Diane Mott Davidson Books in Order

How to Read the Goldy Schulz Series

If you are looking for the perfect blend of cozy mystery, small-town charm, and mouthwatering recipes, Diane Mott Davidson’s Goldy Schulz series (originally known as the Goldy Bear series) is the gold standard. Spanning 17 novels published over more than two decades, the series follows the professional and personal life of Goldy Schulz, a caterer based in the fictional mountain town of Aspen Meadow, Colorado.

Because the characters in Aspen Meadow grow, age, and change relationship statuses, the definitive way to read this series is in publication order. While each mystery is self-contained and solved by the final page, the underlying character arcs, romantic developments, and family dynamics are strictly linear. Reading the books out of order will spoil major life milestones, family shifts, and the evolution of Goldy's catering business.

The Complete Goldy Schulz Reading Order

Here is the chronological publication list of the Goldy Schulz series, including key milestones in Goldy's journey:

1. Catering to Nobody (1990) - The debut novel that introduces Goldy as a recently divorced single mother struggling to establish her catering business. The story sets up the primary cast, including her son Arch and her abusive ex-husband Dr. John Richard Korman (known simply as "the Jerk").
2. Dying for Chocolate (1992) - Goldy takes a catering job at a luxurious estate, introducing richer culinary backdrops and building on her recovery from her past marriage.
3. The Cereal Murders (1993) - Set against the backdrop of an elite prep school, this installment dives deeper into Goldy's struggles as a mother raising Arch.
4. The Last Suppers (1994) - A critical milestone in the series. Goldy plans to marry homicide detective Tom Schulz, but the wedding is interrupted by the murder of the officiating priest.
5. Killer Pancake (1995) - Goldy gets hired for a cosmetics company promotional event, bringing high-society drama and retail-themed crime to the table.
6. The Main Corpse (1996) - Exploring the history of local mining, this story features Goldy's best friend Marla Korman in a prominent supporting role.
7. The Grilling Season (1997) - Goldy has to defend her ex-husband "the Jerk" when he is accused of murder, testing her boundaries and protective instincts.
8. Prime Cut (1998) - Focusing on home renovations and contractors, this mystery sees Goldy dealing with chaotic remodeling alongside a local murder.
9. Tough Cookie (2000) - A ski-resort setting brings winter cozy vibes and financial intrigue to Goldy's plate.
10. Sticks & Scones (2001) - A medieval-themed event at a Colorado castle serves as the backdrop for historical anomalies and family secrets.
11. Chopping Spree (2002) - Set in a local shopping mall, Goldy juggles corporate catering challenges with a messy crime scene.
12. Double Shot (2004) - Goldy faces threats closer to home as past enemies resurface, making her personal safety a central theme.
13. Dark Tort (2006) - Goldy helps investigate the death of a young legal assistant, navigating local law firms and courthouse politics.
14. Sweet Revenge (2008) - Holiday catering leads to historical grudges and complex puzzles in the snowy Colorado landscape.
15. Fatally Flaky (2009) - A hectic wedding season pushes Goldy to her limits, testing both her catering business and her sanity.
16. Crunch Time (2011) - This book focuses on the preparation of a massive, high-stress Thanksgiving feast, combined with local arson and murder.
17. The Whole Enchilada (2013) - The final novel in the series, bringing a sense of closure to Goldy's long journey of professional success, romantic stability, and personal healing.

Chronological Order vs. Publication Order

In the culinary mystery genre, continuity is often as important as the individual cases. Diane Mott Davidson wrote the Goldy Schulz books in a linear timeline, meaning the publication order and chronological order are identical. There are no prequels or time-skips that alter the flow of the narrative.

Reading the series in order is highly recommended due to the following character progression points:

• Romantic Transitions: Goldy begins the series as a single woman recovering from trauma and gradually builds a healthy, supportive relationship with homicide detective Tom Schulz, culminating in their marriage and subsequent partnership.
• Arch's Development: Goldy’s son, Arch, starts the series as a young boy and grows into an independent teenager and young adult. Witnessing this growth is one of the most rewarding elements of the series.
• The Bond of Survivors: Goldy’s best friend, Marla Korman, is the ex-wife of the same abusive man (Dr. John Richard Korman). Their unique friendship and shared support network evolve significantly, moving from fragile survival to deep, comedic, and unbreakable sisterhood.

Key Companion Works and Short Stories

While the 17 novels form the backbone of Diane Mott Davidson's bibliography, readers should also look out for these notable additions:

• "Cold Turkey" (1992): A standalone mystery short story that won the 1993 Anthony Award for Best Short Story. Originally published in the anthology Death Dines at 8:30, it showcases Davidson's ability to weave recipe-laced suspense into a shorter format. It does not impact the main Goldy Schulz timeline.
• Goldy's Kitchen Cookbook (2015): A non-fiction compilation containing 160 of the most popular recipes featured throughout the novels. It also includes personal stories from Davidson about how she developed the recipes and tested them in her own kitchen, making it a must-have companion for fans who love to cook.

What to Know Before You Start

Before diving into Aspen Meadow, there are a few practical tips to keep in mind:

• A Tone of Contrast: While the series is categorized as a cozy mystery—complete with quirky townspeople, cute dogs, and delicious recipes—it does not shy away from serious themes. Goldy is a survivor of severe domestic abuse, and her journey toward healing, setting boundaries, and coping with trauma is a central theme throughout the series.
• Standalone Friendliness: If you happen to pick up a book in the middle of the series, Davidson does a wonderful job of recapping past events briefly so you won't be completely lost. However, to avoid spoilers regarding major character fates, stick to the main order.
• Real Recipes: Every recipe printed in the books is real, fully tested by Davidson herself, and meant to be made at home. Ranging from decadent desserts like chocolate fudge soufflé to savory dishes like enchiladas suizas, they are integrated directly into the narrative, often reflecting Goldy's emotional state or the theme of the catering gig.