When caterer Goldy Schulz is attacked and her food deliberately spoiled while catering a funeral lunch, she suspects her attacker was her ex-husband, Dr. John Richard Korman, who was recently released from jail. While Goldy is concerned that someone is trying to sabotage her business, she is also worried about her husband, Tom, who has been depressed ever since he lost a case and a guilty defendant was let free. And then there is health inspector Roger Mannis who is making Goldy's life very difficult by doing his best to find health violations while she is catering. Goldy soon has bigger worries when she discovers the body of someone who was murdered and she becomes the chief suspect when the police think her gun was used in the murder. Goldy realizes she is being framed and tries to figure out who the real murderer is from a long list of suspects. While she is trying to save her business and investigate the murder, Goldy is dealing with problems with her son, Arch. Not only does he blame her for the murder, but it's clear he's keeping secrets from her. Goldy certainly has a lot on her plate. "Double Shot" is a well done mystery. The murder in the book takes the series in a direction that could have hurt the series but instead makes it stronger. The book has some memorable characters, including Sandee, John Korman's latest girlfriend, and Brewster Motley, the attorney defending Goldy, who looks more like a surfer than an attorney. Author Diane Mott Davidson works the catering aspects seamlessly into the story and I liked the fact that Goldy's cooking isn't always perfect. The fact that she burns some fruit pies makes her more of a real character. The mystery itself is well plotted, with plenty of suspects. The motive for the murder is a sad one and readers may sympathize more with the murderer than the victim. Most of the plot lines are neatly wrapped up at the end and things that I didn't think were related to the plot, like out of control forest fires, actually turn out to be very important rather than mere filler. One of the plot lines is deliberately left vague, which may frustrate some readers, but I liked it. However, there were a couple of things I didn't like about the book. I found it hard to believe that Goldy didn't lose any of her customers while a murder suspect. And at the end of the book, Goldy has a new enemy who no doubt will be featured in future books. It would be nice if Goldy had some personal peace in at least one book, but that's probably not going to happen. "Double Shot" is a good mystery.
I wish I could give this book higher marks since karma finally catches up with the Jerk. I mean, I realize he's gotten himself in jail twice, but still. But one thing really bugged me. One of the motivations in the books revolves around a crime happening to a minor in the hospital and a nurse saying nothing because - to paraphrase "back then doctors were untouchable and the only one who would lose their job was the staff member who reported it." Which is complete BS because that "waaaay back then" would be about the mid 90s, given when this book was published. Granted, this is a series that has a bit of a loose timeline because the book is set in the immediate now even though if one counted the seasons/months between books, it should be about 1994. But if an author is referencing the use of cell phones, etc., then working back from that immediate now, the situation as it was discovered and could be documented and not the word of a victim against a doctor, would have been addressed in all seriousness and with all legal force. Goodness, even given if it had happened in the mid-80s, I have a hard time imagining it not being reported ASAP and dealt with the full force of the law. I felt like I'm supposed to pretend that the past was in the 1950s when doctors really were treated like Gods and had complete power within a hospital. Okay, done with rant. And while I was frustrated with how she handled that, I do like that Davidson does address the real problems of violence against women. That she addresses the psychological scars a victim, particularly one who was failed by every adult in her life, ends up with.
What do You think about Double Shot (2004)?
This book made me angry. I know that's not an emotion you are supposed to feel when you read one of the Goldie Bear mysteries. This particular story pushed me over the edge.It begins as Goldie's ABUSIVE ex-husband is released from jail because the governor commuted his sentence ostensibly for saving the life of a guard in prison. And he moves back into Aspen Meadows and get visitation with their son. Now Goldie is married to a Sheriff's Deputy, so you would think they might have a little pull wi
—Leslie
So I'm going to be adding some audio books. I've started listening to them during my daily commute, maby 1:45 in the car total, so 90 minutes of storytelling each day.I got a collection of audio books off a local Facebook group, so some things I probably wouldn't have bought.Like this one. It was actually entertaining enough for driving but I'm not in search of the author for additional tales. Might be good for cooks or harder-core foodies.* Couldn't finish** I had nothing else to do*** Passed the time, would be **** for genre / author fans**** Everyone could enjoy this book***** Everyone should read this book, I'll read it again
—Kip
This book read like a soap opera. I didn't appreciate the tone at all. I didn't realize the book was part of series until after I started reading and the frequent--and totally unexplained--references to a back-story made that evident. The characterization seemed a little weak, many of the personalities exaggerated--or sterotyped. I didn't feel like there was a real conclusion in the book; it just . . . ended. There are recipes in the back of the book, but not being the kind of person who loves to cook, I'm not tempted.
—Cinda
