Sympathy for the Devil

Madeline Bean runs a catering business with her friend Wesley and, in a town where buzz means everything, things are just beginning to take off. Their success comes to an abrupt halt, however, when Bruno Huntley -- an abusive and powerful producer, their latest client and the "devil" of the title -- dies a gruesome death at the soiree they're catering for him and his closest 600 associates. When Wesley is considered the number one suspect by the LAPD, Madeline is determined to clear her friend.I read a fair number of mysteries, and this was the first in a long while that didn't leave me dissatisfied. The wisecracking narrative voice of Madeline Bean was unique and really fun; it was a kick to have the action taking place amid the Hollywood jet set; it was entertaining to have the author talk and tell about food; and the mystery was actually interesting and not transparent. The operative word here is fun, and even though Jerrilynn Farmer writes in a breezy way, her characters have depth and the plot is interesting. I'll definitely read more by this author.

I happened upon this author by accident when I was drawn to the fun cover of her latest book, DIM SUM DEAD. I loved it, read it in about three hours, and then ran out for more by Farmer. Turns out SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL was her first, and what a hoot! Madeline is catering an over-the-top Hollywood Halloween party when the host gets poisoned. Madeline can't let anyone think it was her food, so she sets out to find the killer among a hilarious crowd of party guests. That's all I'll tell you. Read this book for a truly fun time...and look forward to more from this talented author. I've already got my husband and oldest daughter hooked. (Farmer's also got out IMMACULATE RECEPTION and KILLER WEDDING.) Can't wait for what's next!

In the middle of the biggest party of Madeline's catering career, the host drops over, dead. Bruno Huntley had no shortage of enemies, including his own family. But Madeline's business partner and best friend, Wesley, is the police's prime suspect. Knowing that Wesley could never murder a man, even Bruno, she starts nosing around to find the real killer. But everywhere she turns, she just gets more questions. Can she stay alive long enough to unravel the personal and professional secrets and clear Wes?This is a truly wonderful book. The plotting is superb, with never a dull moment and some surprising twists. The characters are well rounded and truly come alive. On top of this are an observer's view of Hollywood and a wonderful sense of humor. After finishing this book, I immediately went out and bought the rest of the series.This is a must read. I look forward to many more adventures with Madeline, Wesley, and their friends.

I loved reading this book. Very fast read; kept me totally focused on the mystery and story; was funny and enjoyable from the very first word with no slow-downs. A book I highly recommend.

This is a great read. It's a highly visual, first person mystery set in today's Hollywood. I thought the protagonist wry, charming and smart. The characters are vivid, the settings interesting, the twists surprising. The pace is fast, clues abound, but you really don't know "who did it" until very near the end. I sort of expected a "woman's" book having great sections which would not appeal to men, but I was wrong. The protagonist and her associates certainly have the potential for many more adventures.