Diane Mott Davidson

Diane Mott Davidson is an American author best known for her culinary mystery series featuring caterer-turned-detective Goldy Schulz. Since publishing her first novel "Catering to Nobody" in 1990, she has written 17 books in the series, each combining elements of traditional mystery with recipes and cooking details. Davidson established herself as a pioneer in the culinary mystery subgenre, weaving detailed descriptions of food preparation and catering alongside murder investigations. Her protagonist Goldy Schulz operates a catering business in the fictional town of Aspen Meadow, Colorado, while solving crimes that often intersect with her professional and personal life. The novels typically include 10-12 recipes referenced within the story, allowing readers to recreate dishes mentioned in the narrative. Davidson's work has earned her spots on The New York Times bestseller lists and recognition as one of the earliest and most successful authors in the culinary mystery category. Davidson attended Wellesley College and has lived in Virginia and Colorado. Her last novel in the Goldy Schulz series, "The Whole Enchilada," was published in 2013.

Readers appreciate Davidson's detailed recipes and cooking descriptions integrated naturally into the mystery plots. Many note the recipes are reliable and well-tested, with several fans reporting they cook from the books regularly. The character development across the series, particularly Goldy's relationships with her family and police officer husband, draws consistent praise. Common criticisms focus on repetitive plot elements and Goldy's tendency to make reckless decisions that put her in danger. Multiple readers cite frustration with recurring domestic abuse themes. Some find the later books in the series become formulaic. On Goodreads, the series averages 3.8-4.0 stars across thousands of ratings. "Dying for Chocolate" and "The Main Corpse" rate highest at 4.1. Amazon reviews average 4.2 stars, with readers specifically praising the authentic Colorado setting and culinary details. "Love how food and mystery blend seamlessly," writes one Amazon reviewer. "But why does Goldy never learn to be more careful?" notes another, echoing a common complaint.

Catering to Nobody - A divorced mother and caterer becomes an amateur sleuth when a poisoning occurs at a wake she catered.

Dying for Chocolate - Caterer Goldy Bear investigates a murder while working at a prestigious country club.

The Cereal Murders - Goldy searches for answers when a student is killed during college admissions season at an exclusive prep school.

The Last Suppers - A murder at a law firm's holiday party puts Goldy in the middle of another investigation.

Killer Pancake - The death of a cosmetics company employee leads Goldy into the world of beauty industry secrets.

The Main Corpse - Goldy investigates financial fraud and murder in the Colorado mining industry.

The Grilling Season - When Goldy's abusive ex-husband is accused of murder, she must clear his name despite their troubled past.

Prime Cut - A valuable historic map disappears and a murder occurs at a local museum.

Tough Cookie - Goldy investigates suspicious accidents at a ski resort while catering cooking classes.

Sticks & Scones - Strange events at a historic castle renovation lead to murder.

Chopping Spree - A shopping mall becomes the scene of mysterious deaths during a cooking demonstration.

Double Shot - Goldy's ex-husband escapes from prison, putting her and her family in danger.

Dark Tort - A late-night murder at a law office involves Goldy in a case of corporate espionage.

Sweet Revenge - The murder of a loan shark connects to a rare book collection.

Fatally Flaky - A demanding bride-to-be is murdered before her wedding day.

Crunch Time - Goldy investigates arson and murder while helping her chef friend escape a stalker.

Joanne Fluke writes murder mysteries featuring baker Hannah Swensen who solves crimes in a small Minnesota town. Her books include recipes and share a similar cozy mystery format centered around food and small-town dynamics.

Laura Childs creates mystery series featuring tea shop owner Theodosia Browning and includes recipes and tea-related content. Her protagonists run food-related businesses while solving murders, mirroring Davidson's culinary mystery style.

Katherine Hall Page writes the Faith Fairchild series about a caterer who investigates murders. The books combine detailed cooking elements with traditional mystery plotting in New England settings.

Leslie Meier produces the Lucy Stone mysteries about a small-town reporter in Maine who solves crimes. Her works feature holiday themes and domestic elements similar to Davidson's Goldy Bear series.

Cleo Coyle writes the Coffeehouse Mystery series featuring Clare Cosi, who manages a New York coffee shop while investigating murders. The books incorporate detailed beverage and food knowledge into the mystery narratives.