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16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Catering to Lawyers Can be a Killer Job..., June 7, 2006
The 13th installment in the Goldilocks Catering Mystery series starts out with a big thud...over a dead body that is. Now catering for the law firm of Hanrahan & Jule (H & J), Goldy Shultz trips over the body of good friend and paralegal-in-training, Dusty Routt, while entering the law firm late one evening. Goldy was to meet Dusty there for a cooking lesson, as Dusty wanted to learn how to cook from the skilled caterer. Goldy struggles to deal with the death of her neighbor and friend, who has struggled her entire short life. Her family has dealt with several tragedies including the death of Dusty's brother while in police custody, the blinding of her grandfather while he was imprisoned, and the statutory rape of Dusty while she was in high school. Dusty seemed to be pulling herself out of her catastrophic past with a new job at her uncle's law firm, and was seen wearing a very expensive bracelet before her death. Goldy is once again pulled into solving another mystery by the plea of Dusty's mother, and quickly learns that the case will not be an easy one to solve.
I have really enjoyed this series, and the recipes that go along with it. I love the interactions between Goldy and her husband, Tom, and the relationship with Marla. Arch's learning to drive was also a source of amusement in this book, as well. I do, however, feel sorry for Goldie with all of the tragedy in her life (she is always finding someone close to her that has died). She drinks coffee and espresso like crazy, and I cringe every time she reaches for another cup. However, the mysteries are great, and have a lot of twists to them. There were some elements to the story that were left open (hopefully for the next book in the series), and I loved the chance to "visit" these great characters once again.
The first book in the series is called "Catering to Nobody". Enjoy!
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Delicious Mystery, May 3, 2006
In Dark Tort, Diane has yet again combined an excellent mystery with some very special and memorable characters. Included on the list, is, of course, her talented, clever and lovable protagonist, Goldy, who is a caterer. Also talented and lovable is Goldy's husband, Tom, who is not only a skilled detective, but a also very good cook. Goldy has an extended family (which she keeps extending, much to the reader's delight). We sometimes get recipes from Julian, a remarkable young man whom Goldy took under her wing some time ago. As the family grows, we meet more cooks (and get more recipes).
Goldy's best friend Marla, who couldn't boil water (even at high altitude), is another endearing character who appears in Diane's books, as is her teenage son, Arch.
To the mix, Diane adds the results of her excellent research skills. To top off her creation, she gives us recipes for some marvelous munchies, created by Goldy as well as some members of her family, so that we may eat while we eagerly await her next book.
Having devoured Dark Tort, I plan to prepare and devour her asparagus quiche this weekend.
I am afraid I have never purchased a Goldy book from Amazon. I attend Diane's book signings at local bookstores. I have met Diane and find her delightful.
Dark Tort deals with the antics of the members of a medium size law firm. The issue that leads to the murders is a complicated probate matter. I am a lawyer and I have done probate work. Diane has figured out its complexities.
I've met lawyers who are mirror images of Diane's characters. As a result, although I've enjoyed all the Goldy books, I found Dark Tort especially amusing.
In addition to my addiction to mysteries, I enjoy cooking. I am looking forward to preparing and eating that quiche, as well as to the next Goldy book.
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18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Continuing Continuity Problems, April 17, 2006
I have read all the books in this series, starting shortly after the first one (Catering to Nobody) was published. I have made the recipes, read the books often, and generally enjoyed the series.
That said, Dark Tort disappoints the faithful readers with *severe* continuity problems (which have popped up in other recent books). In Dark Tort, we are reintroduced to the Routts, Goldy's neighbors from Killer Pancake. Unfortunately, the "back story" for the Routts has changed dramatically. Any reader who recalls Killer Pancake will immediately notice the differences. While not necessarily integral to the conclusion of the mystery, it does affect Goldy's investigation and it *completely* affected my enjoyment of the story.
In addition to the problem with the Routts, there are other characters who would normally have made an appearance before (particularly an elderly parishioner). By bringing them in now, there is a level of frustration.
I have often overlooked the factual inaccuracies (usual as it relates to civil law) of the Goldy Bear series because I genuinely enjoy the characters and the stories. This time, the continuity problems and other factual issues hampered my enjoyment of the book. (Not to mention the continued decision to put the recipes at the back of the book, leaving no connection between the recipe and the story.)
So, devoted readers of the series: beware. But if you are new to the series, enjoy the Goldy mystery. In all likelihood, you will find it a quick, light, and entertaining read.
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