Hail to the Chef (A White House Chef Mystery)

what a wonderful surprise. i love margaret truman's books and now have a new author to savor over and wish that she would write faster. i truly enjoyed "hail to the chef" and looking forward to many more.

to Ms. Hyzy for creating such a successful No. 2 in this wonderfully original series! I find myself liking (almost) all the main characters, new and old, and am totally into the plot as the mystery unfolds. Ollie is an exceptional heroine and one I admire greatly...makes me think it takes quite the person to work in the White House (in real life). Enough said; buy it, read it and I know you'll enjoy it....I for one can't wait until No. 3 hits the shelves!!!

Julie Hyzy has produced another great read! "Hail to the Chef" proceeds right after "State of the Onion" left off and promises to be a terrific series. I'm glad Ollie had another 'sidekick' in the form of Special Agent Gavin (although still included, Henry retired in the first book). I wonder however, if Gav may be returning occasionally as competition for Ollie's sweetie, Agent Tom? At any rate, bring on the third course!

But I did not find the story as interesting and fun as the first book. There are a few different mysteries going on during the book that are somewhat hastily tied together at the end. The explanations and resolutions were not very tight or believable. Without giving too much away, lets just say that Ollie is not only a chef but more capable and intelligent than most of the Secret Service. The holiday happenings at the White House are so much fun that they do much to make up for the unsatisfying elements of the storyline. I really enjoyed Ollie's new role as executive chef, and her interactions with the First Lady were great. I wish Olivia would tell Bucky to stick a sock in it, but for the most part Ollie is very likeable. I also missed the Ollie/ Tom interactions, he is pretty non-existent in this book. But the possible new love interest was interesting and made for some funny moments. Overall, this is a light, fun, holiday read and I will stick with the series to see how it develops. PS- That info in another review about Sean being "busy" and not wanting to give Ollie "false hope" is inaccurate and not in any part of the book that I saw. Sean is not the "love interest" I am referencing in my review.

Olivia "Ollie" Paras believes she has the best job in America as the executive chef at the White House. She is on very good terms with the First lady Mrs. Campbell, who wants to match her up with her nephew Sean; he has expressed an interest in her. When he comes into the kitchen, she allows him to use the computer after he peels some shrimp. He tells her he is busy right now and does not want to give her false hope. She later learns he committed suicide but based on the note he left behind he was anything bur depressed. An inert incendiary device is found on the premises of the White House; forcing everyone to attend a class on security. After getting something from a storage closet, Ollie returns it only to notice a package that was not there on her first trip. When she opens it she realizes it is a bomb, which leads to the evacuation of the White House. Before the holiday season is over, Ollie will find herself choosing between her instincts and being dubbed a fool as she begins to put together the puzzle of what is going on inside the White House. HAIL TO THE CHEF is aptly titled as Ollie saves lives with her keen instincts and sharp eyes. However what makes this amateur sleuth a gourmand's delight is the deep look at those employed at the White House who are not elected officials or political hacks. There are several mysteries in this fine seven course meal including Ollie's belief that Sean was murdered. Fans will enjoy Ollie in the middle of the investigations yet making delicious repasts for events and daily living of the occupants. Jule Hyzy balances her meal ticket quite nicely between the glimpses at the working class inside the White House with an engaging chef's cozy. Harriet Klausner