The Food Detective

An unusual view of English life and an appealing heroine with a checkered past lift British author Cutler's latest culinary mystery, though some U.S. readers might wish they had a glossary for the West Country slang. Outsider Josie Welford, the new owner of the White Hart pub in Kings Duncombe (""an ugly hamlet in the back of beyond""), wants to improve the food and generally upgrade the place, but she fears the White Hart ""would continue to be the exclusive preserve of old men with weak bladders and foul teeth."" Soon after she changes local suppliers, she must contend with a series of peculiar incidents, including missing portaloos, troubles with staff, break-ins, unwanted deliveries and mixed-up telephone messages. With reluctance, the feisty, determined Josie turns for help to the new Food Standards inspector, former Det. Insp. Nick Thomas, who was responsible for putting her late husband in jail. Together they strive to uncover the mystery that lurks at the heart of the close-knit community. Cutler is also the author of the Sophie Rivers series (Dying Fall, etc.) and the Kate Power series (Power Shift, etc.)