Death of a Christmas Caterer

Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery Series, Book 5

By: Lee Hollis

Narrated by: Tara Ochs

Length: 7 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

At an office holiday party in Bar Harbor, Maine, the guests may be mingling with a murderer: "A likable heroine that readers will cheer for." (Parkersburg News and Sentinel)

Who better than food and cocktails columnist Hayley Powell to book a caterer for the Island Times holiday party? But Hayley's quest for a cook turns into the pursuit of a killer who caters to no one....

Office Christmas parties can sometimes mean career suicide - but they rarely lead to murder. Hayley thought Garth Rawlings would be the perfect caterer for this year's bash, but when the gourmet sees her budget, he goes galloping.

Unfortunately his run is short-lived. Garth is found dead on the floor of his kitchen, with his delectable creations burning in the oven. Faced with a spread of suspects, Hayley is determined to discover who would want to take out the Christmas caterer, because - no matter what the season - justice must be served....

©2014 Rick Copp and Holly Simason (P)2021 Tantor

Overall, a good listen/read for a light cozy.

Generally, the story is good.
It has a good base of characters, a storyline that only has a few stumbles, and I’m invested enough for the next book in the series.

Though - this book in particular- (and in earlier books - similar scenes that I find rather grating and unbelievable). Example: when her boss keeps heaping on responsibilities and no pay increase - and she weakly argues then folds - well - ugh!
There are several instances when similar acts make me want to scream on her behalf.
It is weak (and unbelievable- to me) that a usually very strong woman capitulates to such situations. I don’t see it as being sensitive/understanding/et al… it’s cringe-worthy.
Certainly- have scenes showing her generosity, understanding and acceptance - but, it is so out of how I otherwise see the main character that I sometimes questioned continuing the book.

This is just one example of 3-4 in this book where a change of how the character acts could have given more value to the book. ( if she is barely scraping by - then how is the family living as well as they seem to be doing?) This particular storyline needs to change after five books. She deserves a raise!
-laugh-

I’m keeping fingers crossed for the next book in the series.

As I said above, in general- the books are worthy of a read.

I will say that I did not purchase these. I am listening to them via Audible perks - and am thankful for the opportunity to give them a listen.

Not happy

When it got to what should have been chapter 39 it went back to chapter 33. I never heard the end of the book