Title: Sticks & Scones
Author: Diane Mott Davidson
First published January 1, 2001
368 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780553578317 (ISBN10: 0553578316)
Rating: 3.88
Overview
Diane Mott Davidson returns with another thrilling culinary mystery in Sticks & Scones. Colorado caterer Goldy Schulz is living her dream by cooking authentic Elizabethan fare at Hyde Castle.
But when a shotgun blast shatters her window and a body is found nearby, Goldy’s dream quickly turns into a nightmare. With someone she loves in the line of fire, Goldy must put aside her delectable dishes and use her crime-solving skills to uncover the truth.
Could her husband’s police investigations be connected to the murder? Or is her violent ex-partner to blame?
With danger lurking around every corner, Goldy knows it’s only a matter of time before murder is the only dish on the menu.
About the Author
Diane Mott Davidson, a New York Times bestselling author, faced numerous rejections before her first novel was accepted for publication. It wasn’t until she was 41 that she finally found success.
Since then, she has written 14 mystery novels, all featuring Goldy the caterer, as well as short stories and poetry for various publications. Davidson’s work has received acclaim in the form of the Anthony Award from Bouchercon, and nominations for the Agatha, another Anthony, and the Macavity Award.
In 1993, she was named Writer of the Year by the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers.
While attending St. Anne’s School in Charlottesville, Virginia, Davidson’s English teacher, Emyl Jenkins, encouraged her to pursue writing. She went on to attend Wellesley College, where she was named a Wellesley Scholar, before transferring to Stanford University.
Davidson graduated with a double major in Art History and Political Science, and later earned her MA in Art History from Johns Hopkins after having a child.
Throughout her life, Davidson has volunteered for various organizations, including working as a tutor in a correctional facility and serving as a rape-victim counselor. She also spent a decade on the Board of Examining Chaplains of the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado, and was licensed to preach at her parish, where she taught the adult Bible study.
Davidson has been happily married to her husband, Jim, for almost 40 years. Together, they have three sons, a daughter-in-law, two grandchildren, and a beloved basset hound.
Editoral Review
Sticks & Scones by Diane Mott Davidson is a cozy mystery novel, first published in 2001. Mott Davidson is a New York Times bestselling author, known for her culinary-tinged mysteries.
This book is the tenth installment in the series, featuring the lovable protagonist, Goldy Schulz. The novel takes place in Aspen Meadows, Colorado, where Goldy owns and operates a small catering business.
Goldy’s life is turned upside down when her ex-husband John Richard Korman is found murdered in his hotel room. Goldy finds herself under suspicion and takes it upon herself to solve the mystery and clear her name.
The book is fast-paced and filled with mouth-watering descriptions of Goldy’s delicious creations. Mott Davidson does a masterful job of weaving the clues and red herrings throughout the story, keeping readers engaged until the very end.
The character of Goldy Schulz is well-developed, and readers will find themselves rooting for her as she navigates the investigation. Some readers may find the plot to be somewhat predictable, but this does not detract from the overall enjoyment of the book.
One of the strengths of the novel is its attention to detail in creating the world of Aspen Meadows, providing readers with a rich setting that adds depth to the story. Sticks & Scones also touches on issues of domestic violence, as Goldy’s ex-husband was abusive towards her.
Mott Davidson handles this subject matter with sensitivity and grace, and it adds an emotional weight to the story. Overall, Sticks & Scones is an enjoyable and well-crafted mystery novel.
Fans of cozy mysteries and foodie fiction will find a lot to love in this book, and it would make a great addition to any mystery lover’s bookshelf. The book receives a score of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
