Catering to Nobody

This is the series that got me hooked on culinary mysteries and Diane Mott Davidson is the GOAT. If you’re looking for a cozy winter escape filled with food and a side of delectable murder, this is the book for you. Could you pick up any of the books in this long-running series, sure, but don’t do it—resist temptation. Start at the beginning when we meet Colorado caterer Goldy Bear as she whips up delicious sweet and savory eats while solving a murder. Trust me, you’ll thank me later because once you finish this book you’ll be running to the… show more.

What I love about the mysteries with professional caterer, Gold Bear, is that she creates a warmhearted family despite the real tragedy of spousal abuse. First in this beautifully plotted humorous series, Goldy dodges the blows of her ex-husband while struggling to support herself and her son. She cannot escape her ex because she will not deprive her son of his father. Fortunately, Goldy has Marla, her best friend, and another former wife of the same violent man. With the two of them in a mutual support group, Goldy finds the energy to care about other struggling inhabitants of her… show more.

Davidson's series about a Boulder-based caterer who solves mysteries on the side is probably the grandparent of the current culinary mystery boom. As I read this first book, I wanted to be friends with caterer Goldy, sitting in her kitchen, tasting her food, helping her untangle herself from an abusive marriage. When Goldy finally remarried—this time to a cop—many crimes were dissected in their kitchen as they cooked. How did I know Goldy’s husband Tom was a good guy? He didn’t push her aside when she had smart ideas, and he made her incredible comfort food and cups and cups… show more.