Crunch Time

By: Diane Mott Davidson

Narrated by: Barbara Rosenblat

Length: 16 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

Caterer and sleuth extraordinaire Goldy Schulz returns in another tasty and suspenseful adventure from New York Times best-selling author Diane Mott Davidson

Colorado caterer Goldy Schulz cooks up bigtrouble as she tries to help her longtime friend and fellow chef Yolanda Garcia. When the rental house shared by Yolanda and her irrepressible aunt Ferdinanda is destroyed by arson, the pair move in with cop-turned-PI Ernest McLeod. But then Ernest is shot dead and his house is set on fire, nearly killing Goldy, Yolanda, Ferdinanda, and nine beagle puppies that Ernest had recently rescued from a puppymill.

Concerned for her friends, Goldy invites them to stay with her while the sheriff’s department investigates. Yet even Goldy’s house isn’t safe, and after a failed break-in by an unknown intruder a cop is sent to keep an eye on things.Then a second body is found.

Swapping her chef’s hat for a sleuthing cap, the intrepid Goldy steps up the investigation. But she’s got to move fast. It’s crunch time to close in on a killer, before he can close in on her.

Filled with danger as well as laughs, wonderful food, and scrumptious recipes, Crunch Time is a delicious indulgence sure to satisfy all of Goldy’s fans.

©2011 Diane Mott Davidson (P)2011 HarperCollins Publishers

Another great Goldie mystery

Enjoyed this presentation as narrated, had a hard time turning it off to do other necessary tasks. Thanks

Classic Davidson!

This book is classic Davidson. The characters are rich, the story is at the same time normal for the series, while bringing a host of new elements into play. If you love a series in which the growth and change of the characters is plainly evident, this series is for you. I couldn't stop listening to this book!!!

good book

if you learn something the hard way, you tend to remember it... right? not if you are the main character in this book. having an abusive and controlling ex, the main character should be able to see other people with such tendencies. once again she stubles on to the answer. the narrator brought the characters to life.

Great Plot Development with new characters

This book avoids the flaw of the last book - that of characters who are past their prime to the story development (i.e. Marla). The author's use of Goldie's "mental recapitulations" of the evidence and where it may lead - false trails and all - helps keep the suspense up and the story fresh in the listener's mind.

That said, having this competent, intelligent woman commit, at a minimum, 3 Burglaries, about as many felony thefts, uncounted episodes of trespass and a score of minor criminal offenses in her search for the "truth" became irritating. The tacit approval of her Sheriff's Department Investigator Husband at her illegal activities - to the Department's benefit is just wrong. A good investigator such as Tom Schultz would not allow it - and - if faced with it would have to turn his own wife over to the DA to prosecute

I marvel how authors can place otherwise intelligent protagonists in situations that someone of normal sensibilities would avoid. It leads to an interesting story but somewhat demeans the character.

It is well worth the listen and, as always, well read by Barbara Rosenblat.

Weaker than most in this series.

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I found this book slow and switched to another book twice before finishing it. I think I only finished it because I had paid for the book.

What was most disappointing about Diane Mott Davidson’s story?

The story moved slow and lacked the interesting turns of others in the series.

Would you be willing to try another one of Barbara Rosenblat’s performances?

I consider her performances to be average.

Do you think Crunch Time needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

NO I just want to move on to another of Mott Davidson's books.

Interesting plot, lots of family

Davidson's books seem to be a precursor of the cozies now deluging the market -- but not so sugary sweet or inane. i do like some of the cozies because they're cozy but Davidson's have more honesty and pizzaz.. Davidson's heroine Goldie, at least as she comes through Barbara Rosenblatt's interpretation, is sassy, honest and fun. I love the way Davidson makes the reader feel he/she's right there in the room with the family - which is normal with crises, grumpiness, etc - and is, nonetheless, a LOVING family. I think her plots are good too. Sometimes she has Goldie do stupid things which is annoying but most writers do this. And some of the "danger" scenes are downright slapstick and sometimes really funny -- which is part of what keeps these books light instead of gruesome. I really enjoy her writing and her books, including this one. And I'm a nature lover so I love that she includes rich, evocative descriptions of nature scenes and weather. I love the friendship between Goldie and Marla and love reading descriptions of a down-to-earth but loving, supportive husband.

More like slightly soggy time

I normally love Davidson's cozy mystery series, but this volume has left me with a sour taste. Goldy barely cooked in this story, and the best parts of her story such as Julian and Arch were hardly mentioned. I hope Davidson's next attempt serves up more excitement or I fear this will be my last purchase of her work.

This is a fun story to listen to

Although I have read all of Diane Mott Davidson's books, this is the first one that I have listened to. This is a bit different from her other novels, but I liked the focus on Goldy's relationship with Tom.
This was a fun book. I bought it to help me get through my spring cleaning, and it was perfect. There were spots that made me laugh out loud while I was fighting dust bunnies and reorganizing closets. The plot had enough twists that it kept my interest over my 2 day cleaning frenzy.

suspense

Where does Crunch Time rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

top of my list

What did you like best about this story?

Can't say just yet - I have another 10 chapters to go and can't wait for the end.

Which scene was your favorite?

too many to mention

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

can't think of one yet.

Any additional comments?

My husband and I are listening to this book while we drive. I find myself looking for errands to do so we can drive and listen. We have a 45 minute drive each way to work . Crunch Time makes the time fly - even if stuck in traffic.I love the way the narrator changes voices for the different characters. This audible book is fantastic. I have read or listened to all of Goldie's books as they become available! When is the next book due. We were talking this morning wondering if this would ever be made into a movie. It would be a must see.

Great series

great book. love this series. funny and just a good read. I ready for the next book of hers