Book Review: Fatally Flaky is One Part Romance, One Part Murder Mystery

This is Diane Mott Davidson's 15th culinary mystery. As a fan of her books, I was looking forward with eagerness to this one for many reasons: the recipes, always included in each book, engaging characters, suspenseful mysteries, topped with more than a dollop of whipped cream here and there. Unfortunately, I wouldn't recommend Fatally Flaky as one of Davidson's top books.

Can a wedding caterer and planner manage to add crime sleuth to her skill set?

This book has its appeal and I managed to read the entire mystery but it seemed to drag at times. Even so, Davidson has a certain style and Goldy Schulz is a model of a quick thinking woman who manages to find wit in situations that might defeat lesser individuals. Not only can she solve crime but she can whip up a mouthwatering cake -all in the same day - while keeping a sharp eye out for suspicious activity.

Goldy is shocked and grief-stricken when two of her favorite people are murdered. One is her godfather, Jack, and the other is Jack's best friend, Doc Finn. Goldy has to hold back the tears, keep going and try to pull off at least two weddings - all while trying to solve the murders.

Yes, even with danger looming, she somehow keeps turning out top recipes, from Deviled Eggs with Caviar to amazing wedding cakes(you'll find those recipes at the back of the book, along with many others). Meanwhile, as noted above, she has to contend with the death of her beloved godfather as well as Doc Finn, another friend. This murder mystery is set in Aspen Meadow, Colorado, a place with little competition when it comes to catering and wedding planning.

As if murder and a Bridezilla weren't trouble enough, one of Goldy's chief rivals is Victor Lane, a man who doesn't believe women can be great chefs. He'd love to ruin Goldy's reputation as a top notch wedding planner and caterer. Unfortunately, Goldy can't help running into him because her personal Bridezilla, Billie Attenborough , keeps running off to Victor's spa to lose weight and drink his surprisingly addictive milkshakes - so soothing, so seductive.

Because Doc Finn was investigating the spa just before his death, Goldy's suspicions are raised by more than the milkshakes and she sets out to investigate the spa. This is when the suspense ratchets up several notches and I was surprised to discover the murderer's identity and motives.

Is this bestselling book worth your time? What you need to know

Even though I'm a fan of the author, I wouldn't describe this as a book which was impossible to put down. Even so, readers who like quirky characters, witty writing, romance and recipes might find this well worth their while. You might be surprised to find out who is behind the murders and you could do worse than to buy a book that includes recipes for Crab Cakes, Wedding Cake, Deviled Eggs with Caviar and other tempting salads and desserts.

You may well find yourself drawn to Goldy, too. Her "typical" day is often chaotic and full of challenges, making her a model of a wedding caterer who can take stress in stride (as well as murder). If food, wedding planning and murder seem like intriguing plots twists, I suggest you give this one a try.