Fatally Flaky by Diane Mott Davidson

The Back Story: I read my first Goldy Schulz mystery back in the 90s when we did a book swap at work. I got my hands on Catering to Nobody the first book in the series. It was the first time I had heard of a cozy culinary mystery. I loved it; still love it, though I’ve yet to make one of the recipes!

Description: Fatally Flaky by Diane Mott Davidson

This is not Goldy’s first turn at the rodeo but she does get a few surprises thrown at her. Goldy, a Colorado Caterer and owner of Goldilock’s Catering “where everything is just right,” finds herself in a bear of job. Simply put, why did she decide to cater the wedding reception of Bridezilla Billie, a spoiled, indulgent little rich girl? They make reality shows about girls like Billie. Unfortunately for Goldy, her penchant for espresso is not going to help this case one bit.

The sudden death of Aspen Meadows’ beloved doctor in a car crash is thought to be an accident but was it really murder? Goldy’s godfather Jack is convinced that is the case as the doc was investigating some shady goings on at the Golden Gulch Spa. So Goldy slips into her chef‘s whites and does a little digging at the spa where she also happens to be catering Bridezilla Billie’s reception.

My Take: If they did a reality show about bridezillas – oh wait, they do! – then this bride would take home the cake! I have enjoyed Goldy’s adventures in the past but perhaps it has become a little too familiar for me. Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoy a girl who can make lemonade when life throws her lemons and then some. But I missed Tom, Arch and Marla and wish they weren’t relegated to the background so much but I did enjoy meeting Yolanda, a spitfire of a chef.

About the Author:

Diane Mott Davidson is the author of 16 cozy mysteries with a culinary theme featuring Goldy Schulz. Mott Davidson studied political science at Wellesley College and interestingly enough lived across the hall from Hillary Clinton. I’m assuming there was no cookie baking going on in the dorms! You can visit with Diane at her Harper Collins website or follow her on Facebook.

Book Blogger Hop

It time to join up with Jennifer at Crazy for Books! Discover new book blogs and make new friends with her fun Book Blogger Hop.

This week's stirring question: What’s the ONE GENRE that you wish you could get into, but just can’t?

My answer: I cannot get into romance novels plain and simple. I'm also getting a little burned out on paranormal but I'm still reading them.

I feel a review coming next week for

Fatally Flaky by Diane Mott Davidson!

And finally, if you have never heard of Comic Con, read about it here.

Comic Con 2011

For the past few years San Diego has been home to Comic Con. When I first moved here in 2000, I kept hearing about it but I really wasn't quite sure what it was. Let me tell you that it's a phenomenon and grows substantially each year.

The convention has grown so huge that the city of San Diego had to fight last year to keep it here. Alas, when the contract is up, I am sure it will move only because we do not have the facilities large enough to accommodate it anymore.

Packed exhibit space

The craziness that is Comic Con

The Twilight folks were there for interview sessions, photo ops, autographs and a few sneaky peaks of Breaking Dawn.

Take a look!

Surprise!
The premiere of Cowboys and Aliens was not in LA or New York but right here in San Diego!

Red carpet photos!
Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart

Daniel Craig

BUT
the BIG news for me was confirmation that Jurassaic Park IV is in the works!

AWESOME!

"We have a story," Spielberg said. "A writer is currently working on the treatment for [that story]...and the hope is to see Jurassic Park 4 in the next 2 or 3 years."

My advice to everyone?

HOLD ON TO YOUR BUTTS!

And that's another Comic Con for the books.

Book Blogger Hop

Hi fellow book bloggers! I'm a little late to the book party but better late than never right? Jennifer at Crazy for Books hosts this fun meme and it gives us the chance to discover new book blogs and party with friends.

This week’s question comes from Veronica who blogs at: Read Books, Have Fun:

How/Where do you get your books? Do you buy them or go to the library? Is there a certain website you use like paperbackswap?

My Answer: I have built up my library mainly from library book sales. They sell books starting at FREE to a quarter, 50 cents and $1. Very affordable for me and the money goes to a good cause.

Enjoy the fun of discovering new book blogs!

And before I forget, you can tune in tonight to get the back story on the creator of Harry Potter! I am planning to plant myself in front of the TV tonight at 8pm for Magic Beyond Words: The JK Rowling Story on the Lifetime Channel.

The gato and I will be enjoying the movie with a big bowl of popcorn and kitty treats! The movie, by the way, repeats on Saturday night.

Expecto Patronum!

Have a great week!

It's Summer

I hope you will join with me and the Gato and pull up a chair (or hammock!) in the shade along with a tall cool drink and let's talk books!



While the Gato and I have been missing from the book blogging world that doesn't mean we haven't been reading. The Gato himself enjoyed Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot, the inspiration for the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Cats.



As for myself I read a million and one chicklits but sadly can only recommend two of them. If you enjoy chicklit try The First Assistant (a follow up to The Second Assistant) by Clare Naylor and Mimi Hare. Both books are fun and a kind of insider's look into the Hollywood PR machine.




My niece loves Emily Griffin's books so I found Something Blue at The Friend's of the Library book sale a while back. Finally got around to reading it...what took me so long? It's a great book.


I also discovered Perri O'Shaughnessy's thrillers. Perri O'Shaughnessy is actually two people, sisters to be precise, Mary and Pamela O'Shaughnessy. They have created a great character in attorney Nina Reilly, you'll enjoy Unlucky in Law.


I read quite a few cozy mysteries especially The Cat Who books by Lilian Jackson Braun. I love revisiting with James Qwilleran and his two Siamese Koko and Yum Yum not to mention all the folk that live in the ficticious town of Pickax located in Moose County "40 miles north of everywhere." To read my review of two Cat Who books click here. Sadly the 97 year old Ms. Jackson Braun passed away last month. You can read about her passing as reported in the New York Times. I shall miss her cozy writing style.

And finally, the Gato and I would like to welcome the newest member to the Book Fiend's Gallery, Mr. Tux Twist. Tux, short for Tuxedo, was recently adopted and enjoys catnip cocktails, sci-fi movies (he is excited about the return of Torchwood), Captain America, and YES an evening walk with his family. Enjoy this little photo tribute featuring Tux!

Dolores, come outside and check this out, you won't believe it?
Whatchu talkin' 'bout Willis?
It's dang near the craziest thing I eva seen!
A cat on a leash, why I never!

Can a cat have some privacy?

I spy...

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!
It's good to be back!

The gato and I would like to wish everyone a Happy 4th of July!

Have fun!

Watch for the return of The Literary Gato!

Coming soon!