by Terrance Mc Arthur
Details on how to win a copy of Fonduing Father’s at the end of this review.
Fonduing Fathers is a mystery delight, exploring the past of White House executive chef Olivia (“Ollie”) Paras’s family, the future of her relationship with government agent Gav, and the labyrinthine web of intrigue and deceit that is normal life in Washington, DC (according to most mystery thrillers).
I have been a fan of Julie Hyzy’s mysteries since I found Artistic License (her first book) at the Cedar-Clinton Library. Since 2008, I have followed her White House Chef books with avid interest. Usually, I request her titles from the library. Sometimes, I beg for free copies that I can review. This time, I bought my own copy of the sixth in the series (with a gift card I got for Christmas). Of course, two days after I finished the book, a review copy arrived (My wife gleefully accepted it). 
On vacation in Chicago, Ollie and Gav learn that her father, who is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, left the military with a dishonorable discharge. How could that be? That status would disqualify a serviceman for Arlington interment. On top of that, the man was murdered, and his employer found evidence that dear old dad was selling company secrets! Ollie can’t accept that, so she and Gav start investigating, talking to a retired general who retreats into Alzheimers’ at crucial moments in the conversation, disgruntled former co-workers, and a shadowy intelligence wonk who make the X-Files’ Cigarette-Smoking Man look like a pillar of honesty. While conducting her clandestine investigation, she still has to meet the special needs of her employers, including teaching cooking skills to the President’s pre-teen son.
This is a fantastic installment in the series, with less danger to the First Family but major risks for Ollie. Gav is a much better match for Ollie than her previous Secret Service beau. Gav doesn’t try to stop her investigations, because he recognizes her abilities and strengths. The White House staff is still quirky and interesting, and the recipes at the end range from really easy to needing to raise the spirit of Julia Child as a spirit guide…and yes, there is fondue.
I love recommending this series to people. The books appeal to so many types of readers: food fans, conspiracy buffs, people who wonder what it’s really like behind the scenes at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, and anyone who believes that true love can conquer all obstacles. Fonduing Fathers is worth a nibble, because you’ll want to gobble down every morsel of Julie Hyzy’s writing.
To enter to win a copy of Fonduing Fathers, simply email KRL at life@kingsriverlife[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “Fonduing”, or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen January 26, 2013. U.S. residents only.
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I like the idea that she’s not in the White House kitchen cooking right now — a nice short change of pace for a great set of mysteries! Thanks for chance to win a copy!
This book sounds good enough to eat! The title alone is terrific. Sounds like an interesting series that I should check out.
I read this book last week. It’s excellent, as is the rest of the series. This one has a different feel but is very satisfying.
Have enjoyed all the books in this series, glad to read that Ollie’s life is progressing and that her adventures are not done. Her Father has been a bit of a mystery, her Mom not giving up much info so now Ollie gets to solve it! Yeah Ollie!,
I loved this book so much I am in the process of rereading the entire series. Sometimes with books coming out once or twice a year you forget the details and after learning more about Ollie outside of work in Fonduing Fathers I wanted to remember the details that got her where she is. This is a great book and a wonderful series.
Anything including fondue is worth reading, but I’ve read others of the series, so that’s two counts in its favor! Every year when I visit my dad, a cheese fondue dinner is a must.
I just finished “Fonduing Fathers,” and also, love this series. I agree that it has a different feel, because White House goings on are secondary. But I really enjoyed the development of Ollie’s relationship with Gav, and the political conspiracy.I recently emailed Julie to say that when I saw I news clip this year of White House cooking staff making a gingerbread White House, I thought, I know about that because of Ollie. Can’t wait until the next installment.
Margaret Franson
This is one of my favorite series. I am so excited to see this release. You’re right that this series appeals to many different people. I hope it continues for a long while. I love culinary cozies and I love history so this is a must read. Thank you for the giveaway!
Julie Hyzy is a master at writing cozies. Culinary cozies are my favorite, love to have my mouth water.
Thank you for having this giveaway!
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
We have a winner!
Lorie Ham, KRL Publisher