Something's Cooking: An Angie Amalfi Mystery (Angie Amalfi Mysteries)

Loved the "Don't call the bomb squad; call a plumber" introductory chapter. Was definitely drawn into the "Wish List" of a gourmet kitchen. A cherry red stove? Wow. If Jill Churchill's mystery series collection provides cherished, refreshing entertainment (which it does - see my Listmania & reviews), Joanne Pence's "cook" books are exquisite mainstream novels under the cover of cozy clothing. Pence gleefully grabs reader attention in chapter one with Angie's disaster loadstone magnetized on all angles. The "... don't bother to send a bomb expert. Send a plumber" was a perfect opening for a promising series. I read those chapter ending lines to my husband as he was clutching his Ford diesel pickup to pull out from Murdock's parking lot onto a busy highway. Oops. My timing for interjections is atrocious. He handled the dual duty of focus okay, but I was ashamed of myself when I realized I should have waited for a less precarious time.. But, I was so struck by the fun in that chapter's ending lines, I had to share it "right now." That's a compliment to Pence's writing skill, and a warning to me that I STILL have to work on timing awareness (especially pausing prior to blurt). When enthusiasm gets hold of me, you'd think I was 5 instead of 57. Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever learn. In chapter two Pence opens with a narrative setting which could cajole Joseph Conrad to leap out of the grave and compete. In a fun contrast to the eternal perk of Angie's catastrophe-prone personality, the love of her life is introduced through a leisurely, macho Sunday afternoon as Pence's sensual syntax sets the scene: "The San Francisco Hall of justice, a massive, grey, granite structure, cold and intimidating, stood quiet without the chaos that routine police business brought during the week." The uncannily realistic setting descriptions following the above statement indicate that Pence has been on the inside of a police precinct, to have seen so clearly the rare but real quiet moods of "letting the hair down" during the lulls between chaos of heavy crime scenes. Outsiders wouldn't be allowed to experience this vulnerable silence in the crime fighters' den. I've been there to know, previously married to a Deputy Sheriff of Multnomah County Oregon, and employed as a crime prevention officer with both that Sheriff's office and the City of Portland. Pence's portrayal of Inspector Pavo Smith is more realistic than any other human side of a police presence which I'm able to recall at the moment, with the possible exception of Serpico. Then you have Angie's "mouthy-ness" as Pavo terms it, which is hilarious. It's amazing how Pence can slip such giggle-inducing humor (even guys would have to chuckle) within true drama without having it slip headlong into comedy. Angie. Is. Funny. Period. She has dialogue wit without wan. The slip into this novel was so seamless I didn't have time or inclination to analyze (past the first couple chapters) what was

I absolutely loved this book; it kept me interested from first page to last. I usually only read while commuting to and from work, but I found myself carrying this book around, reading it whenever I had a few minutes to spare. I don't normally go out of my way to buy a romance, but this book combined the best of both mystery and romance (and Pence certainly knows how to write romance!). I just ordered several more of the books in this series - can't wait to get them!

This book is wonderful. I have read the entire series and especially like this one, the first; as well as the fourth and the sixth being constantly re-read in my house. I look forward to a long entertaining line to follow. I find the characters well written, heartfelt and true. The heroine may not seem true to life to some, but I can attest that there are women out there like that, who in spite of everything they have going for them, still feel that they lack direction and have a need to find purpose. This is one thing I like about Angie, the second being that she isn't a supersleuth/supercop type who is strong, tough, cold and cunning with a steel trap mind. Angie is more real and blundering with good intentions and combining her with Paavo, as the real detective, who is her foil and backup and oh-so-complicated love interest, makes for very emotional, sexy and intriguing reading. The fact that there is so much humor is a nice change from the grim, "real life is grim," attitude that so many mysteries feel they must convey these days.I'm glad that this whole lighter, humorous but still thrilling sub-genre of mysteries is coming of age. This book is definitely worth a look.

Hurrah! The initial books in the Angie Amalfi mystery series are being reprinted. It's great to read how Angie and Paavo meet, and find out about their backgrounds. This book is fun because you don't know until well through it how all the threats and murders and murder attempts are linked. Why is someone trying to kill this nice food columnist, just because she publishes recipes like Liver Pate Waffles and Marshmallow-Sprouts Blintzes? And how can she convince the police detective that she really loves him, for more than his protection?