Rating: 
Summary: Bravo...
Review: ...to anyone who actually finished this book. Listen, it's not the worst book I've ever read, but it's certainly not worth the time, either. With so much else out there to read in this world, why waste even an afternoon on a book this poorly written and plotted?
Rating: 
Summary: Great Book!!!
Review: I bought this book looking for a new mystery series. I had high hopes based on the other reviews. This book exceeded my expectations. Madeline Bean is smart and funny. Holly is hysterical and Wesley reminds me of my best friend. I am looking forward to reading Ms. Farmer's next book.
Rating:
Summary: Move over, Janet Evanovich. Jerrilyn Farmer is here!
Review: I happened upon this author by accident when I was drawn to the fun cover of her latest book, DIM SUM DEAD. I loved it, read it in about three hours, and then ran out for more by Farmer. Turns out SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL was her first, and what a hoot! Madeline is catering an over-the-top Hollywood Halloween party when the host gets poisoned. Madeline can't let anyone think it was her food, so she sets out to find the killer among a hilarious crowd of party guests. That's all I'll tell you. Read this book for a truly fun time...and look forward to more from this talented author. I've already got my husband and oldest daughter hooked. (Farmer's also got out IMMACULATE RECEPTION and KILLER WEDDING.) Can't wait for what's next!
Rating:
Summary: Great read! Very good first book of series...
Review: I loved reading this book. Very fast read; kept me totally focused on the mystery and story; was funny and enjoyable from the very first word with no slow-downs. A book I highly recommend.
Rating:
Summary: This is the first book by this author that I've read
Review: I really liked it and plan to read more in the series. The plotting was excellent -- this was one of those mysteries where there were no tricks or cheating by the author -- you could really try alongside the "detective" to solve the puzzle.
The "detective" is Madeleine Bean, who owns an upscale catering business in Hollywood that caters to the wealthy film industry. The book begins at a Halloween party she's catering at the home of a not-very-nice producer who quickly gets into trouble -- he has so many enemies, who could it be? His own family is under suspicion as far as our detective-caterer is concerned, but the police suspect her business partner, so in order to keep him from being convicted of murder, she must find the real killer.
This is a fast-paced and well-written romp through Hollywood filled with lots of characters that stand out as individuals (you won't need a chart to keep track of the many characters -- they are unforgettable).
I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more by this author.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing Debut
Review: In the middle of the biggest party of Madeline's catering career, the host drops over, dead. Bruno Huntley had no shortage of enemies, including his own family. But Madeline's business partner and best friend, Wesley, is the police's prime suspect. Knowing that Wesley could never murder a man, even Bruno, she starts nosing around to find the real killer. But everywhere she turns, she just gets more questions. Can she stay alive long enough to unravel the personal and professional secrets and clear Wes?
This is a truly wonderful book. The plotting is superb, with never a dull moment and some surprising twists. The characters are well rounded and truly come alive. On top of this are an observer's view of Hollywood and a wonderful sense of humor. After finishing this book, I immediately went out and bought the rest of the series.
This is a must read. I look forward to many more adventures with Madeline, Wesley, and their friends.
Rating:
Summary: A brilliant new writer has emerged - funny and entertaining.
Review: It was a pleasure to read the extremely funny and entertaining new book from Jerrilyn Farmer. Her writing is descriptive and the recipes keep you hungry throughout the entire book. I can't wait for more from Ms. Bean. In the meantime, I'll re-read and re-read Sympathy For The Devil!!!
Rating:
Summary: Good mystery but it makes you hungry
Review: Madeline Bean Catering is owned and operated by Madeline and her friend Wesley. They specialize in preparing events for the Hollywood elite. Bruno Huntley may be the most obnoxious producer on the scene, but Madeline has a soft spot for him because he gave her the big break that allowed her company to gain entrance to the highest echelon of society. In turn, Wesley abhors Bruno because the producer cheated him out of $50,000 on a land deal. Therefore, Madeline works with Bruno on his upcoming Halloween party. They fix up Bruno's estate so that it looks like a haunted house. Bruno also hires a fortune teller, who predicts dark and dire futures for everyone who sits with her. However, catastrophic reality strikes when Bruno abruptly keels over into a spasm and dies from strychnine poisoning. The prime suspect is Wesley who had the motive, the means, and the opportunity. Madeline knows her partner is innocent and begins to investigate what really happened even as she places her own life on the line. Those of us on a diet need to read the unwritten label of caution attached to this novel: Don't read this book on an empty stomach because the references to delicious food will destroy any thoughts of moderation. Jerrilyn Farmer has created a culinary mystery that rivals the best work of Diane Mott Davidson. However, with SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL, the audience feels a much closer connection to the characters than in Ms. Davidson's books. The intrepid heroine contains a wicked sense of humor that pops up at any time, thereby endearing her to the readers, who will be looking forward to more tales starring Bean and company. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: fun mystery, great characters
Review: Madeline Bean runs a catering business with her friend Wesley and, in a town where buzz means everything, things are just beginning to take off. Their success comes to an abrupt halt, however, when Bruno Huntley -- an abusive and powerful producer, their latest client and the "devil" of the title -- dies a gruesome death at the soiree they're catering for him and his closest 600 associates. When Wesley is considered the number one suspect by the LAPD, Madeline is determined to clear her friend. I read a fair number of mysteries, and this was the first in a long while that didn't leave me dissatisfied. The wisecracking narrative voice of Madeline Bean was unique and really fun; it was a kick to have the action taking place amid the Hollywood jet set; it was entertaining to have the author talk and tell about food; and the mystery was actually interesting and not transparent. The operative word here is fun, and even though Jerrilynn Farmer writes in a breezy way, her characters have depth and the plot is interesting. I'll definitely read more by this author.
Rating:
Summary: fun mystery, great characters
Review: Madeline Bean runs a catering business with her friend Wesley and, in a town where buzz means everything, things are just beginning to take off. Their success comes to an abrupt halt, however, when Bruno Huntley -- an abusive and powerful producer, their latest client and the "devil" of the title -- dies a gruesome death at the soiree they're catering for him and his closest 600 associates. When Wesley is considered the number one suspect by the LAPD, Madeline is determined to clear her friend. I read a fair number of mysteries, and this was the first in a long while that didn't leave me dissatisfied. The wisecracking narrative voice of Madeline Bean was unique and really fun; it was a kick to have the action taking place amid the Hollywood jet set; it was entertaining to have the author talk and tell about food; and the mystery was actually interesting and not transparent. The operative word here is fun, and even though Jerrilynn Farmer writes in a breezy way, her characters have depth and the plot is interesting. I'll definitely read more by this author.
|
