Affairs of Steak

A White House Chef Mystery

By: Julie Hyzy

Narrated by: Eileen Stevens

Length: 8 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

White House chef Olivia Paras and her arch nemesis, White House Sensitivity Director Peter Everett Sargeant, must work together to solve the double murder of one of the First Lady's assistants and the Chief of Staff - before they become the next victims of a merciless assassin with a secret agenda.

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©2012 Tekno Books (P)2014 Audible Inc.

WONDERFUL "CHIEF CHEF" OF THE WHITE HOUSE STORY

THIS NEW SERIES IS REMARKABLE. FULL OF TAUGHT MYSTERY AND GUNS BLAZING WHILE MAKING BREAKFAST, DINNER, AND SUPPER FOR THE PRESIDENT. A BLOOMED CIA AGENT IN DISGUISE AS "CHEF". YOU WILL SIMPLY LOVE THIS NEW SERIES BROUGHT TO AUDIBLE BY AUDIBLE. GOOD JOB, AUDIBLE FOR PICKING UP THIS SERIES. I AM BUYING THEM ALL, TOO GOOD TO PASS UP. WELL WORTH THE CREDITS FOR THE SERIES.

Best so far

This is the best book in the series. The characters are developing and the storylines are more believable. I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read the next one.

Never lets the pace slow

White House Executive Chef Olivia “Ollie” Paras has been called upon to help the First Lady’s assistant plan a surprise birthday party off-site for the Secretary of State. To do so, Ollie is paired with her least favorite White House official, Sensitivity Director Peter Everett Sargeant. Approaching the fourth possible locale, a voice cries out. The man is Sargeant’s nephew Milton whom Sargeant does not get along with. After a quick visit, Ollie and Sargeant go inside the building, where they find the assistant and the White House Chief of Staff‘s bodies! After calling local and White House authorities, they realize an assassin was on the loose and might come after them. Sargeant has another quick conversation with Milton upon leaving, when a man runs past them, bumping into them. Could that have been the killer?

On her way home on the Metro that evening, a man named Brad continually tries to start up a chat with Ollie. Ollie spots an older man asleep in his seat and wakes him so he can exit at his stop. He is confused and nowhere near his home. Ollie uses him as her excuse to exit and gets him to safety. Later, after the man is taken home, Ollie discovers that the old man is the Secretary of State’s father-in-law.

Once the Secret Service learns of Ollie’s adventures that evening following the day’s discoveries, they assign an agent to her. Multiple incidents over the coming days of loitering or break-ins to Ollie’s building and then her apartment follow. Could it be Brad? Could it be the assassin? Then Ollie’s role in discovering the murders is leaked to the press, threatening her further. Special Agent in Charge Gavin takes a special interest in Ollie’s protection, with their friendship blossoming.

Back at work, plans go forward for the birthday party since it may bring the men of different political parties together in forthcoming agreements. With no guidance from the First Lady’s assistant any more, Ollie and Sargeant must do their best to work with a social secretary for the large guest list, plan the menus, and facilitate the evening as interim organizers until a new assistant could be found. They are even assigned a social aide on leave from his military position who is more hindrance than help.

Having never gotten along, as witnessed in earlier entries to this series, it is comical to watch Ollie and Peter Sargeant come to rely on each other. With so many details going wrong, we do begin to wonder if this party will ever be held. Author Julie Hyzy keeps the plot moving, delving into much more than kitchen duties. It is fascinating to learn more about the White House as well as the Secret Service. Narrator Eileen Stevens continues to wow me with different characterizations, never letting the pace slow. This fifth entry in the White House chef mysteries is excellent, entertaining, and full of suspense

another fun mystery for Ollie

Well, maybe "fun" isn't exactly a good word for murder, corruption, infidelity, cover-up, and conspiracy.

Despite Ollie's being way too cozy with too many important people, you can suspend belief and enjoy Ollie doing what Ollie does.

The narration is great.