A Cook in Time: An Angie Amalfi Mystery (Angie Amalfi Mysteries) (Mass Market Paperback)

by Joanne Pence (Author) "Patrol cars blocked the main entrance to Sigmund Stern Grove, their red and blue flashing lights harsh and garish against the gray December sky..." (more)
Key Phrases: mutilation murderer, fantasy dinner, mutilation murders, Prometheus Group, Tardis Hall, Oliver Hardy (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"A feast for the reader's senses. . . . The author has a wicked flair for light humor. . . . A delightful reading concoction." -- -- Gothic Journal

"Fans have much to celebrate in this latest installment." -- Mystery News

"If you love books by Diane Mott Davidson or Denise Dietz, you will love this series. It's as refreshing as lemon sherbet and just as delicious." -- Under the Covers

"Joanne Pence just gets better and better as each episode unfolds." -- -- Mystery News

"Tasty and tempting reading." -- -- Romantic Times

Review
"Tasty and tempting reading." (Romantic Times BOOKclub )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Avon (October 6, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061044547
• ISBN-13: 978-0061044540
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #541,839 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Joanne Pence knows how to tell a great mystery, October 5, 1999

By A Customer

Although Chef Angie Amalfi and homicide inspector Paavo Smith remain an item, they seem to spend little time together. Angie, tired of being a failure, desperately wants her newest business venture to work. She spends all her time on Fantasy Dinners. Her concept centers on a form of entertainment built around an evening of theme oriented events. Paavo hunts San Francisco's latest serial killer. This psychopath cuts the lips, nose, ears, and the entire area between the pubis and the colon from his victims. He completes his gruesome task by carving a number on the casualty's chest.

Angie's first client is society doyenne Triana Crisswell, a member of the Prometheus Group that believes in extraterrestrial life. Triana wants to host a reception for the group's leader Algernon, who is publishing his first book. The two women decide that Roswell Area 51 is the ideal theme. Paavo learns that the serial killer's victims are linked to Area 51 and the Prometheus Group. As Angie works her party and Paavo treks a gruesome trail, they soon find themselves working together.

Joanne Pence does her usual fine job with her latest Angelo Amalfi mystery although this time the author includes otherworldly elements to focus the plot. Ms. Pence's explanation for Roswell and Area 51 seems plausible. The protagonists feel as if they are familiar dear friends and acquaintances from previous tales add to the welcoming feel of the novel. An Angela Amalfi story is always a treat, but A COOK IN TIME is a feast.

Harriet Klausner

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pence's Best Yet, December 13, 1999

By	volchef (Winter Park, FL) - See all my reviews

Joanne Pence's latest thriller is the best yet in the Angelina Amalfi series. Her story is a cross between the X-Files and all of the Y2K hype. If you are looking for an intriguing, yet light read I strongly recommend this book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Pretty Good, February 24, 2002

By A Customer

Joanne Pence's books are very good. I think out of all of the Angie/Paavo books I have only not liked one. This one was good (and strange)but I read it in one night. Angie is ditzy and when you team her up with her friend, Connie, it kind of reminds you of Lucy and Ethel. Paavo is serious, but his homicide investigations balance out the comedic adventures of Angie. Angie's adventures always tie up with Paavo's investigations towards the end and Paavo saves the day each time. I like these books. They are what I consider light reading and the characters have real like depth to them where you really find yourself caring what happens to them. Each book advances their background and you find out more about them. The only thing that I consider irritating is the name brand mentioning in the descriptions. That gets a little old. Yes, we know she is rich, but please I don't care what brand of clothes, shoes, jewelery, etc. Angie is wearing. All in all I would highly recommend this series if you want something light and fast to read. The books can definitely deliver up some comedy and will get your mind working to try to figure out who done it.