15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Super fun read, November 1, 2007
This review is from: Murder By the Slice: A Fresh-Baked Mystery (Mass Market Paperback)
Reviewed by Janelle Martin
October in Texas means Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) fundraising carnivals at many of the elementary schools. Retired teacher Phyllis Newsom always takes an interest in school happenings, but helping to organize the carnival for Oliver Loving Elementary School wasn't part of her plan. However, when a friend of Carolyn Wilbarger comes to her with a desperate plea for help with the bake sale, Carolyn and Phyllis reluctantly agree to assist.
Carolyn suggests a "healthy snack" contest in addition to the traditional cake auction - an idea quickly approved by the PTO board. In a moment of harmony, Phyllis decides to participate in the auction, leaving Carolyn the baking contest. Peace seems ensured, that is, until the obnoxious head of the PTO sticks her oar in their plans, insisting Phyllis enter the baking contest. Competition is again flowing between Phyllis and Carolyn and disaster seems inevitable, until the PTO chairperson is killed at the carnival and the retirees band together to solve the crime.
Murder by the Slice is the second entry in Livia J. Washburn's "Fresh-Baked Mystery" series. This cozy mystery series is the perfect antidote to the preponderance of blood and gore thrillers currently in vogue. Some may choose to stereotype Washburn's books as "sweet" or "wholesome," however; that does her books a great disservice (although there are lots of descriptions of pastries).
Washburn has created a charismatic group of characters who happen to be seniors, an active diverse bunch, far removed from the stereotype of doddering, helpless "grey-hairs." Phyllis and her friends are useful members of the community, valued for what they contribute, and actively embrace life.
Washburn's avoidance of most obvious stereotypes portends great things for this series. It is this potential therefore, that makes the one pitfall she didn't avoid all the more glaring. The character of Eve is sure to evoke memories of the Golden Girls TV sitcom, a parallel which doesn't do the "Fresh-Baked Mystery" series any service. Phyllis' constant references to Eve as a femme fatale feels out of place and undermines an otherwise fun read.
Several recipes are included at the end of the book. A sample recipe can be found at http://liviawashburn.com/New%20Release.htm
Armchair Interviews says: A nice cozy for a fun read.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
tasty culinary mystery, October 7, 2007
This review is from: Murder By the Slice: A Fresh-Baked Mystery (Mass Market Paperback)
In Weatherford, Texas, four members of the Retired Teachers Association sell baked cakes as a scholarship fund raiser. When Loving Elementary School Parent-Teacher organization member Marie Tyler comes by their table, she asks the quartet to help her with the carnival that she is chairing. As Phyllis Newsom is about to say sorry, but too busy, Dolly Williamson says yes that they will help with the food.
The ladies agree to have a food contest but all entries must be healthy. However, as the RTO members meet the PTO leader dictatorial Shannon Dunstan, each wants to say no as the woman is outrageous, nasty, and demanding; Phyllis believes that's her better qualities. Still they honor their commitment, but at the gala, someone kills Shannon using a knife that Phyllis believes is one she used on her cake. Besides her fingerprints, telltale frosting is on Shannon's body. Knowing that she is now the prime suspect, Phyllis begins her own inquiry; only it seems to her that the entire state of Texas loathed the late nasty martinet and alarge segment had the opportunity to kill her but who was willing to actually stab her while facing her remains a mystery.
MURDER BY THE SLICE is A PEACH OF A MURDER due to the retired chick lit asides by the heroine whether she sells cake at Wal-Mart or Loving Elementary or during her investigation. The whodunit is fun and the recipes mouthwatering. Putting aside the assumption that the intelligent retired JHS history teacher would hire an expert investigator, it is her bumbling amateur sleuth antics that cook up a tasty culinary mystery.
Harriet Klausner
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10 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Hard to tell who the villain is, March 1, 2008
This review is from: Murder By the Slice: A Fresh-Baked Mystery (Mass Market Paperback)
I usually like this type of mystery. In fact, the mystery part of this book was pretty good. However, I found myself hating the "heroine", Phyllis, so much, that it was hard to decide who should get murdered, her or the up-coming victim. I could not identify with this charactor at all. And at the end of the book, that's what remained with me more than an adequate solution to the mystery.
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