THE GOLDEN SPOON

Jessa Maxwell's engaging debut novel, narrated in individual sections by a talented ensemble, will especially appeal to those who love reality cooking shows. "Bake Week" is an American spin-off of "The Great British Baking Show," tent and all. The show's star, Betsy Grafton, "America's grandmother," has run the show for nine successful seasons, but the producers have hired a famously nasty male chef to co-host the tenth season. As the show is filmed at Grafton's Vermont home, listeners get the personal backstories and secret motives of all six competitors and cohosts. With behind-the-scenes insights and highly personal revelations of breakdowns, abuse, sabotage, and murder, there's never a dull moment. Exceptional performances by each narrator deliver delicious recipes and devious plots. Appetizing listening. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2023]