What could be better than warm bread, divine chocolate and quirky friends? Kerry Greenwood's Heavenly Pleasures contains them all; plus more. I always enjoy a book that leaves me with the feeling that I have gotten to know the characters and want to spend more time with them. Corinna Chapman and her fellow residents in their apartment complex, Insula, fit that bill for me.

The mystery plots seemed almost secondary to the lives of the characters, but did keep a thread through out the book. And, at least to me, was not completely predictable. I'm drawn to read the first of this series, but did not feel 'lost' by not having read the first book.

I would definitely categorize this as a fun 'escape' mystery. It was fun to visit Melbourne and be introduced to an interesting group of characters. And the recipes at the end are a fun bonus.

As a retired Army officer, who did not attend West Point, this book made me proud to be an Army officer. Dr. Samet allows the reader a glimpse into the rigors and variety of academic life at West Point. I wish I had had the opportunity to experience a professor like Dr. Samet in my undergraduate days. The discussions that take place in her classes and seminars are enviable. Her list of books and movies could keep one busy for a long time.

Dr. Samet's writing style made me feel like we were enjoying a cup of coffee together. The flight of ideas that one has when conversing about a wide range of subjects. This would be a very interesting book for a book club discussion; with it's topics of war, literature, women in the military, a civilian's relationship to the military and the effects of our current Long War.

An interesting book for any young person approaching or in college, especially if there is any thought of a military career. Highly recommended, most of us are too removed from the military.