Chocolate Quake — Nancy Fairbanks

Forty-something homemaker Carolyn Blue is through with cooking and cleaning. She's finally decided to throw in the dishtowel--and take on a dream job as a food writer. Now her plate is filled with exotic locales, delectable foods, and even a dash of crime--to taste. She could very well get used to this ...

Soon after arriving in San Francisco, Carolyn takes a deep breath and does what she has to...calls her mother-in-law to tell her they're in town. The answering machine picks up: "You have reached Professor Vera Blue. I am not home because I have been arrested for first degree murder."

Now Carolyn has to go directly to jail--to find out why the famous feminist was at the scene of the crime with the victim's blood all over her. Between police and prisoners, lawyers and liars--and even a few earthquake tremors--Carolyn is truly shaken. And she still has yet to sample Frisco fare. She could always taste-test prison food. Now that would make an interesting column...