Affairs of Steak
Praise for the White House Chef Mysteries
BUFFALO WEST WING
“Hyzy’s obvious research into protocol and procedures gives her story the realistic element that her readers have come to expect from this top-notch mystery writer. Adventure, intrigue, and a dash of romance combine for a delicious cozy that is a delight to read.”
—
Fresh Fiction
“A captivating story from the very first page until the end. The plot thickens like pea soup, and each character has a different spice to add to it. From the easy-to-re-create recipes in the back to its high-energy, ever-changing story line, this one is good enough to serve to the higher-ups. Ollie is definitely a character worth following. Great job, Julie Hyzy. Another all-around great read!”
—
The Romance Readers Connection
“Ollie Paras is at the top of her game in [
Buffalo West Wing
, as is Hyzy…Every White House Chef Mystery is cause for celebration. The daily schedule in the White House kitchen is trauma enough, but Hyzy always ratchets up the tension with plots and danger…Julie Hyzy’s star shines brighter than ever with
Buffalo West Wing
.”
—
Lesa’s Book Critiques
EGGSECUTIVE ORDERS
“The ever-burgeoning culinary mystery subgenre has a new chef-sleuth…The backstage look at the White House proves fascinating. Recipes are included for Eggcellent Eggs.”
—
Booklist
“A quickly paced plot with a headstrong heroine and some recipes featuring eggs all add up to a dependable mystery.”
—
The Mystery Reader
HAIL TO THE CHEF
“A gourmand’s delight…Julie Hyzy balances her meal ticket quite nicely between the glimpses at the working class inside the White House with an engaging chef’s cozy.”
—
Midwest Book Review
“The story is entertaining, the character is charming, the setting is interesting…Fun to read, and sometimes that is exactly what hits the spot. I’ve found all of Hyzy’s books to be worth reading, and this one is no different.”
—
Crime Fiction Dossier
(Book of the Week)
“[A] well-plotted mystery.”
—
The Mystery Reader
STATE OF THE ONION
“Pulse-pounding action, an appealing heroine, and the inner workings of the White House kitchen combine for a stellar adventure in Julie Hyzy’s delightful
State of the Onion
.”
—Carolyn Hart, author of
Dead by Midnight
“Hyzy’s sure grasp of Washington geography offers firm footing for the plot.”
—
Booklist
“[A] unique setting, strong characters, sharp conflict, and snappy plotting…Hyzy’s research into the backstage kitchen secrets of the White House gives this series a special savor that will make you hungry for more.”
—Susan Wittig Albert, author of
Mourning Gloria
“From terrorists to truffles, mystery writer Julie Hyzy concocts a sumptuous, breathtaking thriller.”
—Nancy Fairbanks, bestselling author of
Turkey Flambé
“Exciting and delicious! Full of heart-racing thrills and mouthwatering food, this is a total sensual delight.”
—Linda Palmer, author of
Kiss of Death
“A compulsively readable whodunit full of juicy behind-the-Oval-Office details, flavorful characters, and a satisfying side dish of red herrings—not to mention twenty pages of easy-to-cook recipes fit for the leader of the free world.”
—
Publishers Weekly
Praise for the novels of Julie Hyzy
“A well-constructed plot, interesting characters, and plenty of Chicago lore…A truly pleasurable cozy.”
—Annette Meyers, author of
Hedging
“[A] promising talent with a gift for winning characters and involving plots.”
—
Chicago Sun-Times
Berkley Prime Crime titles by Julie Hyzy
White House Chef Mysteries
STATE OF THE ONION
HAIL TO THE CHEF
EGGSECUTIVE ORDERS
BUFFALO WEST WING
Affairs of Steak
Manor House Mysteries
GRACE UNDER PRESSURE
GRACE INTERRUPTED
JULIE HYZY
BERKLEY PRIME CRIME, NEW YORK
THE BERKLEY PUBLISHING GROUP
Published by the Penguin Group
Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
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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.
AFFAIRS OF STEAK
A Berkley Prime Crime Book / published by arrangement with Tekno Books
PRINTING HISTORY
Berkley Prime Crime mass-market edition / January 2012
Copyright © 2012 by Tekno Books.
Cover illustration by Ben Perini.
Cover design by Annette Fiore Defex.
Interior text design by Laura K. Corless.
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.
ISBN: 9781101553893
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.
PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
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If you purchased this book without a cover, you should be aware that this book is stolen property. It was reported as “unsold and destroyed” to the publisher, and neither the author nor the publisher has received any payment for this “stripped book.”
Though belated, this dedication is no less heartfelt.
For Dean and Kris
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
As always, thank you to my wonderful editor, Natalee Rosenstein, as well as to Robin Barletta, Kaitlyn Kennedy, and Erica Rose at Berkley Prime Crime. Thanks also to the folks at Tekno, especially Marty Greenberg—who will be missed—and John Helfers.
Ollie and I owe a major debt of gratitude to Denise Little, whose inventive recipes are always a hit. Thank you, Denise!
Thanks, too, to reader Patrick Smith, who sent me three beautiful Secret Service medallions I now treasure, as well as a marvelous book on life at the White House. Patrick always cheerfully points me in the direction of great research resources, and I can’t thank him enough.
At the time I wrote this book, a section of New York Avenue Northwest in Washington, D.C., was under construction. In order to create the scene where Ollie meets Milton for the first time, I took a little liberty with the landscape and described a city block crafted entirely from my imagination.
Thanks to Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and Thriller Writers of America for camaraderie and support.
Lastly, but most important, thank you to my fabulous family. Love you guys.
CHAPTER 1
PETER EVERETT SARGEANT AND I WALKED EAST on H Street as fast as our short legs would carry us. Though the cold April day was overcast and damp, it wasn’t the threat of sleet that kept us moving briskly on our trek through the heart of Washington, D.C. What spurred us on was our unspoken agreement. We both wanted to put this morning’s task behind us as quickly as possible.
The First Lady intended to throw a lavish birthday party for Secretary of State Gerald Quinones. That was unusual enough, but having the executive chef—me—and the sensitivity director—Sargeant—visit potential venues together to choose the best site for the event was even stranger.