulz pulls off a memorial luncheon despite having been hit from behind and her kitchen trashed the morning of same; a screaming match with her vicious ex at the same luncheon doesn't make it better. Her slimy doctor ex-husband turns up dead soon after. Of course Goldy finds the body, and of course discovers herself a suspect. Goldy never slows down, however: not a slew of sleazy secrets, most involving the nefarious ex; not approaching Colorado wildfires; not even her son's teen angst and genuine grief at his father's death keep her from cooking what needs to be served. Even for a Davidson, this plot is overstuffed by half and as crammed full of recipes as Goldy's walk-in freezer.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2004, American Library Association.)