Criminal chaos supplies comic fuel in Nick Greenberg’s “The Caterer”

“The Caterer,” by Nick Greenberg, is a recipe for disaster — with a side of art theft. In it, former food truck chef Anton Cherny finds himself in hot water once again as his girlfriend’s Russian mobster father resurfaces to collect a debt. As one poor decision follows another, Anton faces danger with his distinctly comic outlook, clinging to the passions that have nothing to do with crime: cooking and making music.

Former food truck chef Anton Cherny is a man who could probably solve half his problems by making better decisions, but where would the story be in that? Nick Greenberg’s “The Caterer,” the second book in his “By Cook or By Crook” series, is the start of another spectacularly bad turn of events for Anton, whose side hustle as an art thief may be behind him, but his troubles are far from over.

“Anton has a habit of making poor decisions when it comes to finding a way out of the untoward situations he finds himself in or puts himself into,” Greenberg said. “His humorous way of looking at things is perhaps a coping mechanism.”

“The Caterer” finds Anton facing a financial obligation that can’t be settled with cash. His girlfriend’s father, Peter Danielovitch, is a Russian mob boss who may have wiped Anton’s old debts clean, but the price is steep: steal priceless masterpieces to fill the mobster’s private gallery. Fortunately, Anton’s elite catering business provides the perfect cover. Behind the scenes of elegant events and lavish galas, Anton can serve sophisticated cuisine while quietly whisking away works of art.

Unfortunately, the recipe gets complicated quickly.

A ruthless Ukrainian rival is closing in, the FBI is tightening its net, and Anton’s carefully balanced life begins to fall apart. With his business, freedom and life on the line, he must figure out how to pull off one more impossible heist — or risk becoming the main course himself.

Despite the escalating danger, Greenberg keeps Anton grounded in the things that make him who he is. Anton perseveres, maintains his sense of humor and continues pursuing the passions that have nothing to do with crime: cooking and making music.

With its clever blend of culinary chaos, criminal intrigue and absurdly comedic situations, “The Caterer” continues Greenberg’s “By Cook or By Crook” series while giving readers another helping of Anton Cherny’s unconventional adventures.

The Caterer

Publisher: Speaking Volumes

ISBN-13: 979-8890225085

Available from https://www.amazon.com/Caterer-Cook-Crook-Nick-Greenberg/dp/B0HJFGRRPQ

About the Author

Nick Greenberg is a versatile bassist, composer and author who has performed a wide variety of musical styles, including classical, jazz, rock, Broadway shows and even the occasional polka gig. His music career has taken him to Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center and international stages in Taiwan. Prior to pursuing music, Greenberg worked as a busboy, dishwasher, caterer and cook. His brief career in the food industry convinced him he’d rather be playing and composing music, writing fiction and eating his way through the world’s restaurants. A homebrewer and former chocolatier, he lives in Cincinnati with his wife and their golden retriever.

Nov. 5, 2026

Larissa Jensen

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