Cook in Time: An Angie Amalfi Mystery

The reading capture in this one was so consistently smooth I forgot my habit of remembering exactly what grabbed my lapels and jerked me into the book. I wasn't grabbed or jerked; I was just there, and there, and there. Period. This is good! Eventually a true novelist forgets to focus on being interesting, loses the angst of being boring, and simply writes effortlessly. This novel makes it appear that Pence has made that leap, though I'm not sure exactly where the cliff was, not that it matters because I've had no trouble remaining cozily in Angie's world while reading, from page one of the pilot to the series, SOMETHING'S COOKING. Though A COOK IN TIME is the 7th book in the series, it's my 12th and last novel to read in this exotically seasoned collection (until RED HOT MURDER comes out in February, 2006). This Time added levels of curiosity have been conjured, as the plot revolves around X-Files-type alien conspiracies, and I wonder how far Pence will go into UFO ozone, how much of the Mulder/Scully type of Truth she will seat into the reality of Angie and Paavo's world. Having read COOKING UP TROUBLE and BELL, COOK & CANDLE, I knew Pence would probably not just spoof & guffaw alien abduction believers, like many people do when beliefs stretch the norm. I anticipated that she'd give these believers their due, simultaneous to painting their comical caricatures. Even so, Angie's backbone and skeptical criticism seemed to have kicked in with this 7th book. Given the fact that previous plots have pushed her through buying into preacher cons, flitting through gothic mansions with ghosts & gurus, dancing with a sour serial killer, food fighting through bubble-popping movie star veneers (oops, that plot was in # 11), etc., Angie's no longer the wide-eyed, endearing puppy, warming entertainingly to every out-of-the-park scenario. This Time, she's scrunching her nose and darkening her judgments of the collection of "odd balls," as she silently terms them, at a meeting of UFO scientists. As much as I cherish Angie's spirited gullibility, I enjoy her maturing skepticism even more. Of course, her reason for attending the meeting was delightfully driven by her usual ambitions. She's started a new business and is researching a UFO theme for a dinner she will be catering for her first live-wire customer. Loved Angie's compulsive chewing and chewing as she set her path investigating alien appetizers. Exactly what DO they eat? When she was finally handed the answer, the compulsion dropped dead in its tracks, never to rise again. The contrasts between Angie and Paavo's worlds and the ways they were bridged were as entertaining as ever, and the scenes shifted from one to the other like veterans in a line dance. The resulting mood was strangely mesmerizing in a quiet, pensive way. This easy alternation between Angie and Paavo's worlds was accomplished in spite of the fact that the murders were darker and more gruesome than others have

Joanne Pence's books are very good. I think out of all of the Angie/Paavo books I have only not liked one. This one was good (and strange)but I read it in one night. Angie is ditzy and when you team her up with her friend, Connie, it kind of reminds you of Lucy and Ethel. Paavo is serious, but his homicide investigations balance out the comedic adventures of Angie. Angie's adventures always tie up with Paavo's investigations towards the end and Paavo saves the day each time. I like these books. They are what I consider light reading and the characters have real like depth to them where you really find yourself caring what happens to them. Each book advances their background and you find out more about them. The only thing that I consider irritating is the name brand mentioning in the descriptions. That gets a little old. Yes, we know she is rich, but please I don't care what brand of clothes, shoes, jewelery, etc. Angie is wearing. All in all I would highly recommend this series if you want something light and fast to read. The books can definitely deliver up some comedy and will get your mind working to try to figure out who done it.

Well maybe Angie does not find the answer to this question, but she does learn how much her policeman boyfriend Paavo feels about her.This Joanne Pence book has it all:Humor,romance and suspense.The only thing I was disspointed in was that the book jacket said " If you love books by Diane Mott Davidson and Densie Dieetz you will love this series."Well I do love Davidson's books but Pence's novel is nothing like them. While Davidson blends recipes into the story, Pence contains two at the end of the book. However, do not let this stop you from buying the book.

Joanne Pence's latest thriller is the best yet in the Angelina Amalfi series. Her story is a cross between the X-Files and all of the Y2K hype. If you are looking for an intriguing, yet light read I strongly recommend this book.

Although Chef Angie Amalfi and homicide inspector Paavo Smith remain an item, they seem to spend little time together. Angie, tired of being a failure, desperately wants her newest business venture to work. She spends all her time on Fantasy Dinners. Her concept centers on a form of entertainment built around an evening of theme oriented events. Paavo hunts San Francisco's latest serial killer. This psychopath cuts the lips, nose, ears, and the entire area between the pubis and the colon from his victims. He completes his gruesome task by carving a number on the casualty's chest. Angie's first client is society doyenne Triana Crisswell, a member of the Prometheus Group that believes in extraterrestrial life. Triana wants to host a reception for the group's leader Algernon, who is publishing his first book. The two women decide that Roswell Area 51 is the ideal theme. Paavo learns that the serial killer's victims are linked to Area 51 and the Prometheus Group. As Angie works her party and Paavo treks a gruesome trail, they soon find themselves working together. Joanne Pence does her usual fine job with her latest Angelo Amalfi mystery although this time the author includes otherworldly elements to focus the plot. Ms. Pence's explanation for Roswell and Area 51 seems plausible. The protagonists feel as if they are familiar dear friends and acquaintances from previous tales add to the welcoming feel of the novel. An Angela Amalfi story is always a treat, but A COOK IN TIME is a feast.Harriet Klausner