2012: #52 – The Cereal Murders (Diane Mott Davidson)
Title: The Cereal Murders
Author: Diane Mott Davidson
Series: Goldy Bear #03
Format: Audio
Audiobook length: 9 hrs 35 min
Release Date: November 1, 1993
Publisher: Bantam
Source: personal copy
Thanks to her recent adventures in Dying for Chocolate, Goldy Bear, the premier caterer of Aspen Meadow, Colorado, is no stranger to violence–or sudden death. But when she agrees to cater the first College Advisory Dinner for Seniors and Parents at the exclusive Elk Park Preparatory School, the last thing she expects to find at the end of the evening is the battered body of the school valedictorian.
Who could have killed Keith Andrews, and why? Goldy’s hungry for some answers–and not just because she found the corpse. Her young son, Arch, a student at Elk Park Prep, has become a target for some not-so-funny pranks, while her eighteen-year-old live-in helper, Julian, has become a prime suspect in the Andrews boy’s murder.
As her investigation intensifies, Goldy’s anxiety level rises faster than homemade doughnuts. . .as she turns up evidence that suggests that Keith knew more than enough to blow the lid off some very unscholarly secrets. And then, as her search rattles one skeleton too many, Goldy learns a crucial fact: a little knowledge about a killer can be a deadly thing.
My thoughts:
This is a series I enjoy and will continue to read/listen to. Goldy is pragmatic and tends to get straight to the point, and I appreciate that. I think that she is a realistic character — despite the fact that Keith Andrews isn’t the first dead body she happens across, it affects her very deeply. Add into the situation the fact that her son is being harassed, and Goldy has a lot to worry about.
Something that I thought was interesting about this book is that one of its central themes, the cutthroat Ivy League college admissions process, is even more relevent today, almost 20 years after the book was first published.
I also like the little taste of romance. Schultz is a patient man.
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | WorldCat
Other reviews:
- “Overall, though I was not absolutely impressed by Davidson’s writing style, the story is gripping, the characters entertaining, and the recipes delicious.” — Over a Steaming Cup of Tea
- “This one is a quick, enjoyable read.” — Jandy’s Reading Room
I’ve never read this series but you gotta love the title and cover of this one!