The Proof is in the Pudding

Table of Contents

 

 

“Fans are in for another page-turning treat as the heat is turned up yet again in Della Carmichael’s kitchen. Murder is just one dish on the menu as the ever-delightful, sexy super-cook demonstrates that the proof really is in the pudding. Juggling professional rivalries and a romantic suitor with her trademark self-assurance and wit, Della’s sizzling second culinary adventure is a gourmet feast in more ways than one.”

—Hannah Dennison, author of the Vicky Hill Exclusive! Mysteries

“Charming Della takes the cake, as she turns this amateur sleuth into an engaging, realistic whodunit.”

“I am tickled pink to have enjoyed this story and proud to highly recommend it to all mystery lovers.”

“Full of good humor, engaging characters, and flawlessly planned suspense. It’s a real treat (pun absolutely intended). Readers will not only be charmed and seduced by a solidly plotted culinary mystery with some light romance on the side but also be in possession of a list of exquisite pastries in the form of recipes.”

“A fun, fast-paced mystery, as fast as the town it is set in. Della is an engaging heroine.”

“You will love the characters, the recipes, and long for the next Della Cooks installment,
The Proof Is in the Pudding
!”

“It was worth the wait . . . The television studio, the cooking shows, and the recipes all provide a fun background to the solving of the crime. Enjoy.”

 

“A delectable novel full of delicious moments and charming characters . . . An appetizing debut!”

—Earlene Fowler, national bestselling author of
Love Mercy

“Melinda Wells provides an exciting, tightly plotted culinary thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.”

—Nancy Fairbanks, bestselling author of the Culinary Mysteries

“A treat—a classic culinary mystery . . . blending an artful plot with engaging characters in a fast-paced whodunit.”

—Harley Jane Kozak, Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity award-winning author of
Dead Ex

“[A] wonderful combination of mystery, romance, redemption, and girl power.”

—Linda Dano, Emmy Award-winning actress and author of
Living Great
and
Looking Great . . . It Doesn’t Have to Hurt

“A scrumptious morsel of mystery and mayhem. Take a pinch of murder, a dash of danger, stir it all together . . . An amateur sleuth to savor!”

—Linda O. Johnston, author of the Kendra Ballantine, Pet-Sitter Mysteries

“With verve (and recipes) Wells cooks up a tasty puzzle with a likable protagonist.”

“How nice to discover a story that breaks that mold.”

“It will be a winner for readers who like a well-written book with a deftly plotted mystery . . . Not one to miss. [Wells’s] future as a writer is a bright one.”

“[A] fine first book for a new series . . . Anyone who loves cooking shows and mysteries will want to read this series . . .
Killer Mousse
is a delicious read.”

—
ReviewingTheEvidence.com

“This is the first installment in what promises to be a highly entertaining series. Della is a fun character. For mystery lovers who are also foodies, there’s a wealth of cooking tips, and a number of included recipes that are easy and use easy-to-find, affordable ingredients. Quite a tasty combination.”

“BRAVA! . . . Engaging characters, an intriguing mystery, and suspects galore make this title a winner!”

“Wells is a great new addition to the mystery scene. Her characters are complex and well developed. They can be fun, and the dialogue is amusing. There are surprises enough to keep your interest. This is much better than the average cozy. All this and recipes, too.”

“Melinda Wells did a great job with book one of this Della
Cooks Mystery series. I can’t wait for book two to come out!
What will happen next!”

—
MyShelf.com

 

KILLER MOUSSE DEATH TAKES THE CAKE THE PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING

THE BERKLEY PUBLISHING GROUP
Published by the Penguin Group
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Penguin Books Ltd., Registered Offices: 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England

 

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.

 

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: The recipes contained in this book are to be followed exactly as written. The publisher is not responsible for your specific health or allergy needs that may require medical supervision. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse reactions to the recipes contained in this book.

 

THE PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING

 

A Berkley Prime Crime Book / published by arrangement with the author

 

PRINTING HISTORY
Berkley Prime Crime mass-market edition / February 2010

Copyright © 2010 by Melinda Wells.

 

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Purchase only authorized editions.

For information, address: The Berkley Publishing Group,
a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.,
375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014.

eISBN : 978-1-101-18465-3

 

BERKLEY® PRIME CRIME
Berkley Prime Crime Books are published by The Berkley Publishing Group,
a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.,
375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014.
BERKLEY
^®
PRIME CRIME and the PRIME CRIME logo are trademarks of Penguin Group
(USA) Inc.

 

 

 

 

I am immensely grateful to the following:

 

Editor Kate Seaver, who inspired this series. Thank you for your suggestions, which made this a better book.

 

Priscilla Gilman and Morton Janklow. I’m so lucky to be represented by you! Thank you for your unwavering support, and for your guidance.

 

Claire Carmichael, a terrific novelist, and a brilliant instructor. Thanks to you, I’m a better writer than I would have been without your “athletic eyes.”

 

D. Constantine Conte, mentor and treasured friend. I’ve learned so much from you.

 

Carole Moore Adams for creating the pudding in this book. (Her recipe is included.)

 

Penrose (Penny) Anderson, Fred Caruso, Penni Crenna, Seana Crenna, Linda Dano, Richard Fredricks, and Betty Pfouts for contributing some of their wonderful recipes. “Della” and I enjoyed making them!

 

To my “secret weapons,” the test readers who see the early manuscripts and give me their invaluable reactions: Arthur Abelson, Carole Moore Adams, Gina Anderson, Penrose Anderson, Christie Burton, Rosanne Kahil Bush, Jane Wylie Daley, Ira Fistell, Nancy Koppang, Judy Tathwell Hahn, Jaclyn Carmichael Palmer, and Anna Stramese.

 

Wayne Thompson of Colonial Heights, Virginia, who inspires me and makes me laugh.

 

Berry Gordy: Your place in my heart is, and always has been, unique.