Step into the deliciously thrilling world of Goldy Schulz, where gourmet dishes and murder mysteries simmer together in perfect harmony! Diane Mott Davidson’s Goldy Schulz series, a cornerstone of the cozy mystery genre, follows Goldy, a spirited caterer in the charming fictional town of Aspen Meadow, Colorado. With 17 novels packed with suspense, recipes, and small-town drama, this series serves up a feast for readers who crave crime-solving with a side of culinary flair.
Goldy Schulz isn’t your average sleuth. A newly divorced single mom at the series’ start, she juggles parenting her son, Arch, running Goldilocks’ Catering, and stumbling into murder cases that demand her sharp instincts. Her journey from financial struggles to savvy businesswoman and amateur detective has captivated fans for over two decades, blending heartwarming resilience with edge-of-your-seat intrigue.
How Goldy Schulz Began
Diane Mott Davidson, inspired by her love of cooking and the mysteries of Robert B. Parker, launched the Goldy Schulz series in 1990 with Catering to Nobody. A former political science student at Wellesley and Stanford graduate, Davidson infused her novels with a unique culinary twist, embedding recipes within each story. Set in Aspen Meadow, a cozy stand-in for Davidson’s hometown of Evergreen, Colorado, the series reflects her knack for blending real-life inspiration with fictional suspense. Her debut novel won nominations for the Agatha and Anthony Awards, signaling Goldy’s arrival as a fresh voice in cozy mysteries.
The Heart of Goldy Schulz
The series kicks off with Catering to Nobody (1990), where Goldy caters a wake only to be accused of poisoning her ex-father-in-law. Her amateur sleuthing clears her name while dishing up recipes like Poached Salmon. In Dying for Chocolate (1992), Goldy relocates to Aspen Meadow Country Club, investigating a psychologist’s suspicious car crash that unveils scandalous secrets. The Cereal Murders (1993) sees her catering at her son’s school, uncovering a student’s murder while protecting Arch from danger. Finally, The Whole Enchilada (2013), the series’ finale, wraps up Goldy’s adventures with a festive party turned deadly.
Food is the series’ heartbeat, with titles like Killer Pancake and Dark Tort playfully nodding to Goldy’s culinary creations. Each book weaves recipes—think Sugar Plum Cake or Chuzzlewit Cheese Pie—into the narrative, inviting readers to cook alongside the story. Themes of resilience, family, and community shine through, set against the picturesque Rockies. Goldy’s protective love for Arch and her knack for unraveling small-town secrets make her a relatable yet fearless heroine.
The cozy mystery style, with its light tone and focus on personal stakes, pairs perfectly with Aspen Meadow’s pine-scented charm. Davidson’s pacing keeps readers hooked, balancing murder investigations with Goldy’s evolving personal life, from her abusive ex-husband to her romance with detective Tom Schulz. The series’ recipes, initially sprinkled throughout and later compiled at book’s end (starting with Double Shot), add a hands-on charm that sets it apart.
Why Goldy Schulz Resonates
The Goldy Schulz series has left a savory mark on the cozy mystery genre, inspiring Hallmark Mystery movies like Curious Caterer: Foiled Plans. Fans adore Goldy’s pluck and the series’ unique blend of food and sleuthing, with over 10,000 reviews praising its addictive storytelling. Davidson’s ability to craft complex characters and mouthwatering recipes has earned her a loyal following, with readers often rereading the series for its comfort and suspense. Her Anthony Award for the short story “Cold Turkey” and nominations for her novels cement her influence.
- Publication Years: 1990–2013
- Number of Books: 17
- Awards: Anthony Award (1993, Short Story); Agatha and Anthony nominations
- Setting: Aspen Meadow, Colorado
Grab Catering to Nobody and dive into Goldy Schulz’s delectable world of cozy mysteries, where every recipe and riddle promises a thrilling adventure!