The Culinary Series in Order

About the Culinary series

Series Premise

The core premise centers on Goldy Schulz (née Bear, later Bear-Schulz), a talented but perpetually stressed professional caterer in the fictional small town of Aspen Meadow, Colorado. Recently divorced at the series' start, Goldy supports herself and her young son by running her catering business, "Goldilocks' Catering," which specializes in everything from elegant dinner parties and brunches to corporate events and holiday feasts. Each installment begins with Goldy landing a high-profile or quirky catering gig—preparing a society luncheon, a corporate retreat, a wedding reception, or a themed event—that inevitably places her at the scene of a murder or scandal.

Goldy doesn't set out to solve crimes; her amateur sleuthing arises organically from curiosity, a strong sense of justice, and the fact that victims, suspects, or clues often tie directly to her clients, friends, family, or catering jobs. She pieces together motives, alibis, and evidence while dodging police warnings, evading danger, and continuing to deliver flawless meals under pressure. Her investigations frequently intersect with local gossip, class tensions, financial schemes, environmental issues, or personal vendettas in the affluent yet gossipy mountain community.

A key element is the inclusion of numerous mouthwatering recipes—appetizers, main courses, desserts, and baked goods—that Goldy prepares or serves during the story. These recipes, printed at chapter ends or integrated into the narrative, reflect the book's themes or events (e.g., chocolate-heavy dishes in Dying for Chocolate). Over time, Goldy's personal life evolves—she remarries, faces family crises, navigates parenting a teenager, and deals with threats from her abusive ex—adding emotional depth and continuity to the standalone-yet-connected mysteries. The premise celebrates resilience, ingenuity, and the comforting power of food amid chaos, with Goldy using her culinary skills and sharp wits to uncover truth while keeping her business afloat.

Main Characters

Goldy Schulz anchors the series as a smart, determined, and endearingly flawed protagonist. A talented cook with a knack for improvisation (both in the kitchen and in investigations), she is fiercely protective of her family, quick-witted, and prone to impulsive decisions that land her in trouble. Her journey from battered divorcee to confident businesswoman and wife adds satisfying character growth.



Arch Korman, Goldy's intelligent, sensitive son (starting as a preteen), provides emotional heart and occasional comic relief through his interests in computers, role-playing games, and school life. He matures into a thoughtful teen who occasionally aids his mother's sleuthing.



Tom Schulz, the kind, capable homicide detective with the Furman County Sheriff's Department, becomes Goldy's second husband after early books. Their relationship evolves from flirtatious tension to deep partnership; Tom is supportive yet frustrated by Goldy's meddling, offering official insights while worrying about her safety.



Julian Teller, Arch's best friend who becomes like a second son to Goldy, works as her assistant caterer in later books. Charismatic and loyal, he adds youthful energy and kitchen help.



Marla Korman, Goldy's wealthy, outspoken best friend (and ex-husband's current wife in early books), delivers biting humor, gossip, and unwavering support. Her sharp tongue and social connections often provide crucial clues.



The ex-husband, John Richard Korman (aka "the Jerk"), a charming but abusive dentist, serves as a recurring antagonist whose actions create ongoing tension.

Setting

The series is firmly rooted in the picturesque yet occasionally treacherous landscape of the Colorado Rockies, centered in the fictional town of Aspen Meadow, a stand-in for affluent mountain communities like Aspen or Evergreen. This upscale, small-town setting features winding mountain roads, luxurious homes, country clubs, ski resorts, hiking trails, and historic buildings that serve as perfect backdrops for catered events and hidden secrets.



Goldy's world includes her modest home kitchen (where she tests recipes and strategizes), local shops, churches, schools, and elite estates where she caters. The Rocky Mountain environment plays an active role—snowstorms isolate crime scenes, summer wildfires threaten, wildlife appears in unexpected ways, and the altitude and weather add logistical challenges to both catering and sleuthing. Social dynamics reflect a mix of old money, nouveau riche newcomers, environmental activists, and everyday residents, creating fertile ground for motives ranging from inheritance disputes to corporate greed.



The seasonal cycle influences plots—winter holiday parties, summer barbecues, autumn fundraisers—allowing Davidson to showcase diverse cuisines and seasonal ingredients. This vivid, sensory-rich setting enhances the culinary focus while grounding the coziness in a believable, atmospheric locale.

Tone & Themes

The tone is quintessentially cozy: warm, witty, and reassuring, even when dealing with murder. Davidson's prose is engaging and conversational, filled with Goldy's first-person narration that delivers sharp observations, self-deprecating humor, and relatable frustrations about single motherhood, ex-spousal drama, and the demands of catering. Suspense builds steadily through clues, red herrings, and narrow escapes, but violence remains off-page or understated—focus stays on puzzle-solving rather than graphic detail.

Humor shines through Goldy's sarcastic inner monologue, quirky client interactions, her son's teenage antics, and the absurd predicaments her catering jobs create (e.g., serving food while dodging suspects or hiding evidence in a cooler). The atmosphere feels comforting and familiar, like settling into a favorite kitchen chair with a cup of tea and a good mystery. Recipes provide delightful interludes, inviting readers to pause and imagine (or bake) the dishes described. While stakes feel personal and real—especially when Goldy's loved ones are threatened—the overall mood remains optimistic and uplifting, affirming that intelligence, friendship, and a good meal can overcome most troubles. The series offers gentle escapism with just enough edge to keep things exciting.

In conclusion, the Culinary Mystery series by Diane Mott Davidson offers a delicious blend of cozy intrigue, heartfelt family moments, and irresistible recipes that make it a standout in the genre. Through Goldy Schulz's relatable adventures, readers enjoy clever mysteries wrapped in the warmth of home cooking, mountain scenery, and enduring relationships. Davidson's skillful balance of suspense, humor, and heart ensures each book feels like a comforting yet thrilling escape, leaving fans satisfied, hungry for more, and perhaps inspired to try a new recipe. The series celebrates the idea that even in the face of murder and mayhem, good food, good friends, and a determined spirit can restore order and joy.