Earthly Delights

by Kerry Greenwood

Book Overview

"Put on the coffee pot, whip up a batch of muffins (yes, two recipes are included), and enjoy this thoroughly original tale. Strongly recommended for fans of offbeat mysteries." --Library Journal STARRED review

One day, Corinna Chapman, high profile accountant and banker, walked out on the money market and her dismissive and unpleasant husband James, threw aside her briefcase, and doffed her kitten heels forever. Now she...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1464200084
• ISBN13: 9781464200083
• Release Date: March 2012
• Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Great discovery!

I came across this book at the library. Thought I'd give it a try. I really enjoyed the characters and the unusual setting of the bakery and the fabulous apartment building. I hope there will be more in the future.

Thoroughly enjoyable book!

I have to admit it was a bit of a shock to find this book set in modern times, after so many Phryne Fishers, but it was one I got over quickly. I found quite a few true LOL moments, such as when Corinna is musing about the shapes of cat kibbles--"Horatio would eat alphabet cat food that spelled poison as long as he felt peckish." (Am. ed. p. 3) Oh, how true of at least 99% of the feline species!!! I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of more Corinnas across the pond!!!

enjoyed this book and new character

I enjoyed this book and am hoping the U.S. gets more of kerry greenwoods books over here.

enjoyable cozy

In Flinders Lane in Melbourne Australia, there is an architecturally, interesting building based on the roman design named Insular. It is home to Corinna Chapman, a Junoesque woman who owns a bakery Earthly Delights on the ground level. Each apartment has a roman name and their inhabitants are an eclectic quirky bunch that includes techno geeks, a dominatrix and a female witch. It is a peaceful place until the flyers start coming to the tenants claiming it is home to a temptress, whore or witch. The person goes from sending flyers to painting graffiti to attempted arson. While Corinna is very concerned about this, she is dealing with other troubles. She saved the life of a heroin addict who almost died near her door. She meets Daniel, a man of mystery, who is concerned that people are dying from heroin because they are given it in its purest form. She meets Jason, a recovering addict who attaches herself to her, helps her with her baking and is the key to finding the clue that will let them discover who is behind the junkie's deaths. Corinna also is thrilled to realize that the handsome Daniel is in love with her even though she is not a size five. The Corinna Chapman mysteries are nothing like the Phryne Fisher tales because the women are different as the latter is comfortable in all settings while the former struggles when somewhat outside her norm. The heroine of EARTHLY DELIGHTS is a determined woman who chooses her own path and takes risks on people that most individuals will avoid. Although there is very little action, this tale is a pleasurable interesting reading experience with mysteries great and small. Harriet Klausner

Great writing style and wonderful characters

Reviewed by Louise Landeta for Reader Views (3/07) "Earthly Delights" is a delightful mystery that will appeal to the female gender from teen-age to adult women of all ages. The story is well-crafted and peppered with a cast of enchanting characters, all revealing complex tales in and of themselves. The main point, of course, is who is murdering the local drug addicts and why. But there is so much more to play out. Ms. Greenwood achieves her ends admirably and entertainingly. The protagonist Corinna Chapman grabbed my heart immediately. She is quite a loving person and lovely for it. The author succeeded in bringing her to life in all of the many facets of her personality. I could just picture her in her morning sweats baking her breads and other tasty morsels, then soaking her ample body in warm bath salts and lotions. She is vulnerable and kind, smart and savvy. I was so entertained I could hardly put the book down--it is a real page turner. The author Ms. Greenwood is an able writer. She has a good grasp of the English language (which is sadly rare these days), and throws in many an intelligent witticism. I really like her style. The cast of characters was so entertaining that I hope to meet up with them again in future books. As an aside, the title "Earthly Delights" is a reference to the 16th century painting by Hieronymus Bosch called, "The Garden of Delights." It has always been one of my favorites. The book inspired me to look for a print of it which I found and have since framed and hung in my house. I loved "Earthly Delights" and look forward to more Corinna Chapman magic. I expect Kerry Greenwood will join the ranks of P.D. James, Agatha Christie and other good writers of mystery who have enjoyed a certain longevity.