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A White House Chef Mystery #9
Foreign Éclairs
White House executive chef Ollie Paras has served plenty of meals to foreign dignitaries from around the world. But someone is ready to serve her an ice-cold dish of revenge...
Things are about to really heat up for Ollie. News of a bombing and attempted breakout at a federal prison reveals that the brother of a terrorist she helped defeat is back with a vengeance. And after she gets mugged on her way home from work, the Secret Service won’t leave her side, fearing she is now a target.
When a White House staff member is murdered, officials rush to action over a possible security breach. It may be time for Ollie to trade in her apron for a bullet-proof vest as she becomes part of a bold strategy to make sure this terrorist gets his just desserts...
Things are about to really heat up for Ollie. News of a bombing and attempted breakout at a federal prison reveals that the brother of a terrorist she helped defeat is back with a vengeance. And after she gets mugged on her way home from work, the Secret Service won’t leave her side, fearing she is now a target.
When a White House staff member is murdered, officials rush to action over a possible security breach. It may be time for Ollie to trade in her apron for a bullet-proof vest as she becomes part of a bold strategy to make sure this terrorist gets his just desserts...
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 5, 2016
153 people are currently reading
809 people want to read
About the author
Julie Hyzy
46 books873 followersNew York Times bestselling author, Julie Hyzy, has won the Anthony, Barry, Phobos, and Derringer Awards for her fiction.
Novels include:
Virtual Sabotage
The White House Chef Mystery series
The Manor House Mysteries
Deadly Blessings
Deadly Interest
Dead Ringer
Artistic License
Playing With Matches
Visit:
www.juliehyzy.com
Novels include:
Virtual Sabotage
The White House Chef Mystery series
The Manor House Mysteries
Deadly Blessings
Deadly Interest
Dead Ringer
Artistic License
Playing With Matches
Visit:
www.juliehyzy.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
July 13, 2024
It pains me to give this last book 3 stars. I loved the first 5 books of this series. I loved most if not all of the characters. But as the series progressed we moved out of the kitchen and into biggie threats and this book really shows this. I understand the author is trying to try new plots and how hard it is to do cozy mystery with the White House. Yet the first few books are so good I wish it stayed. Overall I’d still recommend this series and I’ll create a better ending to these characters!
February 7, 2025
Excellent cozy mystery. Intricate plot. I highly recommend this series!
May 20, 2016
This book was bittersweet; bitter because there's a 99% chance there will be no more books in this series and sweet because I got to revisit old characters that I had grown to love from the prior 8 books in this series. This book wasn't a letdown. It started slow but after I got acclimated to the changes that had happened between this book and the last it soon picked up. This may or may not be considered spoilers so, to be safe, I'm going to add a spoiler tag: Sad to see this series end. Highly, highly recommend this series!
December 17, 2015
Author Julie Hyzy knows how to pen a whodunit filled with mystery, intrigue, and heart pounding excitement. FOREIGN ÉCLAIRS is a real thrill ride, page after action packed page.
It’s always great to be back at the White House with Ollie Paras and the rest of the staff. Author Hyzy shares with her readers a side of the great house that is as entertaining as it is interesting.
FOREIGN ÉCLAIRS is the perfect addition to this bestselling series. Extremely well written with a plot that drew me in quickly, this story left me breathless by the conclusion. A conclusion I’d like to add, that found me with my jaw dropped in surprise.
Mystery, suspense, and political fans alike are all in for a monumentally good time with FOREIGN ÉCLAIRS. A big salute to you Julie Hyzy!
You’ll also find mouthwatering recipes at the back of the book!
It’s always great to be back at the White House with Ollie Paras and the rest of the staff. Author Hyzy shares with her readers a side of the great house that is as entertaining as it is interesting.
FOREIGN ÉCLAIRS is the perfect addition to this bestselling series. Extremely well written with a plot that drew me in quickly, this story left me breathless by the conclusion. A conclusion I’d like to add, that found me with my jaw dropped in surprise.
Mystery, suspense, and political fans alike are all in for a monumentally good time with FOREIGN ÉCLAIRS. A big salute to you Julie Hyzy!
You’ll also find mouthwatering recipes at the back of the book!
January 15, 2016
Dollycas's Thoughts
Most times we don't know that a book series is ending or has come to an end. The author is informed and sometimes they have the option of continuing the series on their own, but most of the time the reader is left in the dark. Social media has changed that some, in that the authors can stay in touch with their readers and give us a heads up. Even when we get a heads up the characters/authors are usually left without a chance to wrap up their stories.
Julie Hyzy blogged back in December that Foreign Eclairs would be the last book in this series and explained why. This is one of my very favorite series so I was sad, but after reading her post I am thankful for the nine adventures we did have with Ollie.
Hyzy does not have Ollie leave us quietly either. This cozy crept right into the suspense/thriller genre and when I reached the final word all I could say was WOW!!!
The story started with a bomb explosion in Wisconsin so I was immediately on high alert. From there I just held on tight.
In D.C. Ollie and head usher, Peter Everett Sargeant, are holding interviews for a new chef, first son, Josh isn't visiting the kitchen as much, and Gav is off on assignment. Then Ollie is attacked on her way home, she is okay, but her purse was stolen. Then a White House staffer is found dead after she was clearly tortured. Agent Neville Walker, the new head of the Secret Service, thinks the two events may be connected. Another bombing solidifies his thinking. After a little investigating it is determined the Armustanian terrorists are to blame and Ollie may be the target. Ollie doesn't have much time for cooking this time as she is trying to save her life and maybe others. She also needs to figure out what is going on with Josh. Definitely not a woman with time on her hands.
The story starts with a slow build but soon we are going at breakneck speed just hoping our protagonist is alive at the end. I started this story in the evening. Thankfully I found the perfect stopping point so I could sleep. Good thing too, because when I picked it up the next day there was no putting it down. Things got really intense and the pages just flew. There were the normal things we come to expect in this mystery series, Bucky and Ollie in the White House kitchen planning meals, Ollie butting heads with Sargeant over the way the kitchen should be run, and Ollie and Gav still adjusting to married life and him being gone so much. But this being the last installment written by Hyzy, she had to tie things up but still leave the door open a crack just in case someone else is hired to continue the series. She did it in an amazing way and true fans will understand. I hope this is that last we see of Ollie as I don't think anyone else could do this character justice.
So we say good bye to our behind the scenes access to the White House and I say thank you to Julie Hyzy for giving us so many wonderful stories and some truly memorable characters.
This book gets my first Paradise Rating of 2016!
Most times we don't know that a book series is ending or has come to an end. The author is informed and sometimes they have the option of continuing the series on their own, but most of the time the reader is left in the dark. Social media has changed that some, in that the authors can stay in touch with their readers and give us a heads up. Even when we get a heads up the characters/authors are usually left without a chance to wrap up their stories.
Julie Hyzy blogged back in December that Foreign Eclairs would be the last book in this series and explained why. This is one of my very favorite series so I was sad, but after reading her post I am thankful for the nine adventures we did have with Ollie.
Hyzy does not have Ollie leave us quietly either. This cozy crept right into the suspense/thriller genre and when I reached the final word all I could say was WOW!!!
The story started with a bomb explosion in Wisconsin so I was immediately on high alert. From there I just held on tight.
In D.C. Ollie and head usher, Peter Everett Sargeant, are holding interviews for a new chef, first son, Josh isn't visiting the kitchen as much, and Gav is off on assignment. Then Ollie is attacked on her way home, she is okay, but her purse was stolen. Then a White House staffer is found dead after she was clearly tortured. Agent Neville Walker, the new head of the Secret Service, thinks the two events may be connected. Another bombing solidifies his thinking. After a little investigating it is determined the Armustanian terrorists are to blame and Ollie may be the target. Ollie doesn't have much time for cooking this time as she is trying to save her life and maybe others. She also needs to figure out what is going on with Josh. Definitely not a woman with time on her hands.
The story starts with a slow build but soon we are going at breakneck speed just hoping our protagonist is alive at the end. I started this story in the evening. Thankfully I found the perfect stopping point so I could sleep. Good thing too, because when I picked it up the next day there was no putting it down. Things got really intense and the pages just flew. There were the normal things we come to expect in this mystery series, Bucky and Ollie in the White House kitchen planning meals, Ollie butting heads with Sargeant over the way the kitchen should be run, and Ollie and Gav still adjusting to married life and him being gone so much. But this being the last installment written by Hyzy, she had to tie things up but still leave the door open a crack just in case someone else is hired to continue the series. She did it in an amazing way and true fans will understand. I hope this is that last we see of Ollie as I don't think anyone else could do this character justice.
So we say good bye to our behind the scenes access to the White House and I say thank you to Julie Hyzy for giving us so many wonderful stories and some truly memorable characters.
This book gets my first Paradise Rating of 2016!
April 5, 2021
I can't say I enjoyed the end to the series. Much of it is spent outside the White House again, revisiting an earlier terrorist association. I foresaw several endings to the book - where for the time being Ollie would stay on as chef and Gav in the service, with possible retirement later. Or they would retire in the vineyard as they discussed, with the going away party type Henry received, making Bucky the new Chef. Could have been a surprise metal for her service all the years. Instead we get a bleak type of ending I didn't see coming, and an open-ended almost cliffhanger instead of a resolution. It didn't fit the series. Yes, I know terrorism isn't pretty and it can't all be sunshine and rainbows, but to be fair, the situation in the first place wasn't realistic and that the Secret Service continues to be this inept.... A good series, but I would have liked a different finale.
August 14, 2016
I didn't know this was the last book of the series until I finished reading it...and in light of that, I'm giving it a little higher rating that I would have.
I actually thought this book was a bit "one note" - less character development, single plot that was almost known from the beginning. But knowing it's the last one, that makes a lot more sense to me.
I've enjoyed this series a lot, and will recommend it.
Julie Hyzy's blog gives a lot of insight into what it's been like for her to write this series and why she needs to end it.
Best of luck Julie!
I actually thought this book was a bit "one note" - less character development, single plot that was almost known from the beginning. But knowing it's the last one, that makes a lot more sense to me.
I've enjoyed this series a lot, and will recommend it.
Julie Hyzy's blog gives a lot of insight into what it's been like for her to write this series and why she needs to end it.
Best of luck Julie!
May 4, 2016
In the latest White House Chef novel, Hyzy offers an interesting spin to a common theme. Olivia Paras is enjoying life as the Executive Chef in the White House, even though things are a little busier than she might like. Down one chef and on the search for a replacement, Paras is committed to ensuring that the First Family never goes hungry or dreads mealtimes. On her way home one night, Paras is mugged, but is able to make it to safety and can offer some assistance in identifying her attackers. With this information, it is soon determined that these were henchmen working for a factions within Armustan, a small republic whose touted leader remains in a US prison after a foiled attack at the White House in a previous novel. Paras was central in overturning that plot and sending said leader to a life behind bars, leaving the mugging as a likely attempt at revenge. After learning of her ordeal and completing a mission outside of DC, Secret Service Agent Leonard 'Gav' Gavin returns to his wife to offer support and protection. Paras and Gav soon realise that that attack was only the beginning of the Armustanian attempts to target her. When one member of the White House Team is murdered, all eyes look to Paras to determine if she might be next. This means keeping her safe and in hiding until the threat can be neutralized. Of course, this is easier said than done, with the outspoken Chef Paras always wanting to play the Jessica Fletcher of the 21st century and be in on all the action to bring down a criminal. Hyzy takes the reader through the usual twists and turns before landing things in a high-octane sprint to the finish, at which time a major cliffhanger leaves everyone wondering how everything plans out. A great read for all those well-versed in the series.
If I had to call Hyzy anything, it would surely be my guilty pleasure author. The novels are not complex pieces of fiction, but their premise and the means by which she tackles the issues is insightful and highly entertaining. I cannot say enough about her work and how well she integrates one book to the other. While the cast of characters changes, sometimes removing favourites for new faces, the stories never get old and the drama is never too much that I want to toss a book to the side. Add to that, the insinuation of delectable treats, all of which are outlined at the end of the novel, and you have a successful series, great author, and easy to digest content. I look forward to seeing where all of this goes and how Hyzy will spin things to keep her readers happy. I am still holding out for a crossover between her two series, but that's just my own curiosity to see how it would play out.
Kudos, Madam Hyzy on another successful novel. You have all the ingredients to create wonderful stories, which you can seemingly whip up with ease.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
If I had to call Hyzy anything, it would surely be my guilty pleasure author. The novels are not complex pieces of fiction, but their premise and the means by which she tackles the issues is insightful and highly entertaining. I cannot say enough about her work and how well she integrates one book to the other. While the cast of characters changes, sometimes removing favourites for new faces, the stories never get old and the drama is never too much that I want to toss a book to the side. Add to that, the insinuation of delectable treats, all of which are outlined at the end of the novel, and you have a successful series, great author, and easy to digest content. I look forward to seeing where all of this goes and how Hyzy will spin things to keep her readers happy. I am still holding out for a crossover between her two series, but that's just my own curiosity to see how it would play out.
Kudos, Madam Hyzy on another successful novel. You have all the ingredients to create wonderful stories, which you can seemingly whip up with ease.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
December 6, 2019
The White House Chef Mystery series has been quite a ride! Olivia has found her self in plenty of messes, but always managed to come out relatively unscathed. This latest adventure, while high on suspense, was tinged with an almost bittersweet regret. Overall, this was a very good read.
December 4, 2017
I have been putting off reading the ninth and final book in the White House Chef series, because I am very attached to Ollie and her crew. Visiting the White House via the kitchen staff has been fascinating and the mysteries have all been quite good. Julie Hyzy has done a very satisfactory job of ending the series and I am still sad to see it end. I still would like a cookbook of all the series recipes, so I could donate my set instead of having them sitting in a drawer.
June 17, 2018
This is a 4.5.
I read the last in the series first not realizing it was the last one. It’s a surprisingly good mystery series. I will read the rest of the series. As with all cozies sometimes things fall into place a little too perfectly, but this one had a decent amount of suspense. If you like cozies, this is a good one.
I read the last in the series first not realizing it was the last one. It’s a surprisingly good mystery series. I will read the rest of the series. As with all cozies sometimes things fall into place a little too perfectly, but this one had a decent amount of suspense. If you like cozies, this is a good one.
April 6, 2021
It's always bittersweet to finish a series and this one did not end how I wanted it to. While the loose ends were tied up, this was not the happily ever after I envisioned for Ollie. The mystery in this one was good and I was kept on the edge of my seat through out. I wish more had taken place in the White House and we got to see more of Ollie pulling off big events. I still like the characters and wish there were more books in the series so it didn't have to end this way. Recipes were included so you can be a White House chef in your own kitchen.
August 17, 2021
I am disappointed on how this ended! I need more!
January 2, 2016
This is the most difficult review i've ever had to write being this is the last book in the A White House Chef mysteries. This series is one of the first ones I read that introduced my love for reading cozy mysteries. It is with a heavy heart that I write this, it was a fun ride Ollie and Foreign Eclairs did not disappoint.
Ollie finds herself in the middle of all the action once again when a bomb is set to go off with an attempted escape at a federal prision. The brother of the terriorist that tried to bring The President down with a kidnapping of the President's son and Ollie. The brother is back and he wants revenge on Chef Ollie Paras of the White House and her husband Secret Service agent, Gav.
White house staffer, Margaret is then murdered in cold blood in her home because she works at the White House and all she knew about everyone there. This terrorist brother by the name of Kern is out for Ollies blood and won't stop until Ollie is dead by his hands and his brother and his home country can be avenged.
Ollie must venture out of her White House kitchen once again but coming out alive may prove to be harder than preparing her latest culinary creation. I found myself crying with alot of touching moments throughout Foreign Eclairs and I wanted to put off reading this book because it was the last but I'm so glad I read it.There was not a moment that was not full of heart pounding action, suspense wondering what was going to happen next. The ending had me a little confused to be honest and I guess it's one you leave up to your own interpretation. I guess I will. To say it gave me closure I would be lying.
When your a book lover like me fictional characters somehow become real in your mind. To me Ollie was a role model for cooking and life. Thank you Ollie for giving me so much to look forward too and enjoy through out the years and thank you Julie Hyzy you have brought so much joy to my life.
FTC Disclosure Thank you to the publisher and/or author for providing us with a copy of this book for review.This did not influence our thoughts in any way. All the opinions of the book and review are honest and our own.
Ollie finds herself in the middle of all the action once again when a bomb is set to go off with an attempted escape at a federal prision. The brother of the terriorist that tried to bring The President down with a kidnapping of the President's son and Ollie. The brother is back and he wants revenge on Chef Ollie Paras of the White House and her husband Secret Service agent, Gav.
White house staffer, Margaret is then murdered in cold blood in her home because she works at the White House and all she knew about everyone there. This terrorist brother by the name of Kern is out for Ollies blood and won't stop until Ollie is dead by his hands and his brother and his home country can be avenged.
Ollie must venture out of her White House kitchen once again but coming out alive may prove to be harder than preparing her latest culinary creation. I found myself crying with alot of touching moments throughout Foreign Eclairs and I wanted to put off reading this book because it was the last but I'm so glad I read it.There was not a moment that was not full of heart pounding action, suspense wondering what was going to happen next. The ending had me a little confused to be honest and I guess it's one you leave up to your own interpretation. I guess I will. To say it gave me closure I would be lying.
When your a book lover like me fictional characters somehow become real in your mind. To me Ollie was a role model for cooking and life. Thank you Ollie for giving me so much to look forward too and enjoy through out the years and thank you Julie Hyzy you have brought so much joy to my life.
FTC Disclosure Thank you to the publisher and/or author for providing us with a copy of this book for review.This did not influence our thoughts in any way. All the opinions of the book and review are honest and our own.
January 4, 2016
I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review. I am a huge fan of the White House Chef mysteries and am so sorry to see this series end. I've enjoyed sharing in the growth of the characters, seen many come and go as Ollie continues to find herself in situations she could have never imagined. The last of Ollie's adventures certainly does not disappoint. Murder, bombing, kidnapping and an old nemesis out for revenge definitely keep the reader turning the page and unable to put this book down. While I will miss Ollie and the gang, Ms. Hyzy's wonderful characters, lively writing and plot twists have me eagerly awaiting what she has in store for readers next.
December 31, 2015
It was wonderful to visit again with old friends Ollie, Bucky, Gav & even Peter Everett Sergeant. I can not say enough about how wonderful this book was. I loved everything about the plot twist and story. Truly it was a page turning adventure. I could not put it down.
January 17, 2016
I'm sorry to see this series end, at least under the direction of Julie. This book is nothing short of terrific! Its a fast and exciting ride, with an ending you won't see coming!! Only Julie, could end a series with such possibilities for the series to continue under someone else's care.
January 10, 2016
Did I really like the first book in this series? Maybe I had a fever? The characters are so so so dull. The food and kitchen descriptions are so so so dull and wrong. The everything is cringeworthy.
July 12, 2022
Loved this little cozy-but-not-too-cozy mystery series. The books started out walking a fine (and fun) line between charming and gripping (I didn't even mind the fact that the Secret Service was portrayed as continually inept, because the book made me laugh ... so apologies to the fine women and men of our Department of Homeland Security). But I didn't love this ending. This book had a darker feel, which frankly was refreshing compared to most cozy mysteries, I just didn't want to say goodbye this way to these characters that I had fallen in love with. Four-stars for the series, two-stars for the ending. Best of luck to Ollie and Gav!
December 27, 2020
A White House Chef mystery is a delightful cozy series, and this one involves foreign visitors. Chef Ollie Paras becomes involve in another adventure which makes a great read.
July 6, 2018
Love this series!
June 8, 2023
What a terrible ending for a series that started out well and had so much potential.
December 29, 2022
The government sequester is over, and White House Executive Chef Olivia “Ollie” Paras is interviewing candidates for a new chef along with Chief Usher Peter Sergeant. Sargeant is chafing without his assistant Margaret. As Ollie heads home that evening, she is mugged at the Metro station awaiting her train. She heads back to the White House and is then escorted home minus the purse taken in the attack.
Ollie’s husband Gav, special agent with the Secret Service, had been out of town at what Ollie believed was the prison outbreak where one of Armistan’s former leaders was being held. Ollie had foiled the plans to free the man in jail a year ago. Through a chain of events, Ollie had stopped the men leading that attempted prison break. The leader who ordered the failed attack had been murdered, and his brother was now demanding justice for his family.
Gav could not confirm his whereabouts, but he returns quickly, and the two make reservations for their favorite table at a nearby restaurant. When they walk to the restaurant, they arrive just after a bomb had exploded, destroying the alcove with their table. Gav’s mentor and special agent Joe Yablonski has taken charge of the scene and whisks the couple away. Yablonski and his team believe that Gav and Ollie’s apartment had been bugged by the people who took Ollie’s purse and overheard their restaurant plans. They believe the Armistanians are out to kill Ollie following her involvement in stopping the attempts a year ago to break their former leader out of jail. They also believe that Gav’s cover has been blown. Ollie and Gav are stunned.
After being escorted to work by the Secret Service, Ollie has a visit from Peter Sargeant. His assistant Margaret had been found dead, clearly tortured and murdered. What White House secrets had she shared? Ollie has been in trouble numerous times before, but this time with vengeance against her directly, she volunteers to participate in the new plan to catch the Armistanians. Planning a visit to Gav’s friends who own a winery a couple hours away, they hope the terrorists take the bait. Elaborate plans take place behind the scenes to prepare for the attempted retaliation and protect Ollie and Gav.
The danger was palpable in this ninth and final entry in the White House chef mysteries; the review of Ollie’s training intense; and Gav’s fear for Ollie evident. Author Julie Hyzy again brings us an absorbing, riveting, and gripping mystery involving both of her main characters. Narrator Eileen Stevens ramped up her efforts to make the suspense tangible. The final conclusion had been alluded to during the book, yet it still deeply distressed me. My thoughts about this book lingered for days. I am so sad the series is over. This book and the entire series are highly recommended.
Ollie’s husband Gav, special agent with the Secret Service, had been out of town at what Ollie believed was the prison outbreak where one of Armistan’s former leaders was being held. Ollie had foiled the plans to free the man in jail a year ago. Through a chain of events, Ollie had stopped the men leading that attempted prison break. The leader who ordered the failed attack had been murdered, and his brother was now demanding justice for his family.
Gav could not confirm his whereabouts, but he returns quickly, and the two make reservations for their favorite table at a nearby restaurant. When they walk to the restaurant, they arrive just after a bomb had exploded, destroying the alcove with their table. Gav’s mentor and special agent Joe Yablonski has taken charge of the scene and whisks the couple away. Yablonski and his team believe that Gav and Ollie’s apartment had been bugged by the people who took Ollie’s purse and overheard their restaurant plans. They believe the Armistanians are out to kill Ollie following her involvement in stopping the attempts a year ago to break their former leader out of jail. They also believe that Gav’s cover has been blown. Ollie and Gav are stunned.
After being escorted to work by the Secret Service, Ollie has a visit from Peter Sargeant. His assistant Margaret had been found dead, clearly tortured and murdered. What White House secrets had she shared? Ollie has been in trouble numerous times before, but this time with vengeance against her directly, she volunteers to participate in the new plan to catch the Armistanians. Planning a visit to Gav’s friends who own a winery a couple hours away, they hope the terrorists take the bait. Elaborate plans take place behind the scenes to prepare for the attempted retaliation and protect Ollie and Gav.
The danger was palpable in this ninth and final entry in the White House chef mysteries; the review of Ollie’s training intense; and Gav’s fear for Ollie evident. Author Julie Hyzy again brings us an absorbing, riveting, and gripping mystery involving both of her main characters. Narrator Eileen Stevens ramped up her efforts to make the suspense tangible. The final conclusion had been alluded to during the book, yet it still deeply distressed me. My thoughts about this book lingered for days. I am so sad the series is over. This book and the entire series are highly recommended.
April 21, 2017
The final book in a favorite cozy series and absolutely my least favorite of the bunch. At best 3.5 stars and rounded up based on the series as a whole. I found the plot to be terribly over-the-top and completely unbelievable. Love Ollie and crew, just not this book. I just had problems with this story all the way around and found the ending quite unsatisfying. Recommend the series as a whole, just not this particular book.
January 3, 2016
Julie Hyzy has crafted another great mystery, one filled with suspense, romance, humor, and it was the perfect end to the series.
White House chef Ollie Paras is once again dragged kicking and screaming, literally, into another mystery, only this time she is the target of a brutal man. What seemed to be a simple purse snatching is actually the catalyst into a threat against Ollie and the President of the United States. A bombing in Wisconsin at a federal prison is suspected to be linked to the terrorist she had helped put away a few years before. The death of a White House employee is now linked to Ollie’s purse snatching incident, so Secret Service rushes to protect Ollie and her husband Gav. She now has to decide whether to be the bait to lure out the terrorists who are determined to end her, Gav, and the President.
I’ve read this series from the very beginning, and it’s been fun watching the characters grow with the progression of the series. The author has always crafted each book with plenty of red herrings, clues, and great characters. But I think this is the first one that had me sitting on the edge of my seat, eyes wide open, reading as fast as I could to see what would happen next.
I wholeheartedly recommend this series to fans of Cozy Mysteries, but I will say if you want to really immerse yourself in the characters, it’s wise to read it from the beginning to really appreciate the character growth and how they’ve evolved over the series.
Foreign Eclairs by Julie Hyzy is the last book in the White House Chef Mystery series, and I am so sorry to see the series go. I want to continue seeing what happens with Ollie and Gav, and the rest of her friends. I read a post by the author, and it was NOT her decision to end the series. This has always been a favorite series of mine, and while I hate to see it go, I’ll continue reading Hyzy’s other series.
I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
White House chef Ollie Paras is once again dragged kicking and screaming, literally, into another mystery, only this time she is the target of a brutal man. What seemed to be a simple purse snatching is actually the catalyst into a threat against Ollie and the President of the United States. A bombing in Wisconsin at a federal prison is suspected to be linked to the terrorist she had helped put away a few years before. The death of a White House employee is now linked to Ollie’s purse snatching incident, so Secret Service rushes to protect Ollie and her husband Gav. She now has to decide whether to be the bait to lure out the terrorists who are determined to end her, Gav, and the President.
I’ve read this series from the very beginning, and it’s been fun watching the characters grow with the progression of the series. The author has always crafted each book with plenty of red herrings, clues, and great characters. But I think this is the first one that had me sitting on the edge of my seat, eyes wide open, reading as fast as I could to see what would happen next.
I wholeheartedly recommend this series to fans of Cozy Mysteries, but I will say if you want to really immerse yourself in the characters, it’s wise to read it from the beginning to really appreciate the character growth and how they’ve evolved over the series.
Foreign Eclairs by Julie Hyzy is the last book in the White House Chef Mystery series, and I am so sorry to see the series go. I want to continue seeing what happens with Ollie and Gav, and the rest of her friends. I read a post by the author, and it was NOT her decision to end the series. This has always been a favorite series of mine, and while I hate to see it go, I’ll continue reading Hyzy’s other series.
I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
January 18, 2017
This is the ninth and final book in the series of White House Chef Mystery series and I enjoyed every book in the series. It is hard to say goodbye to Ollie and the rest of the cast.
Ollie and Gav have been happily married for several months at this time. In the past, Ollie stumbled upon trouble and tried to solve the problem. In this book, Ollie is attacked at the beginning and it becomes clear pretty quickly that someone is after her. And it seems to be coming from an old enemy from one of her past cases. While walking to the Metro from the White House, she is attacked by two men who snatch her purse. It seems cut and dry that that they are just purse snatchers but upon further investigation, it is determined that she was the object of a past enemy. Since Gav is out of town on a mission, Ollie is watched over by a new Secret Service team led by a new leader, Neville Walker. Tom McKenzie, her former boyfriend and former leader of the Secret Service, has been relocated to Florida. Ollie remains on the offensive throughout the book as it becomes obvious she is in danger. On the other hand, Gav is asked by Bill and Erma, a late fiance's parents, to consider taking over their winery when they retire. This is brought on by a serious illness that Bill suffered. So on top of Ollie's situation, Gav and Ollie have a decision to make about their future. In the meantime the White House kitchen has only Bucky and Ollie to run things. Peter Everett Sargeant and Ollie are trying to find a replacement for Cyan's position.
As things escalate and gets tense, this becomes an edge of the seat, nail biter. This final book is a little heavier and scarier as Ollie's life is put in danger time and again. I enjoyed it and would like to see a follow up. Enough said.
Ollie and Gav have been happily married for several months at this time. In the past, Ollie stumbled upon trouble and tried to solve the problem. In this book, Ollie is attacked at the beginning and it becomes clear pretty quickly that someone is after her. And it seems to be coming from an old enemy from one of her past cases. While walking to the Metro from the White House, she is attacked by two men who snatch her purse. It seems cut and dry that that they are just purse snatchers but upon further investigation, it is determined that she was the object of a past enemy. Since Gav is out of town on a mission, Ollie is watched over by a new Secret Service team led by a new leader, Neville Walker. Tom McKenzie, her former boyfriend and former leader of the Secret Service, has been relocated to Florida. Ollie remains on the offensive throughout the book as it becomes obvious she is in danger. On the other hand, Gav is asked by Bill and Erma, a late fiance's parents, to consider taking over their winery when they retire. This is brought on by a serious illness that Bill suffered. So on top of Ollie's situation, Gav and Ollie have a decision to make about their future. In the meantime the White House kitchen has only Bucky and Ollie to run things. Peter Everett Sargeant and Ollie are trying to find a replacement for Cyan's position.
As things escalate and gets tense, this becomes an edge of the seat, nail biter. This final book is a little heavier and scarier as Ollie's life is put in danger time and again. I enjoyed it and would like to see a follow up. Enough said.
January 5, 2016
What is there to say, but "Wow." I have read all of the White House Chef Mysteries and I must say that Foreign Eclairs does not disappoint and may be my favorite of all of them. There is suspense, intrigue and a slight touch of romance. Ollie's husband Gav is on assignment and is not reachable, Ollie gets mugged, there is a bombing at a Federal prison and Margaret (Sergeants secretary) is murdered. And somehow all these events are related. Ollie has her hands full with trying to find a replacement for Cyan, figuring out who killed Margaret, trying to be the friend that Josh needs and saving herself from terrorists who she thought were out of commission. Gav is called home to help protect his wife, in reality they all need protecting, including the President. Foreign Eclairs is jammed packed full of twists and turns and it's hard to put it down. Lots of decisions need to be made with no time to spare, I don't want to give away anything away, but the ending is a cliffhanger.
A very well written book with great detail given to each situation and the reader is not overwhelmed with to much information. Each situation ties into to the overall picture.
A great read and you don't have to have read the previous installments to enjoy this one.
I was given this book for a fair and honest review.
A very well written book with great detail given to each situation and the reader is not overwhelmed with to much information. Each situation ties into to the overall picture.
A great read and you don't have to have read the previous installments to enjoy this one.
I was given this book for a fair and honest review.
May 1, 2016
I have followed the White House Chef Mystery series since the first book in 2008. This is now the ninth book in the series and probably the last book in this series that the author will write. I know that I have started many series but have fallen behind in keeping up with them. Many of them are very good series but there is a lot of competition with other books to read. This series I have kept up with and read each new book when it came out. It is due to the location of the story and occupation of the protagonist. Also as a reader, the characters became favorite fictional characters. Julie Hyzy does a very good job of story telling and bringing a fresh scenario to each book.
This book was less about Ollie job in the White House than her fight for survival when she becomes a target of a terrorist. She stays true to her character and uses all of her ability to survive whatever situation she is in. The book was a fast read. I will miss future books about Ollie written by Julie Hyzy. I have spent many enjoyable hours reading the series.
This book was less about Ollie job in the White House than her fight for survival when she becomes a target of a terrorist. She stays true to her character and uses all of her ability to survive whatever situation she is in. The book was a fast read. I will miss future books about Ollie written by Julie Hyzy. I have spent many enjoyable hours reading the series.
April 4, 2016
Generally, I am not a cozy fan. My problem with cozies is that generally, the protagonist has a tendency to act stupid! That is not true of Julie Hyzy's Ollie, the white house chef. This series is a well-written one and I have enjoyed it tremendously. Ollie is smart, funny and very aware of what is going on around her. More than once over the course of this series, she played a huge part in saving the lives of the president and/or a member of his family. This is the final book in this series, at least as written by Julie Hyzy. I for one will miss this character and her friends tremendously. I always look forward to the next book in this series. Unfortunately, if we see this character again, she will not be written by Ms. Hyzy due to changes in the publishing company which owns the rights to these characters. I did like the way that Ms. Hyzy ended her part in this character's development. If the series continues, it will have a new start. Excellent read.
MMD Challenge - Another book published this year.
MMD Challenge - Another book published this year.
March 24, 2016
Apparently this is the last book of this series, which I discovered by reading other reviews on Goodreads. This book was good, but was far more serious than most books of this genre. Maybe that has been the problem for me with this whole series - it was too serious for a cozy mystery but too frivolous to be taken seriously. At any rate, most of the people who always disrespected Ollie were finally gone from this book. And yet, as usual, she does everything right and at the end she still loses. She will have to give up almost everything she cares about, even though she has saved the day for everyone else again. I don't really like that negative message, which seemed to run throughout all of the books. I guess I'm glad I won't have to decide whether to continue with the series, because it's been a toss-up for some time.
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