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marysesbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I finished reading this book last night and this morning I woke up, made scones and sat on the stoep drinking tea and eating them with apricot jam. Sadly, not home-made apricot jam but still good. Throughout reading this book, I wanted to get into the kitchen and bake or cook some good, old-fashion South African recipes and it helps that there are many recipes included in this book.
Being South African, this book resonated with me so much. Not only the way the characters acted and were with each other but also the scenery. I want to move to the Klein Karoo and be friends with a Tannie Maria. She is a real Afrikaans, farm tannie. She is calm and caring in an unassuming way and shows her love through cooking all her favourites for the people she cares about. She gets roped into solving a murder with her friend, investigative journalist Jessie. Together, they are rushing against the clock as they witness another murder and the danger gets closer to home.
This book may appear fluffy on the outside but it deals with some heavy topics like domestic abuse and the lasting effect of it.
I have a soft spot for books where cooking and baking are woven throughout the story and recipes are given but the added bonuses are that this book has a good mystery, really likeable characters, a smattering of romance and it's set in South African. I'll definitely be reading more about Tannie Maria.
Being South African, this book resonated with me so much. Not only the way the characters acted and were with each other but also the scenery. I want to move to the Klein Karoo and be friends with a Tannie Maria. She is a real Afrikaans, farm tannie. She is calm and caring in an unassuming way and shows her love through cooking all her favourites for the people she cares about. She gets roped into solving a murder with her friend, investigative journalist Jessie. Together, they are rushing against the clock as they witness another murder and the danger gets closer to home.
This book may appear fluffy on the outside but it deals with some heavy topics like domestic abuse and the lasting effect of it.
I have a soft spot for books where cooking and baking are woven throughout the story and recipes are given but the added bonuses are that this book has a good mystery, really likeable characters, a smattering of romance and it's set in South African. I'll definitely be reading more about Tannie Maria.
roelia's review against another edition
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.
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.
jazzthecat's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
4.5
beckimoody29's review against another edition
5.0
I liked this book. Its a cozy mystery with lots of cooking and some romance mixed in where I usually prefer psychological thrillers and true crime. Despite that, I really enjoyed the characters and I liked how the culture was intrinsically woven throughout the book. I'm not a cook at all but the recipes sounded delicious and I'm tempted to try them anyway. There were enough red herrings that the mystery held my interest and I felt the ending was deserved. I didn't know this was a series and may try to find it.
catinatreehouse's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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
4.25
emmy9937's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
tense
slow-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
pickpoppies's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
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
I want to read cozies from around the world and I found this South African one and half way through it I thought I have to make some soentjies for company when I read the next book (there are recipes at the end of the book, 2 chocolate cakes! But none for soentjies.)
Tannie Maria is adorable and has conversations with her food. She used to have a recipe column in the local paper but higher ups says they need to have an agony aunt so she gets the job but combines it with her love for food. One letter writer decides to leave her abusive husband and when a dead one is reported Tannie Marie knows it’s the same woman and along with her friends at the paper they investigate the murder.
Charming and fun and I will read the rest. There’s also a TV series that I will look into. There’s a little cursing in this one.
Tannie Maria is adorable and has conversations with her food. She used to have a recipe column in the local paper but higher ups says they need to have an agony aunt so she gets the job but combines it with her love for food. One letter writer decides to leave her abusive husband and when a dead one is reported Tannie Marie knows it’s the same woman and along with her friends at the paper they investigate the murder.
Charming and fun and I will read the rest. There’s also a TV series that I will look into. There’s a little cursing in this one.
Content Warnings
Minor: Cursing
miasmuts's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
nkhensani_m's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this! Only problem is, I skipped 100 pages to read the final act because I had a related writing assignment to do -- so I still don't know who the culprit is! Will be reading again.