Book Review: Grilling Season

Title:  Grilling Season
Author:  Diane Mott Davidson
Pages:  400
Publication Date:  1997
Version:  Paperback
Genre:  Adult Fiction (Mystery/Suspense)

Summary Via Goodreads.com:
"A chilly reception....

Caterer Goldy Schulz has been hired to host a hockey party. But the proceedings won't be all fun and games. Unfortunately, her client won't be satisfied until Goldy adds a hefty serving of revenge.

An ex-husband from hell....

Patricia McCracken is certain that her obstetrician and her penny-pinching HMO are responsible for the loss of her baby. Now she is suing both, and she wants Goldy's advice on coming out on top. For Dr. John Richard Korman, aka the Jerk, is none other than Goldy's abusive ex-husband. Goldy knows all about John Richard's secret life--but even she is shocked when he's arrested for the murder of his latest girlfriend.

A dish best served cold....

As much as Goldy would like to see her ex get his just desserts, could he really be a killer? Soon she will find herself sifting through a spicy mix of sizzling gossip for clues to a mystery that threatens her catering deadline, her relationship with her son and new husband... and even her life."

My Review:

This was an unexpected read for me.  While on a family vacation this book caught my eye.  After reading the back, my interest was peeked and I just had to read it.  This book is a few books into a series, but it made a fantastic stand alone book.  There were references at times to previous books, but nothing that made this book confusing or difficult to read.

Not sure how I would respond if my ex would be arrested for murder.  Goldy does amazing!  She is determined to find out if he really did it or not, and not for his sake, but for the sake of their son, Arch.  She encounters so many obstacles and shocking finds along the way to the truth.  Will she find the truth in time?  Will the truth end up being what her son fears the most?  Did this violent, abusive man finally cross that line to murder or was he just in the wrong place at the wrong time?  Will Goldy survive long enough to find the truth at the bottom of a pile of deception and lies?

I just loved the characters in this book!  Goldy, Tom, Arch, and all the others were so well developed and just so full of personality.  I felt like they were new friends of mine that I was getting to know throughout the book.  They were funny, yet serious when need be, and very smart sleuths.  Goldy was by far my favorite character and not just because she was the main one, but because she had such a great personality that was so fun to read and watch develop.  Also, Goldy just had such an admirable way of dealing with everything from her catering business down to how to deal with her ex and her son.  It wasn't just the characters that were well thought out though, the plot was amazing!  Every moment was on the edge of my seat action and new discoveries.  There was never a lull in action in this book.  

This is a must read book for any mystery or suspense lover.  This was a new author to me also and I think she is one of my new favorites to watch for other books of hers to read.  The recipes along the way in the book was an interesting approach too.  At first I found it odd, but then I found it pretty neat to see, as then when Goldy made these delicious sounding dishes I could see a real recipe and try it in my own home if I want to.  Pretty neat idea.  Then an even better idea...I found at the end of the book a table of contents of the recipes that were throughout the book, for easy finding even after I was done with the book.  So neat!

5/5 Stars!