Review: Home of the Braised (White House Chef Mystery) by Julie Hyzy

  • Series: A White House Chef Mystery (Book 7)
  • Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
  • Publisher: Berkley; First Berkley Prime Crime Edition edition (January 7, 2014)
  • ISBN: 9780425262382
  • Source: Personal copy (ebook)

With the White House staff adjusting to a new chief usher and plan for a state dinner, there is little time for executive chef Olivia Paras to even think about planning her wedding.   Her fiance, Gav, is wrapped up in the mysterious murder of his long-time friend, Evan.  Ollie and Gav were near victims, walking in on murder scene mere moments after the killing took place.  But when another person, this time a person of power within the government, is killed, tension is high in the White House. The already tight security is increased; an outside security firm is brought in to shadow the White House staff.

Ollie’s habit of getting caught up in the middle of some security fiasco has given her a reputation. That doesn’t stop her from attempting to get to the bottom of these deaths, even when it puts her own life in danger.  These deaths, and a series of other attacks, are clearly connected.  Her investigation doesn’t stop her from preparing a fabulous state dinner or mentor the President’s son in the kitchen. Just another day in the White House kitchen!

There is a reason I waited until the final day of Cozy Mystery Week to review this title. Julie Hyzy’s White House Chef Mysteries is, by far, my favorite cozy mystery series ever. I’ve raved and raved about this series, seven books in total thus far. My adoration has never wavered. As a matter of fact, I think this one may be one of my favorites.

What makes this series stand out is Hyzy’s talent at keeping the storylines unique and compelling. This series isn’t the same story, same characters, told over and over again with a different situation. Instead, with each book, the characters grow, the readers following them along as if in life. Ollie’s character, for one, has matured dramatically. Her relationship with Gavin, especially, has changed quite a bit throughout the series. Sure, it may seem that her potential for getting into trouble regularly may seem routine or tiring, but it’s actually not. I look forward to Ollie’s antics and the method and means she will go to to get answers.

And the recipes!! Pages and pages of recipes of dishes actually served from the White House kitchen!  I always make it a point to create at least one dish!

I look forward to each and every book in this series and I’m thrilled to know I don’t have to wait long for the next book! All The President’s Menus is due out in a month! I’ll be counting down the days until I have that book in my hand!

 

2014CozyMysteryWeek

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2 Responses to Review: Home of the Braised (White House Chef Mystery) by Julie Hyzy

  1. Pingback: 2014 Cozy Mystery Week Wrap-Up |

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