State of the Onion

State of the Onion by Julie Hyzy (Berkley Prime Crime Mystery, 2008) (White House Chef Mystery) (#1)

White House Chef Olivia Paras is trying to earn her dream job - Executive Chef of the White House. She has to contend with a former chef cum tv cooking diva who is also trying to get the job. However, while on her way back from picking up the current Executive Chef's retirement gift, a frying pan, she stops an intruder on the White House grounds who was evading the Secret Service agents to get to the President. Try as she might, she can't wash her hands of the matter once she becomes a witness to a murder. Then her Secret Service boyfriend warns her the killer is a world class assassin - and she might be the only person alive who can recognize him.

Julie Hyzy writes a mean mystery. This is the first of a four book series based around the position of Executive Chef to the White House. Exciting read.

Awards: 2009 Lovey Award for Best Traditional Mystery, 2009 Anthony Award winner, 2009 Barry Award winner for Best Paperback