| Title | : | Dying for Chocolate (A Goldy Bear Culinary Mystery, #2) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 075317071X |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780753170717 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Mass Market Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 384 |
| Publication | : | First published January 1, 1992 |
Meet Goldy Bear: a bright, opinionated, wildly inventive caterer whose personal life has become a recipe for disaster. She's got an abusive ex-husband who's into making tasteless threats, a rash of mounting bills that are taking a huge bite out of her budget, and two enticing men knocking on her door.
The Dish
Now determined to take control of her life, Goldy moves her business and her son to ritzy Aspen Meadow Country Club, where she accepts a job as a live-in cook. But just as she's beginning to think she's got it made--catering decadent dinners and posh society picnics and enjoying the favors of Philip Miller, a handsome local shrink, and Tom Shulz, her more-than-friendly neighborhood cop--the dishy doctor inexplicably drives his BMW into an oncoming bus.
The Unsavory Killer
Convinced that Philip's bizarre death was no accident, Goldy decides to do a little investigating of her own. But sifting through the unpalatable secrets of the dead doc's life will toss her into a case seasoned with unexpected danger and even more unexpected revelations--the kind that could get a caterer and the son she loves. . .killed.
Dying for Chocolate (A Goldy Bear Culinary Mystery, #2) Reviews
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Book Review
3 of 5 stars to
Dying for Chocolate, the second installment in the Goldy Bear Culinary Mystery series, by
Diane Mott Davidson, published in 1992. I stumbled on to this series after college and quickly purchased the first five or six books to read as quickly as possible. It's one of those series you should read the first few in a row, so you are immersed in the cozy world of fun. And with a title all about chocolate, how could you resist? The recipes in the book look fun and simple. But they tend to be a little non-diet friendly, and although I am not usually on a diet, I do watch what I eat. And when it comes to desserts, I can't make them too often unless I'm giving them away -- or I'll eat the whole thing.
This book continues the intro to Goldy and her pre-teen/teen son, a good example of a parent/child relationship post-divorce. It helps that Arch is a good kid, but Goldy can sometimes be too motherly over some things. Her friendship with Marla is a hoot. And her interesting flirtation (if you can call it that) with the doctor and the policeman are heating up. But when 1 of them is killed, you know we won't suffer too long with the infamous cozy triangle.
[image error] -
Well I leapt into this series at book 2 because I needed a book with a reference to chocolate for an Easter Challenge. I guess there are many better ways to choose books but sometimes I come across real gems this way!
Dying for Chocolate is not a gem but it is a very readable, fun way to pass a few hours. The main character is good and her recipes are excellent. She is a little bit of a doormat from time to time which is minorly irritating and she is definitely an over obsessive mum.
Still the story was good, amazingly a main character died within the first few chapters, there were red herrings aplenty and I totally missed guessing the main culprit. The ending was tidy and had promise for future character development.
Will I continue with the series? Probably but not immediately:) -
Jan 14, 2021 ~~ Finished my re-read. No changes in my rating, and nothing really to add to the review. I did like this one better than Catering For Nobody, and I do still think Goldy is blind about too many things, but I am now a little more interested in seeing what happens in the next book. Just not quite yet. I need a break from Ms. Bear so I will move on to Ms. Woolf for a bit.
January 7, 2021 ~~ I am beginning this book for a second reading as part of a personal challenge to read the entire series. I bought the 17 volumes of this series for my Mom last year or maybe the year before, and she loved them so much she insisted I just HAD to read them too. And kept asking if I had yet. I figured I could get myself through a few every now and then this year, and since I just finished #1, I will start this one tonight. Besides, I am having a great deal of trouble concentrating on much of anything these days, but I cannot NOT read, you know? Something light and easy that I can just sort of sleepwalk through feels like a good option to me. Doubt if there will be any changes to my rating or review, but I'll be back when I'm done and we'll see what happens.
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I needed something to read while on a trip, and this book was given to me by my Mom as
something 'light, easy to read when you can't really concentrate, and fun'. Yep, she was right.
I found out later this is the third in a series of 'culinary mysteries' featuring a main character who is a caterer and has the (sorry) ridiculous name of Goldy Bear. The 'Goldy' is explained as a childhood nickname that carried over into adulthood. I must say I think this was unfortunate for everyone, because even though the name gave the author a reason to insert a couple of little side plots, every time I read the full name I either cringed or rolled my eyes in disgust. I guess I don't really appreciate such cuteness in mysteries, even light mysteries such as this one.
Aside from the name issue, I did like the book and I agree with Mom: it is fun and easy to read. Besides, Davidson (Goldy?) has a good attitude about chocolate: Opening a wrapped imported chocolate is like a moment from Christmas Eve. Your mouth waters. Each tiny crinkle of paper, each flash of colored foil is agony. You think if you don't get this chocolate into your mouth in the next five seconds, you're going to die.
Our Goldy uses her chocolate (and her cooking) as stress relievers. She has an abusive ex-husband to deal with; a son who is about to join the ranks of the dreaded Teenagers; a very unusual boss; and suddenly people around her start dying like Spanish flies. So I can certainly understand her need to indulge in good chocolate every so often.
I do not think I would intentionally search out any other titles in the series, but if I came across them in a used book sale I would pick them up. Mother will be looking for more of Davidson's books though, so I imagine that someday I will see what else is on Goldy's menu.
Meanwhile I whole-heartedly agree with Ms. Bear when she says:
Anything tastes good when you wash it down with chocolate. -
Goldy has taken a job to be a live-in chef for an older couple. She hopes to avoid the abusive ex. But avoiding him isn’t easy when they share custody of their son.
Meanwhile murder follows her.
Good book with a solid plot. -
There are some likable things in this novel: the food porn, interactions with Shultz, Marla, and the quaint setting. But Goldy in the end is too much of pushover for my tastes, even her bratty son bullies the hell out of her. She does make a wry remark or two at times but only to the harmless (that are usually trying to help her). Along with the dated feel to the dialogue and my total confusion re: John Richard ( seriously how does a documented abuser get unsupervised weekends with their child, why would you stay in such close proximity to him if he's still a constant threat...especially if he only sometimes pays child support, in fact why don't you sic your lawyers on him when he doesn't or report when he continues to threaten/stalk you, and yeah while you're at it go ahead and move to a town big enough for you to have a less shaky employment situation. rant/off), it's time for me to abandon ship on this cozy series. Good Riddance -_-
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I can understand Goldy's stress, but she's downright bitchy for the majority of this book.
There are some things that bugged me, as well -- if a shrink is murdered, it doesn't mean the police can now look into all his client's confidential medical files with ease. Second, she cannot be sued to change her legal name (Goldy Bear) because a business says they have 'The Three Bears' copyrighted as their business name. It's not a trademarked legal name they're attacking her for - it's her legal name. If our actual names were copyrighted, we'd all be in trouble eventually as more kids are named the same name and...well, it just doesn't make sense.
As mystery stories go, the villain wasn't predictable but possibly could have been guessed, while the reason and back story never could have. My issue really was that Goldy never seemed to do that much investigating. It was more prompting every once in awhile from Tom to ask questions, and she had to be there anyway, sometimes she would overhear stuff, other times she would be in the right place at the right time, and even still the wrong place at the wrong time. She didn't act like a detective besides perhaps one to two incidents, but then didn't carry them much farther other than to inform authorities higher up. Still, the mystery lasted but a week or so and there was plenty of action to keep one reading.
The cooking details, since she is a busy caterer, is of course a primary focus of the book. I was delighted to find so many generous recipes throughout, and am sure to try some, especially the Anniversary Hamburgers. I wish she had put the recipe for the Chocolate cake she made up, but since it included fillings of actual chocolate mouse and an outer painting of tempered chocolate, it sounds pretty complicated anyway. More's the pity.
Tom Schultz just doesn't seem like a desirable leading man to me. He seems sweet but from this book alone I didn't glimpse that much personality, attraction, or mystique. The unfortunate Phillip seemed a bit more interesting for the short scenes he had, just because of the looks, his work, and his dialogue dished out more human quirks than ol' Toms. Arch seemed like a typical child with a mouth when things get stressed but not a bad seed; the general was especially funny in his unusual and quirky ways. The abusive ex seemed to be portrayed realistically enough. He didn't get tons of time but enough to make the points needed.
I also felt she was a bit unsympathetic. She was mentally telling herself she'd be sure to rat out the general for what she sees at his house to her cop friend, although the general is the one who is letting her and her kid stay at his house and is so protective of her. He's not right in the head, but to report him for any wrong thing you see?
Even if this ones mystery fell a bit flat in its execution, and the method of death was a tad unrealistic and far-fetched, I still greatly enjoyed the story. Goldy isn't a humorous fun type of character, she's a stressed one. There's not much of a romantic involvement to speak of, despite claims that it's supposed to be so (just no spark anyway to make that count). The bizarre situations among the various catered parties helped create the book, especially when it surrounded the main whodunnit sort of characters that helped keep this story alive. -
Digital audiobook read by Barbara Rosenblat
This is book two in the popular Goldy Bear Culinary Mystery series. Divorced and trying to avoid further altercations with her ex (usually referred to as “The Jerk”), Goldy and her son Arch have landed in temporary quarters where she is the private chef to a wealthy couple, Gen Bo and Adele Farquhar. The position gives her a place a live and access to a dream kitchen, and allows her time to also take on catering jobs. She’s also dating a man she originally met in college. But not everything is going her way. A food critic is writing very negative reviews of Goldy’s work. The Farquhar’s have taken in a former boarder at the tony Elk Park Preparatory School, Julian Teller, but Goldy doesn’t quite trust him, and she’s not thrilled that Arch follows Julian’s every move. And then people begin to die.
I started this series ages ago and loved the recipes. At that time I didn’t care if I read the series in order or not and have no memory of reading this one (and it wasn’t on my “read” shelf). It has all the elements of a successful cozy mystery series: an amateur sleuth whose “career” puts her in contact with a wide range of people (whether victim or suspect), a home situation with added tension, a love interest, and some great recipes. I have to admit that Goldy is pretty resourceful when getting herself out of a jam and doesn’t always rely on the big strong detective to save her. On the other hand, if she kept her nose out of business that isn’t hers … well we wouldn’t have this series.
Barbara Rosenblat does a fine job of narrating the audiobook. I loved the way she voiced Gen Farquahar. What a character! The audio does NOT include any of the recipes that are printed in the book, so be sure to grab a copy of the text if you’re inspired to try concocting your own “death by chocolate.” -
Warning! don't read this book if you are on a diet!
This is the first of the Goldy Bear cozy mysteries that I read. I enjoyed it so much that I went back to the used bookstore and bought more books from the series. Then I went to the library to read all the copies that they stocked. These are just fun books to read. The best part of the stories for me are the descriptions of the food/coffee and the inclusion of recipes! I have tried many of them and they are good.
If you are looking for something to read just for fun, then this series of mysteries fit the bill. -
I love listening to this series on cd audio as I drive. Great culinary mystery series and fun to listen to. I am waiting for book 3 in the series to arrive now. I recommend to anyone who likes a good mystery that is not too complicated or "deep".
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Although this is just the second book I've read this series is really good and I'm looking forward to many Goldy Bear antics and mysteries
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This series is like comfort food... 3.5 stars rounded.
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Interesting series with great character. I am looking forward to the next.
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2.5 stars because I like the character Goldy and her bevy of friends, family, and neighbors in Aspen Meadow. But this story was weird! In one of the opening scenes, a middle aged woman hosts an aphrodisiac dinner in an attempt to win back her philandering husband. But this is not an intimate dinner for two, but a party for 6. Guests, when you are trying to seduce your husband? Wait, it gets weirder. One of the middle aged couples can't make it at the last minute, so the hostess invites two high school seniors to fill in. Really? Two high school seniors at an aphrodisiac party with two middle-aged couples? And no character even comments on the total weirdness of this! And one of the older guys at the party in his fifties is lasciviously flirting with the hot teenage girl not only at the party, but throughout the book, and nobody does anything about this except grit their teeth at the guy's bad behavior. Nobody threatens to call the cops or even informs the girls parents that a fifty-something Lothario is after her. The weirdness of the whole situation made me feel as if I were in the Twilight Zone as I was reading it.
On an up note, I started reading the Goldy Books late in the run, so it was pretty cool to read about the characters as they were years before I "met" them.
I found the pacing of this book a bit jarring and stilted, whereas the later books flow along beautifully. This is the third Goldy book I've read, and even though this one was a little disappointing and weird, I am definitely going to read more! -
Starting over with the wonderful Goldy Bear series. This is No. 2. Davidson has written 17 books in this series! Eek, I shouldn't have dropped out; I'll never catch up.
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This is a great one. Goldy's relationship with Schulz warms up. As always, Davidson includes yummy recipes. -
I told him to come back after the party. I wanted to invest in Flicker Ridge. I smoothed cantharidin on top of his fudge. He died for chocolate!" She laughed. A wave of nausea swept over me.
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Fun, fluffy, with a few twists, enjoyable summer read.
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Its been a while since I've read a Diane Mott Davidson mystery...I've always been a fan of the Goldy Schulz nee Goldy Bear culinary mystery series since the 90s, but somehow I missed number 2, "Dying for Chocolate"...Luckily, Goodreads allows me to track books in a series I may have missed...Goldy and her son Arch have moved in with an older, retired couple to avoid her abusive ex and to be employed as a live-in chef for the couple...In this one she's pulled into the mystery of the murder of a local psychiatrist who dies before he can confide something important to Goldy...Basic mystery, nothing outstanding, but love the foods described throughout!
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These are cute, cozy mysteries with delicious food. Fast reads during a stressful time!
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I admit I grade tough... but Goldy Bear is not high literature, although I certainly enjoy reading her adventures.
Also, I listened to this as part of a three book, abridged audio offering - and that is what I really wanted to address. I usually don't listen to abridgements, they often just leave too much out and are very choppy. I haven't read the unabridged versions, but these are really well done. I'm not sure what was taken out, but what I heard was very smooth and I didn't really feel the, 'wait, HUH?!?' that I get from other abridgements.
When reviewing an audiobook, I really cannot do so without considering the reader. The narrator can REALLY make or break a book. Barbara Rosenblat hits it out of the park. She is an amazing reader. She inhabits Goldy. On the other hand, in another of the three books, the narrator was Mary Gross and she really took me out of the story - her Goldy was not a strong, determined wonan regardless of the words she read; her Goldy was rather whiny, which is not what I want from my heroines.
I will look for other Goldy adventures, and other books read by Ms. Rosenblatt. -
A very fun mystery about the caterer, Goldy Bear, and a murder she tries to solve. It was much better than the first of the series, as it not nearly as full of the heavy history of her abusive husband. (He played only a minimal part in the story this time.) And I have to say, the author succeeded in leading me astray on who the murderer was almost until the very end. A light book that is great for a fun read.
PS. The recipes in this book sound devine, and I found myself wanting to stop reading just to go make one of them. Yum! -
I love mysteries!!! I love chocolate!!! I loved this book!!!
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I am really enjoying this series. I listen to the audio version and I think the narrator is awesome.
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Guilty pleasure- perfect on audio for road trips!
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When Goldy starts dating a handsome psychologist, her jealous ex-husband begins to stalk her and destroying her property. Since he’d been physically abusive during their marriage, Goldy takes a live-in position as a cook for a wealthy couple. She continues to cater events, and her son Arch is able to attend the summer session at a prestigious prep school. But soon after her new job begins, her new boyfriend dies in a horrific accident on a winding mountain road. Goldy witnesses the crash, as she was following him in her van. Investigator Tom Schultz, who still has an interest in Goldy, is on the case, but Goldy isn’t about to let him do all the work. There’s lots of action and surprises in this story, and I’m looking forward to reading Book 3!
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This is probably not the first time I’ve read this, but it’s been long enough for me to have forgotten it all. Unless the dread I had almost all the way through that I was going to be unhappy when the killer(s?) was revealed was a buried memory struggling to the surface. Because I was. Unhappy, that is. Why couldn’t it have been somebody nasty? However, it is not possible that every murder in every mystery be that of a despicable person polished off by an equally despicable person. So. Good writing, good characters, good (hmph) plot. And a couple of recipes I think I need to try out.
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At this point, I don't know why I am still even reading this series (this is the 6th I've read, obviously not in order). While I enjoy the mysteries, the characters are completely annoying. Goldy whines about everything, Arch is a spoiled brat, and Marla, while not too bad in this one, is a complete busybody, albeit a kind-hearted one. Tom is the only decent person to be found. And I have 5 more on my shelves. *sigh*
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Dying for Chocolate
Diane Mott Davidson
ISBN 978-0-553-56024-4
Good mystery and with regard to the previous book, this story is at sometimes a little bit confusing and erratic. It doesn’t bother me and it still is a Good read with just the right amount of humor.
Below a list of the main characters:
Dr. John Richard Korman, Goldy’s ex-husband.
General Bo Farquhar and his wife Adèle.
Philip Miller, local shrink.
Marla Korman, Goldy’s friend and also an ex-wife of the Jerk.
Arch, Goldy’s son.
Tom Schulz, policeman.
Julian Teller, eighteen-year-old staff member of the Farquhars.
Elizabeth Miller, excellent baker and Philip’s sister.
Weezie and Brian Harrington, one of Goldy’s clients requesting a special dinner party.
Sissy Stone, she works at the library and helps out Goldy.
Armstrong and Boyd, cops interviewing Goldy about the accident.
George Pettigrew from Three Bears Catering in Denver.
George Rumslinger, a country music star.
Dr. Cartwheel, the optometrist.
Andrea Coburn, one of Archie’s friends. -
Goldie is just plain annoying at times. It’s hard to read this book regarding the abusive ex and the fact that nothing is being done. Goldie also sees the pattern being repeated in their son. Regarding his verbal abuse towards her and she just takes it. These books were written back in the 90’s when DV was take. As seriously, and it was still considered a “personal” issue by most, but ughhhhh Most of the characters, except for Tom have no redeeming qualities at all.
