How Many Gourmet Detective Mysteries Are There?
Gourmet detective mysteries have become a popular genre in recent years, combining the world of food, wine, and mystery. These stories typically feature a detective who solves crimes while indulging in the finer things in life. But just how many gourmet detective mysteries are out there?
Direct Answer:
According to various sources, including Goodreads, Amazon, and Publishers Weekly, there are approximately over 500 gourmet detective mysteries published to date. This number is likely to continue growing as the genre remains popular among readers.
Sub-Genres:
Gourmet detective mysteries can be further divided into several sub-genres, including:
- Foodie Mysteries: These stories focus on the culinary world, often featuring chefs, restaurateurs, or food critics as the main characters.
- Wine Mysteries: These tales revolve around the world of wine, with characters who are winemakers, sommeliers, or wine enthusiasts.
- Baking Mysteries: These stories center around the world of baking, often featuring bakers, pastry chefs, or chocolatiers.
- Culinary Mysteries: These tales combine elements of food, cooking, and mystery, often featuring characters who are chefs, food writers, or restaurateurs.
Notable Authors:
Some notable authors who have written gourmet detective mysteries include:
- Dorothy Cannell: Known for her Ellie Haskell series, which combines humor and mystery with a focus on food and cooking.
- Joanne Fluke: Author of the Hannah Swensen series, which features a baker and amateur detective who solves crimes in her small town.
- Leslie Budewitz: Writer of the Food Lovers’ Village series, which takes place in a small town in Montana and features a foodie detective.
- Tamar Myers: Author of the Abby Wheeler series, which combines mystery and romance with a focus on food and cooking.
Recent Releases:
Some recent releases in the gourmet detective mystery genre include:
- "The Chocolate Coma" by Carolyn Hart (2020): A mystery featuring a baker who becomes embroiled in a murder investigation.
- "The Beekeeper’s Secret" by Donna Alam (2020): A mystery set in a small town in England, featuring a beekeeper who becomes an amateur detective.
- "The Last Course" by Elaine Viets (2020): A mystery featuring a food critic who becomes embroiled in a murder investigation.
Table of Gourmet Detective Mystery Sub-Genres:
| Sub-Genre | Description |
|---|---|
| Foodie Mysteries | Focuses on the culinary world, often featuring chefs, restaurateurs, or food critics. |
| Wine Mysteries | Revolves around the world of wine, with characters who are winemakers, sommeliers, or wine enthusiasts. |
| Baking Mysteries | Centers around the world of baking, often featuring bakers, pastry chefs, or chocolatiers. |
| Culinary Mysteries | Combines elements of food, cooking, and mystery, often featuring characters who are chefs, food writers, or restaurateurs. |
Conclusion:
Gourmet detective mysteries have become a popular and enduring genre, with a wide range of sub-genres and authors to choose from. With over 500 titles published to date, there’s something for every reader who loves food, mystery, and adventure. Whether you’re a foodie, a wine enthusiast, or simply a fan of a good mystery, there’s a gourmet detective mystery out there for you.
