The Last Suppers

Intrepid Colorado caterer Goldy Bear, last seen in The Cereal Murders, caters her own wedding in this latest adventure set amidst the community of St. Luke's Episcopal church, where upper lips may be stiff but someone's trigger finger is limber. Goldy makes it to the altar on the appointed day but is left standing there when, moments before the ceremony, her beloved groom, Detective Tom Schulz, discovers the minister shot dead. When Tom disappears, Goldy goes into action and quickly learns that the passions raised by the the charismatic minister, who some believe had performed a miraculous healing, run deep. To locate the killer and her fiance, Goldy relies on cryptic notes Tom left at the crime scene, while finding comfort and inspiration in his recipe file. Suspense builds steadily, whether Goldy is confronting physical danger or a short-notice request for dinner for 12. The solution iself may be something of a letdown, but the main course on Davidson's latest menu, served with lively pacing and characterization, is satisfying and tasty. Eleven recipes included. Author tour. (Oct.)