Parents want what is best for their children and usually would love for the children to be more successful than they are. But at some point, the push for success becomes deadly at Elk Park Preparatory Academy. Caterer Goldy is not participating in this rivalry, but for some reason her home and car appear to be targeted. She needs to figure out what is happening before she gets hurt.
This is book #3 in the Goldy Schulz cozy mystery series. Goldy runs a catering company in Colorado and author Diane Mott Davidson includes some of the tasty recipes. Goldy not only cooks up sweet and savory treats that are a hit at every event, she is also excellent in helping her boyfriend Tom solve murder mysteries. The Red ‘n’ White Strawberry Cookies from this novel are an easy and perfect cookie for Valentine’s Day.
The Cereal Murders by Diane Mott Davidson
Book Review
Outline and Tone:
I used to work for a company that spoke to high school students about applying and getting into college. One thing I always stressed was they should reach for a prominent school, but they didn’t need to go to an elite school in order to be successful. Someone forgot to mention this to the parents at Elk Prep Academy in The Cereal Murders. There is tension, mistrust, and unhealthy competition even before there is a murder in this cozy mystery. I was surprised that the majority of the tension and unhealthy competition came from the parents!
College applications aside, the readers get to know Goldy, Tom, Julian, and Arch more and they make the story truly interesting. Goldy’s catering business continues to be busy and she makes recipes that have your mouth watering when just reading. I really enjoyed reading about how Goldy and Tom are advancing their relationship and how Tom keeps a look out for Goldy, but doesn’t restrict her independence.
The author:
Diane Mott Davidson is a New York Times bestselling author and was nominated for the Agatha Award for her first novel, Catering to Nobody. Like her protagonist, Goldy Bear, Davidson lives in Colorado. She uses the mountains as inspiration for the settings in her books. You can connect with the author on Facebook.
What is not to like?:
It may be a bit difficult to relate to how the other half lives for parts or this story. If your parents weren’t in your business about which college you applied to or if you were accepted by a better college than a classmate, then some of the novel may seem odd.
The verdict:
This one kept me guessing and the resolution is very satisfying. For these reasons, I think it is an enjoyable read.
Disclaimer: In the name of full transparency, please be aware that this blog post contains affiliate links and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost for you).
Assemble the ingredients
Preheat the oven to 350°. I regularly use the OXO Good Grips 6-Piece Measuring Cups because the measuring labels are easy to read.
Beat in the sugar and vanilla, then stir in the flour until well mixed.
Using a 2 tablespoon measure, shape the mixture into small balls and place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. I prefer to use silicone baking mats. I made these cookies in my mom’s kitchen, but the silicone mat I typically use is OXO Good Grips Silicone Baking Mat. 
Make a small indentation in the top of each cookie with your thumb. Carefully place a strawberry half, cut side down, in each indentation.
Bake for 12 to 18 minutes or until very lightly browned. Cool on racks.
Red 'N' Whites Strawberry Cookies from: The Cereal Murders
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 36 small ripe strawberries, hulled and halved
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the butter with the cream cheese until well blended.
- Beat in the sugar and vanilla, then stir in the flour until well mixed.
- Using a 2 tablespoon measure, shape the mixture into small balls and place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
- Make a small indentation in the top of each cookie with your thumb.
- Carefully place a strawberry half, cut side down, in each indentation.
- Bake for 12 to 18 minutes or until very lightly browned.
- Cool on racks.
What would I do differently next time?
The baked strawberries in these cookies were delicious. I added some coarse sugar to the top to make them sparkle. Next time, I would bake them just a bit longer.
If you like desserts with fruit try this Lemon Tart from Death of a Cupcake Queen or Cherry Flip Flops Batter Off Dead or Cherry Cola Sheet Cake from Cherry Cola Book Club.
