Goldy Bear has survived an abusive marriage, a hostile divorce, her first few years as the single mom of a troubled teen, a long-term house guest who’s a lot like a second teenager, and the start-up of a catering business. Now she just has to survive till Halloween, the start of the party season that keeps the wolf from the door all spring.

She’s feeling optimistic till a poisoning at the wake of a local teacher — a wake which she has catered — brings police attention to her. Her business is shut down until the truth is discovered, and the police don’t seem to be in much of a hurry, so Goldy has to find the truth herself.

This book is the first in the Goldilocks Catering mystery series. It’s a cozy read with an interesting mystery, characters who will become more complex through the series, and recipes that may liven up your Halloween parties.