Catering to Nobody (A Goldy Bear Culinary Mystery, #1) Summary & Key Insights

In Diane Mott Davidson's "Catering to Nobody," the first installment of the Goldy Bear Culinary Mystery series, we meet Goldy Schulz, a talented caterer with a flair for gourmet food and a knack for stumbling into trouble. Goldy, recently widowed and living in Aspen, Colorado, is juggling her catering business with a blossoming romance with the charming, albeit slightly mysterious, Tom Rolfson. This precarious balance is shattered when one of Goldy's clients, the prickly and wealthy Mrs. Eleanor Vance, is found dead at her lavish party – a party Goldy herself catered.

The initial suspicion falls on Goldy, primarily due to her close proximity to the victim and her own financial struggles. The police investigation, led by the skeptical Detective Inspector Peter Perretti, initially seems to focus on the various disgruntled attendees of the party, each harboring secrets and potential motives. These suspects include Eleanor’s estranged son, a disgruntled business partner, and a jealous rival chef.

However, Goldy, spurred by her own desire for justice and a strong sense of fairness, decides to take matters into her own hands. Utilizing her keen observation skills honed by years in the kitchen, she meticulously examines the crime scene, focusing on minute details that the police overlook. Her expertise in food and its preparation proves crucial in uncovering clues. She notices discrepancies in the menu, peculiar ingredients, and even subtle signs of tampering within the food itself, all leading her to suspect foul play far more intricate than initially perceived.

As Goldy's investigation progresses, she pieces together a complex web of deceit and betrayal surrounding Mrs. Vance's life. She uncovers hidden rivalries, long-standing grudges, and a potentially significant secret involving Mrs. Vance’s late husband. Her investigation is intertwined with her developing relationship with Tom, who provides both emotional support and assists in piecing together some of the financial puzzles. The reader is given glimpses into Goldy's personal life and her resilience in the face of loss and suspicion.

Ultimately, Goldy's sharp intellect and culinary expertise, combined with her intuition, lead her to the true killer. She discovers a meticulously planned murder, concealed beneath the veneer of a sophisticated party. The solution involves a surprising twist, revealing a motive stemming from long-forgotten resentments and a shocking revelation concerning a family secret. Goldy's courage in confronting the killer and her presentation of the evidence to the police lead to the perpetrator's arrest, clearing her name and establishing her as a resourceful amateur sleuth.

The overarching themes of the book include resilience, the pursuit of justice, and the power of observation. It also explores the complexities of relationships, the clash between wealth and ambition, and the intriguing intersection between culinary skills and detective work. The book effectively blends mystery, romance, and culinary delights, establishing a strong foundation for the series' enduring popularity.