Culinary mystery is ‘relaxing diversion’
Cynthia Akers, Special to The Gazette
Friday, October 2, 2009
“Fatally Flaky” by Diane Mott Davidson, HarperCollins, 2009, $25.99.
At the start of Diane Mott Davidson’s latest novel in her popular Goldy mystery series, Goldy Schulz observes, “Cynics say getting married is a death wish.” Fans of Davidson know very well that Goldy has a tendency to become involved in pretty much every murder, disappearance or strange occurrence in her community of Aspen Meadow, Colo.
And “Fatally Flaky,” the 15th novel in the series, is definitely no exception to this rule.
Culinary mysteries have become a trend in this genre. In fact the Kansas author Nancy Pickard finished the last mystery (“The 27 Ingredient Chili Con Carne Murders”) begun by the pioneer of culinary mysteries, Virginia Rich. In the field, Davidson deserves recognition for building a rich background history in each novel for her characters.
Bit by bit, we learn more about Goldy; her deceased ex-husband Dr. John Richard Korman (also known as JRK, the Jerk); the Jerk’s other ex-wife, Marla (and Goldy’s best friend); Goldy’s patient husband, Detective Tom Schulz; and Goldy’s son Arch, a very typical teenage boy struggling with adolescent issues.
The common theme in each mystery is a blend of entertainment and seriousness; we learn about the Jerk’s emotional and physical abuse of Goldy, her struggle to establish herself financially and her slowly growing trust and love for Tom.
Davidson’s craftsmanship of plot is key to the success of the Goldy mysteries, and each novel stands alone. After reading “Fatally Flaky,” however, you may wish to track down the other mysteries for greater context. Goldy has owned her own business for years in Aspen Meadow: Goldilocks’ Catering — Where Everything is Just Right! As this novel opens, though, Goldy has decided to specialize in catering for weddings. That seemed like a good plan, until she encounters the prototype of all Bridezillas, Billie Attenborough, and her seemingly perfect fiancé, Dr. Craig Miller.
Goldy soon finds herself in a blur of changing wedding menus and locations, as well as a renewed acquaintance with her godfather, Jack Carmichael. When Jack’s best friend, Doc Finn, is found dead after his car swerves into a ravine, Jack is determined to trace any clues. Goldy in turn is torn between helping Jack and dealing with a former culinary rival, Victor Lane, who now owns the Gold Gulch Spa where Bridezilla Billie has decided to hold her wedding.
One hallmark of culinary mysteries is the collection of recipes referred to throughout a novel. The recipes in “Fatally Flaky” are especially appropriate to the chaotic bridal theme, such as “Totally Unorthodox Coeur a la Crème”.
In Davidson’s novels, reading and trying out her luscious recipes are almost as much fun as figuring out whodunit. For a relaxing diversion, you cannot do better than “Fatally Flaky” or any of the other Goldy mysteries.
To learn more about Davidson and the Goldy series, check out http://www.harpercollins.com/authors/25347/Diane_Mott_Davidson/index.aspx
• On the Shelf is written by staff at the Emporia Public Library and volunteers.