Reviews

Przepisy na miłość i zbrodnię by Sally Andrew

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vanelope's review against another edition

funny lighthearted mysterious relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

With many a cup of rooibos, I curled up on the couch with this cozy South African mystery.
It was like returning home from a long day at the office and having a warm meal waiting in the hotpot welcoming me back.

The novel invited me to share a story of love, loss and transformation over many masterful recipes. Tannie Maria's voice is much like the soft aunty next door checking if I've eaten enough today. It's not difficult to pass her by and roll-eyes at the food references punctuating each of her sentences, until she grows on you much like the beskuit and koeksisters that come with in the seat of her van.

The bird song of the Bokmakierie on her stoep greets the morning, nestled in the Gwarrie tree, a tree that's existed thousands of years before us. My attention was drawn to the unique voices and colourings of our home, and, in particular the klein karoo. A semi desert that's easily characterised as barren and bland, vast in it's rolling hills. In this place, flourishes life too. The sky changes in shades of blue spread and filtered occasionally by drifting clouds. The rain comes in unknown periods, the food is fresh and tastes of the earth. And, the people too have their own stories and mysteries to share.

Thank you, Tannie M, for the company and cake. Goodnight.

llkendrick's review against another edition

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3.0

A very enjoyable mystery with likable characters! My only hangup, but big enough to knock it down a couple of stars, was the amount of Afrikaan words used throughout the book. There was a glossary at the end, but I don't want to interrupt my reading to have look up a word every other page.

roelia's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny inspiring lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

“Recipes for Love and Murder” is the first book in the “Tannie Maria Mysteries” series. And what a delight it is! This cosy mystery plays out in the Klein Karoo. The pure and unique beauty of this part of South Africa is a character of its own, but more about that later.

The quirky and loveable Tannie Maria is our main protagonist and an absolutely delightful narrator! Yes, I will probably use the word “delight” a few times more during this review, because that is what this book, and the entire series, is to me.

Back to Tannie Maria, I found her wonderfully relatable and endearing. She IS my spirit animal, my soul sister. Witty, warm, gutsy, and giving, while being flawed and vulnerable at the same time.
She writes the recipe-slash-love advice column for the local newspaper, and with her passion for food and empathy for others, she shares heavenly recipes and sincere advice with the readers. When one of them is killed, Tannie Maria immediately becomes involved in the investigation. Unofficially of course. She teams up with her colleague, the fiery and spirited Jessie, and this dynamic duo makes it their mission to unravel the mysteries of the small town. Their friendship adds such a charming dynamic!

As the plot and the tension thickens, Tannie Maria finds comfort and nourishment in the kitchen, whilst her recipes and cooking reflects her feelings, mood, and experiences.

This book is filled with genuine and amiable and well-developed characters – a true celebration of the culture, gastronomy, and scenery of the Klein Karoo. With the vibrant imagery, I was throughly invested in the world of Tannie Maria and friends (and foes).

Sally Andrew masterfully integrates the tense storyline with Tannie Maria’s gastronomic delights, with the enticing flavours of South Africa – traditional bobotie, aromatic curries, decadent baked goodies adding complexity and realism. And yes, the recipes are all included in this book for you to try out at home! Her writing is beautifully descriptive and addictive to read.

“Recipes for Love and Murder” also beautifully depicts the intricacy and cultural diversity of South Africa and its people. Social commentary on prejudice, trauma, domestic violence is handled with compassion and humour.

It is a culinary and literary delight that will leave the readers craving for more!

*PS This was a re-read for me - just shows how much I love this book.