Grace Interrupted by Julie Hyzy

There isn't a mystery writer out there who creates characters any better than Julie Hyzy does. She won the Anthony and Barry Awards for State of the Onion, the first mystery to feature Ollie Paras, the White House chef. She could just as easily win those awards for Grace Interrupted, the second mystery in her Manor House mystery series. Grace Wheaton, curator and manager for Marshfield Manor, is joined by a cast of engaging characters in this entertaining story.

Grace has only been curator for a short time, following the murder of the former one. She's still finding her way in her job when she has to deal with two women who want to confront Zachary Kinkade, a man involved in a Civil War re-enactment on the grounds of the Manor. As soon as she expels them, she has another situation on her hands. Kinkade attacks one of the groundskeepers, Davey Embers, and then accuses Jack Embers of killing his brother. Even before she can wrap her mind around that, since Grace is interested in Jack, Kinkade is found dead on the grounds, stabbed to death. Although she doesn't know Jack's background, she doesn't think he or his brother killed the dislikable Kinkade. Even with an entire camp of suspects, the police think differently. But this time, Grace might have some unexpected allies; her difficult assistant, Frances, and a consultant to the police force, a woman named Tank.

Grace Interrupted finds Grace Wheaton with a few problems on her hands. There's a second murder on the property; the man she likes is suspected of not one murder, but two; her boss wants her to move onto the property. Then, there's the stray kitten she's allergic to.

With a wealth of interesting characters, a fascinating mystery involving a Civil War re-enactment and a cold murder case, and the addition of a kitten named Bootsie, Hyzy has another hit on her hands. Add Grace to your own life with Grace Interrupted.

Julie Hyzy's website is www.JulieHyzy.com

Grace Interrupted by Julie Hyzy. Berkley Prime Crime. ©2011. ISBN 9780425241905 (paperback), 278p.

*****
FTC Full Disclosure - The publisher sent me a copy of the book, hoping I would review it.

Buffalo West Wing by Julie Hyzy

Julie Hyzy may have won the Anthony and Barry awards for the first mystery in her White House Chef series, State of the Onion, but she tops herself with the latest, Buffalo West Wing.  White House executive chef, Ollie Paras, is at the top of her game in this fourth book in the series, as is Hyzy.

There's a new family in the White House, and it's going to take some work for Ollie and her staff to adjust to a young family with two children.  Ollie's prepared, with kid-friendly menus, but things go wrong, beginning on Inauguration Day, and they only get worse.  Someone left a box of chicken wings for Abigail and Josh, the President's children, but with no knowledge as to where they came from, Ollie steps up, and refuses to allow the children to have their favorite food.  No one is happy with Ollie - the children, their mother, or Ollie's arch-enemy, Peter Everett Sargeant, the Sensitivity Director.  When the chicken turns out to have been poisoned, Ollie knows she prevented a tragedy, but the Secret Service keeps it a secret.  So, it's even more disturbing when the First Lady brings the family's personal chef to the White House to cook for them.  Are Ollie's days numbered as the White House chef?    

Every White House chef mystery is cause for celebration.  The daily schedule in the White House kitchen is trauma enough, but Hyzy always ratchets up the tension with plots and danger.  Ollie is a wonderful character, revealed a little more in each book.  The characters, particularly Ollie's staff, are fascinating.  Hyzy's recipes are enticing.  But, it's Ollie and the White House, along with the intrigue, that continue to bring readers back.  With a new First Family, there's sure to be more changes, more danger and excitement.  Thank heaven's Ollie's still able to take the heat, and the pressure.  She's still the star, in the White House and the kitchen.  And, Julie Hyzy's star shines brighter than ever with Buffalo West Wing.

Julie Hyzy's website is http://www.juliehyzy.com/

Buffalo West Wing by Julie Hyzy.  Berkley Prime Crime, ©2011. ISBN 9780425239230 (paperback), 320p.

*****
FTC Full Disclosure - The publisher sent me a copy of the book, in hopes I would review it.

Berkley Prime Crime & Obsidian Book Releases for January

Gift cards, anyone?  If you're getting book gift cards for Christmas or any other holiday, I have a few book suggestions.  These are all cozy mysteries coming from Berkley Prime Crime and Obsidian in January.  (And, if the blog isn't showing the complete video, don't hesitate to check out the video at YouTube, under lholstine.)





Happy Holidays & Happy Reading!