I’ve read several books in the Goldy Schultz series, but “Sticks and Scones” is by far my favorite. In the past, I’ve found many of the “caterer-turned-detective” stories to be a little too heavy on food preparation and a little too light on story, but this one gave me the perfect balance.
Goldy’s abusive ex-husband, also known as “The Jerk,” has been released from jail following a far-too-short sentence for assault. The same weekend, Goldy’s front window gets blown out with a shotgun, and she thinks it may have been “The Jerk” trying to scare her into giving him more visitation with their son, Arch. But while preparing for a catering job, Goldy discovers a dead body by a river, and when she calls her new husband Tom of the police department, he is shot in the shoulder by a hidden sniper. Meanwhile, “The Jerk” has a new girlfriend, and a couple in town is furious at Goldy for turning them in after she witnessed the father shake their baby into unconsciousness. Such a nice long list of suspects.
The Schultz’s can’t return home until their window is repaired and the investigation has been completed, so they go to stay in the Castle, a renovated real castle that is being turned into a convention center. The Hydes, owners of the Castle, have hired Goldy to cater several events for them over the next few weeks, so it’s only natural that they should allow her to remain on-site. But she forgets some things she needs, and when she returns home to grab them, she’s hit over the head and her computer, and her husband’s, are stolen.
Long-time friend Julian arrives on the scene to help her pull the food together and keep an eye on Arch and Tom, as well as keeping an eye out for “The Jerk.” Tom’s current case may also play a role in everything that’s going on, and if this isn’t enough to complicate Goldy’s life, Tom’s old girlfriend, once presumed dead, shows up to see if he still has feelings for her.
The book had me guessing all the way through, as well as making my mouth water with the delicious recipes. This one is definitely worth the read.
(This book was published in 2001 by Bantam.)
Related Blogs:
The Cooky Book — reprint from Betty Crocker
Author Interview — Marsha Ward and Her Books