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33 of 36 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent closure and elements for future characters, November 11, 2004
Finally Goldy is free of the abuse from the Jerk, whose murder opens the Pandora's box of all that he was capable of, and, it's worse than you will ever expect. So Excellent Riddance. On the other hand, it looks like there will be new family and friendship relationships developing in and around the Schulz family and.. who knows what tomorrow might bring. I only hope that Marla's character does not fade from view now that the main reason of her gossipy life has gone. Very promising and lovely, easy scrumptious recipes at the end don't interrupt the continuity of the story. Diane come back soon! No other culinary mystery author compares to Mott Davidson. I especially share her passion for espresso in every form, and was NOT disappointed.
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35 of 39 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Physical Abuse from John Richard Korman Ends!, November 19, 2004
If you are like me, the main drawback of this wonderful series about Goldy Schultz has been the repeated violence that she has suffered at the hands of her ex-husband, Dr. John Richard Korman. Well, unless he comes back as a ghost, that problem is at an end because JRK (also known as the Jerk by his ex-wives and ex-girl friends -- some 50+ in number) is killed in this outing of the delightful culinary series. That's the good news. The bad news is that Goldy is physically assaulted and injured in the book's opening in a way that suggests that this annoying part of the series (Goldy as punching bag) will continue in future books. I hope not. I realize that many women are physically abused by friends, lovers and spouses . . . but making that a major theme of a culinary mystery just doesn't make sense to me. I graded the book down one star for this continuing theme of gratuitous violence towards women. This book has much to recommend it. The clues point in many different directions which makes the mystery hard to solve until just the last few pages. I don't remember a better mystery in the series. The book also has a lot of good police procedural and legal defense procedural parts in it that make it more realistic than many other books in the series. The development of the relationships among Goldy, Tom and Arch is particularly delightful in the book. There's also the usual fun with Marla as sidekick. The recipes are particularly appealing with strawberry pie, enchilada pie, almond cookies, chocolate cake, brownie points and two kinds of breads among the delights to drool over . . . and to cook up for yourself. Obviously, Goldy is still immune from the Atkins and the South Beach diets. So unless you are too busy baking for the upcoming holidays, give yourself a treat and enjoy sipping Double Shot!
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Who killed the Jerk and why?, October 28, 2004
Goldy's ex-husband, Dr. John Richard Korman or the Jerk as she and Marla, his other ex-wife, refer to him, has just had his sentence commuted by the governor. Goldy is attacked and The Roundhouse sabotaged. She wonders if this could be the work of the Jerk. She doesn't let it stop her. With the help of Marla, Goldy's son Arch, Julian and Liz, the lunch following the funeral of Dr. Albert Kerr goes off without a hitch. Well, unless you call the confrontation she has with the Jerk outside after the lunch a hitch. He wants Arch at his place at 4 for their golf tee time. Goldy scrambles and arrives at the Jerk's place with Arch on time. But there's no Jerk. There is a guy asking Goldy for his money. She begins to wonder what the Jerk has gotten himself into this time. Goldy and Arch bang on the door to find the Jerk. He still hasn't come to the door, even after the man asking for money left. So Goldy goes around to his garage. Unfortunately inside she finds the Jerk shot to death. There are many reasons Goldy is a major suspect. Arch blames her for his death. What more could go wrong. Goldy, with Marla's help, begins to look into who could have wanted the Jerk dead. Unfortunately he was not a well-liked man. Tom, Goldy's husband, helps her as well as tries to keep her safe throughout the process. Can Goldy figure out why the Jerk was killed and by whom without causing her son any more grief? Plus can she stay safe and keep Arch safe? This was a very good book. I always like reading books in this series. The food descriptions really add to the wonderful mystery and investigation in each of her books. This was no exception. There are some wonderful sounding recipes in the back, as well. Someday I hope to try making one. Goldy and Marla have a way of getting into trouble, but they always make me laugh. They are great characters and so well developed. The additional characters in this book are just as rich. The Colorado setting adds to the story as well. I highly recommend this book.
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