Scan barcode
samaires's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
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
3.0
izzatiidrus's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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? No
5.0
What a gem of a book! Definitely very underrated, in my opinion.
A casual murder mystery with lots of love for food, this book takes place in Klein Karoo's town called Ladismith in South Africa. Tannie Maria (tannie is aunty in Afrikaans) writes recipes for the Klein Karoo Gazette only to be told that her column would have to be cut and replaced with an advice column. The food lover decided to put a twist to the advice column by providing recipes with each advice. Then one day, one of the people who asked her for help was found dead. The woman was just about to leave her abusive husband. Curious and feeling as if she was to blame, Tannie Maria took it up upon herself to investigate the matter with the help of a budding investigative journalist, Jessie.
The mystery hooked me up enough and the suspense waspretty thrilling. I wouldn't say mystery-wise that it was the best, but I did like the psychology of the culprit(s). One of the best things about this book is of course, the description of food and the author even added quite a number of recipes at the end of the book!
I also appreciate the glossary of Afrikaans words, which interestingly, was not only influenced by the Dutch, but also by Malay because Malay slaves were brought all the way over there back in the day. I don't know much about African cultures and this is actually my first ever book that exposes me to them so I was very pleasantly surprise to find that it has something to do with my own culture!
Another thing that surprised me was the love story. I probably shouldn't have been so surprised by it because the title is "Recipes for Love and Murder" after all, but I really enjoyed the romance in here and that is very rare these days. Tannie Maria is not a young woman, she's widowed by an abusive husband so she finds it hard to open up to a possibility of love. I just thought the love story part of it was done very beautifully.
I heard that the series has been adapted into a TV series so I will for sure check that out and try to hunt for the rest of the books in this series. And before anyone asks, of course I will attempt some of the recipes written at the back, I've read them through and already have plans for them!
A casual murder mystery with lots of love for food, this book takes place in Klein Karoo's town called Ladismith in South Africa. Tannie Maria (tannie is aunty in Afrikaans) writes recipes for the Klein Karoo Gazette only to be told that her column would have to be cut and replaced with an advice column. The food lover decided to put a twist to the advice column by providing recipes with each advice. Then one day, one of the people who asked her for help was found dead. The woman was just about to leave her abusive husband. Curious and feeling as if she was to blame, Tannie Maria took it up upon herself to investigate the matter with the help of a budding investigative journalist, Jessie.
The mystery hooked me up enough and the suspense waspretty thrilling. I wouldn't say mystery-wise that it was the best, but I did like the psychology of the culprit(s). One of the best things about this book is of course, the description of food and the author even added quite a number of recipes at the end of the book!
I also appreciate the glossary of Afrikaans words, which interestingly, was not only influenced by the Dutch, but also by Malay because Malay slaves were brought all the way over there back in the day. I don't know much about African cultures and this is actually my first ever book that exposes me to them so I was very pleasantly surprise to find that it has something to do with my own culture!
Another thing that surprised me was the love story. I probably shouldn't have been so surprised by it because the title is "Recipes for Love and Murder" after all, but I really enjoyed the romance in here and that is very rare these days. Tannie Maria is not a young woman, she's widowed by an abusive husband so she finds it hard to open up to a possibility of love. I just thought the love story part of it was done very beautifully.
I heard that the series has been adapted into a TV series so I will for sure check that out and try to hunt for the rest of the books in this series. And before anyone asks, of course I will attempt some of the recipes written at the back, I've read them through and already have plans for them!
dani_reviews's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
ssbasile's review against another edition
5.0
Really enjoyed this- engaging mystery, compelling characters, and it maintained a "cozy" feel while still exploring tougher topics and themes. I felt an immediate connection with the main character and could empathize with her on many levels (one being her statement that "I wasn't running, because I don't believe in running"). The only problem was that I kept wanting to stop reading to try the recipes at the back of the book! I also learned more about the South African culture and the book includes a handy glossary of the Afrikaans words and phrases used throughout.
ajkremer's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
scienceworks's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
tracey52's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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
4.5
These books by Sally Andrew are hidden treasures. I had read it in book form already and enjoyed it just as much on audio. Set in South Africa.
Tannie Maria used recipes as part of her advice column in the local paper… the recipes are included too! She and her friends get involved in a murder or two, and work hard to solve it. She is beautifully and compassionately written, a slightly unexpected heroine, but one you very quickly take to your heart.
Tannie Maria used recipes as part of her advice column in the local paper… the recipes are included too! She and her friends get involved in a murder or two, and work hard to solve it. She is beautifully and compassionately written, a slightly unexpected heroine, but one you very quickly take to your heart.
themartinmama's review against another edition
5.0
Oh my dear South Africa. Just a glimpse at the warmth and love and community care and food of that beloved nation. Great book, great tv series!