Double Shot
A Goldy Bear Mystery
By Diane Mott Davidson
Large Print Edition
Harper Large Print, 2004
An Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
ISBN: 0-06-074243-7
Genre: Mystery (Cozy)
Reviewed by Auggie Moore - March 25, 2005
Double Shot is a culinary cozy that features a coffee drinking caterer / sleuth named Goldy Bear Schulz. When the Jerk, a.k.a. Dr. John Richard Korman, Goldy's ex-husband has his prison sentence commuted by the Governor of Colorado and is released from jail, things go rapidly down hill for Goldy. First she is hit on the head and knocked unconscious, then she discovers that the food she's prepared for an important memorial luncheon is spoiled, and her new catering hall has been overrun with mice. Next, she begins to receive threats, and then, when a murder is committed, she's the prime suspect.
Goldy had been sure that her abusive ex-husband was behind all these doings. That was until she found his body. He had been murdered! It quickly becomes clear to Goldy that not only will she have to solve the crime herself, but that she'll have to do it quickly, before she becomes one of the killer's next victims.
In addition to trying to find Korman's real killer, and clearing her name, Goldy still finds time to keep up with her catering work, her family, and the two cops that are trying to prove that she's the murderer. A task that would be much easier if they would keep from getting under foot.
As Godly investigates her ex-husband's death, distasteful family secrets begin to emerge, which further upset her already grieving son. Goldy handles these situations as she does best - by cooking her way out of them. Goldy is a high energy super mom who is always on the go.
This is a marvelously written story, with crisp dialog and mouth-watering exposition. Goldy is an empathetic character that you can really root for. She is assisted with her sleuthing by her best friend, the charming Marla, who just happens to be Korman's other ex-wife. The story is filled to the breaking with culinary references, quips, unexpected turns, and a selection of must try recipes.
Double Shot is the twelfth Goldy Bear mystery written by Diane Mott Davidson. If you've not read any of these books before, Double Shot is the perfect place to get a taste for the series. Mind you, reading the book is fat-free, but you'll want to keep a supply of chocolate, muffins, and other snacks on hand so that you can turn the book into an interactive culinary adventure. This is the best book I've read so far this year, and is without a doubt, one of the best books in the Goldy Bear series. I highly recommend Double Shot!
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