Customer Reviews

Hail to the Chef (A White House Chef Mystery)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

But I did not find the story as interesting and fun as the first book. There are a few different mysteries going on during the book that are somewhat hastily tied together at the end. The explanations and resolutions were not very tight or believable. Without giving too much away, lets just say that Ollie is not only a chef but more capable and intelligent than most of the Secret Service. The holiday happenings at the White House are so much fun that they do much to make up for the unsatisfying elements of the storyline. I really enjoyed Ollie's new role as executive chef, and her interactions with the First Lady were great. I wish Olivia would tell Bucky to stick a sock in it, but for the most part Ollie is very likeable. I also missed the Ollie/ Tom interactions, he is pretty non-existent in this book. But the possible new love interest was interesting and made for some funny moments. Overall, this is a light, fun, holiday read and I will stick with the series to see how it develops.
PS- That info in another review about Sean being "busy" and not wanting to give Ollie "false hope" is inaccurate and not in any part of the book that I saw. Sean is not the "love interest" I am referencing in my review.

It seems lately the mystery market is inundated with books of a culinary nature. Noticing Hail to the Chef, I made the assumption, "here we go again with another slightly amusing food mystery." I was quite wrong in my assumption.
Ms. Hyzy does a first-rate job in this mystery of keeping your attention riveted not only to the food but to the behind-the-scenes kitchen action of the White House. She has obviously done her research and done it well.
I pride myself on figuring out ahead of time "who done it". I was nowhere close in this one.
If you enjoy well rounded characters, a pinch of political intrigue, a smattering of cuisine humor, and a soupcon of wit and sarcasm, then get this book -- it's a sure recipe for success.

I have chosen this book to share with my book club buddies as an entertaining read for the holidays. Julie incorporates any number of fun plots, and who doesn't love the food talk? Can't wait for the next installment of Ollie's adventures.

what a wonderful surprise. i love margaret truman's books and now have a new author to savor over and wish that she would write faster. i truly enjoyed "hail to the chef" and looking forward to many more.

Another White House adventure with the Executive Chef - Olivia (Ollie) Paras. Ollie finds the head maintenance worker dead from electricution in the hallway. The First Lady is being pressured to sell her deceased father's business by 3 of the other heirs. It is Thanksgiving and the holiday season, so Ollie and her staff are very busy with the upcoming events. A bomb has been planted in the White House so they are experiencing hair-raising evacuations.

I am very much enjoying this little series and I hope it continues. The characters are engaging and the stories are predictable but fun. A nice lightweight read.

JULIE HYZY YOU HAVE MY COMPLETE ATTENTION! What a writer and how INTERESTING her story is. I immediately bought every book Ms. Hyzy has written (including her new one in the "manor" series and I was in book heaven. The subject of the White House Kitchen and its staff and their duties and responsibilities blew me away. I felt like I was part of our White House family and its staff! Great, great reading. Would recommend reading all of Ms. Hyzy's already written and future books for a reading experience everyone should have. Very highly recommended.

So far, I've read Hyzy's State of the Onion and Hail to the Chef and can't wait until the new year when Ollie's next escapade will unfold. Ollie juggles a demanding job, a love interest, dealing with the staff of the most manic kitchen in the world. Hyzy's plot is well woven and suspenseful with enough hints that if the reader pays attention, she might just figure out who did what and why. I especially love the back drop of the White House. I am fascinated that Hyzy was never a chef anywhere and had never worked at the White House. Reading her books, I was convinced she was and did. If you enjoy light-hearted suspense without the blood, violence, or sensuality, you will love these books and only be disappointed that they weren't longer.

Julie Hyzy has produced another great read! "Hail to the Chef" proceeds right after "State of the Onion" left off and promises to be a terrific series. I'm glad Ollie had another 'sidekick' in the form of Special Agent Gavin (although still included, Henry retired in the first book). I wonder however, if Gav may be returning occasionally as competition for Ollie's sweetie, Agent Tom? At any rate, bring on the third course!

I have enjoyed reading all three books in this series. It is best if they are read in order, but they are very enjoyable and funny.