Welcome to Cozy Wednesday!
I am excited today to have Julie Hyzy drop by for a short Q & A. I will also share my review of
Fonduing Fathers (A White House Chef Mystery).
Hi Julie!
Hi Everyone!
1. What is the best thing about writing a series set at The White House?
When I was a kid, history class was boring. I didn’t care what year a war started or when treaties were signed. Today, I find history fascinating. I particularly enjoy U.S. history and especially love learning anything to do with the White House. Writing these books has encouraged me to learn more about the residence and its families than any class ever could. By placing Ollie in the heart of the home, I’m wrapped in all its glory and magnificence. Researching has become a true joy.
2. What is the worst thing about writing a set at The White House?
By far, the worst thing is that I can’t just run into the president’s home and take a look around whenever I feel like it. Visiting the White House is a big deal and there are a bunch of hoops to jump through before you’re allowed in. Even then, no purse, no pen, no paper, no camera. And most of the building is off-limits. I want to see everything, including secret little spots no one knows about. I’d love it if I could spend hours there, wandering anywhere I pleased.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become an author?
I’d have to say at about age six. I started writing my first books back then. I guess I just always wanted to tell stories. Even as I grew and became an adult, the desire to become an author never left. I was determined to be the youngest published author anywhere, and I decided I’d hit it big by the time I was eleven. That didn’t happen, of course. But I never gave up.
4. What are you reading for fun right now?
As much as I love cozy mysteries, I try not to read them when I’m writing one of my own. I’ve got two books I’m reading for fun right now: The Fiery Cross (Outlander)
5. If money was no object and you could escape to anywhere in the world to write where would you go and what do you think the book would be about?
Europe, I think. All over the continent. I was there, once, a couple of years ago and I found it incredibly beautiful and rich with history. I have family in Luxembourg and that country is – though small – amazing. I loved every moment there, and in Italy, and in France, especially along the Normandy coast. My guess is that I’d write about an American in Europe who stumbles over a dead body and needs to rely on her amateur sleuthing skills to save the day. Pretty original there, huh?
Thanks Julie for giving us a little peek at the author behind the stories.
About Julie Hyzy
Anthony and Barry Award winner Julie Hyzy is theNew York Times bestselling author of the White House Chef Mystery series featuring the intrepid Olivia (Ollie) Paras, and the Manor House Mystery series featuring mansion curator Grace Wheaton. Want to know more check out Julie’s webpage.
Fonduing Fathers
(A White House Chef Mystery)
6th in Series
Cozy Mystery
Berkley Prime Crime Mystery
The Berkley Publishing Group (December 31, 2012)
Published by The Penguin Group
Cover Illustration by Ben Perini
Cover Design by Annette Fiore Defex
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0425251812
E-Book: ASIN: B0095ZMOZU
590 KB
White House executive chef Olivia Paras has enough on her plate. But after gaining new information about her father’s death, the First Family isn’t the only family Olivia is concerned about…
A trip home for Ollie changes everything she knew about her father. Her mother reveals that he was actually dishonorably discharged from the army. He went on to work for a dietary supplement company but was brutally murdered because someone thought he was selling corporate secrets. This doesn’t fit anything she knew about her father and she knew there had to be more to his story. With Gav’s help she is determined get to the truth even if it threatens national security.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I have to admit that when I first saw this title I had a completely different idea in my head about where this story was headed. Something more to do with Washington or Jefferson. I am so glad I was wrong. This story was amazing!!
Delving into Ollie’s past was a real treat for the mind and soul. Let’s face it fathers and daughters have a bond. Our fathers are our first super heroes. So when Ollie finds out there was part of his life that she knew nothing about – a monumental part of his life – it makes sense she would move heaven and earth to get to the truth. And she almost does.
We are also treated to a closer peek into President Hyden’s relationship with his son Josh. Josh dreams are being chef. The President has other dreams for his son. Ollie smooths the ruffled feathers to make both happy knowing the young man will have plenty of time to explore all his future options. Josh is a awesome kid and ends up playing a very pivotal role in this story.
July Hyzy topped herself with this story. She had me totally immersed into Ollie’s life with some laugh out loud moments and times I was on the edge of my seat. An outstanding mystery! A must read!! You will want to give your own father a big hug. I have sent a virtual one to heaven myself.
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Thanks to the people at Penguin
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
was just released June 5. All of them have made bestseller lists!! 
, that was released yesterday. After her post I will give you my thoughts on this new book and series.
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