Tough Cookie (Goldy Culinary Mysteries, Book 9)

Normally I'd start a review for a DMD book encouraging readers to read the series in order. After going through the reviews, there seems to be an unusual number of new readers who aren't bothered by a lack of background and many old readers who are bothered by a lack of new material. I still enjoy getting reacquainted with the gang in each book but would agree that there isn't much progress in their lives in this book.I thoroughly enjoyed this book. However, it had much to do with the setting - Killdeer resort. We spend lots of time in Summit County and it was great fun identifying the bits and pieces of the various resorts that Davidson borrowed to create her fictional resort. For example, The Bistro restaurant is clearly based on one of my favorite restaurants in Keystone. And, yes, all of the skiing is fun for a skier to read about.The plot is probably more on the 3.5 star range. As usual, DMD assembles a reasonably interesting half dozen new folks and drops enough clues that any one of them could be the bad guy. I echo some of the other reviewers in our frustration with Goldy's underhanded investigative techniques and her inability to stop stupidly putting herself into peril. You'd think she'd learn to listen to Tom.

"Tough Cookie" is a great way to be distracted and entertained at the same time. Goldy once again manages to get herself into more trouble and sure she should know better, but if she did, then we wouldn't have a book, would we? Diane's characters again are interesting, complex and for the most part, believable. This time out Goldy is caught up in the murder of an old boyfriend (although they only had three dates) and the previous death of an old friend in an avalanche. The ski setting, Christmas background, and snow, snow, snow, are great assets in this mystery. I have to admit that the killer is easier to pick out in this one, but that's okay; she throws enough red herrings to make you think you're wrong. And the climax is a good one. This would do great on film. I ponder, though, one fellow customer's review who thought Tom Schulz was fat. Did I miss something way back in his introduction. I never got the impression he was fat? Just big---there is a difference! Oh, well, Davidson fans rejoice---it's a solid entry in this entertaining and mouthwatering series!

Once again, the author delivers a delicious mystery entwined with mouth watering recipes! Goldy has to find a way to earn a living without the use of her catering business, at least until her brand new kitchen passes the county health inspector's rigorous inspection. Leave it to Goldy to find a way! She tries her hand at a TV cooking show, and winds up in the middle of a murder mystery. As she tries to figure out who killed her old boyfriend, she will tempt you with recipes for crab cakes, ginger snaps, oatmeal and of course, chocolate cookies. I couldn't put the book down - except to grab a bite to eat! If you have enjoyed Diane Mott Davidson's other novels, you will certainly love this one. And if you are new to this author, you will want to read more! I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery, and who loves to eat!

After waiting a whole year for this new entry on Davidson's menu, I found myself reading straight though and staying up until I finished Tough Cookie. I found myself relating to Goldy's funk over her teen son's 'growing pains' (Been there. Done that. survived!) and I found myself with heart in throat while reading the descriptions of maneuvering mountain passes in a blizzard. Davidson throws enough curve balls throughout the story to have kept me guessing about the identity of the culprit until the end. If there was one thing I would have liked more it's Tom Schultz. Lovable character, great hubby. And my only big disappointment is having to wait another year until the next entry is released.

Aspen Meadows, Colorado resident Goldy Schultz knows she has much to be thankful for just before Christmas. Her abusive ex-spouse "The Jerk" is in jail on assault charges. Goldy has her own cooking show on PBS that is being taped at the Kildeer Ski Resort's Summit Bistro. More important, Goldy has the love and respect of her husband, Police Detective Tom Schultz and her son Arch. On the negative side, Goldy remains upset that the health department closed her successful Goldilock's Catering business due to poor drainage.Tom frantically tries to fix the facility problem before Goldy's business is ruined. To raise some need liquid capital, Goldy plans to sell Tom's antique skis to her ex-boyfriend Doug Portmont, head of the state parole board. Before they complete the transaction, Goldy finds Doug's murdered body on a ski slope. An investigation proves Doug was on the take, making it seem as if Goldy was paying him with the valuable skis to keep her ex behind bars. Refusing to allow The Jerk to damage her, her family or her business Goldy begins her own investigation into the victim's affairs.Do not read this novel on an empty stomach because the mouth-watering recipes will leave readers raiding their refrigerator or traveling to the nearest restaurant. Goldy remains in tiptop fighting form as she confidently finds clues that lead her into more dangerous inquiries. Diane Mott Davidson is the Julia Child of culinary mysteries as she weaves a plot filled with red herrings and delightfully bakes them into her story line, making for a continuity that is shared in other Goldy tales. The audience feels they are sharing a gourmet meal with old friends, as TOUGH COOKIE is actually a victory layer cake.Harriet Klausner