Recipes For Love And Murder

A Novel By Sally Andrew

Review

Recipes for Love and Murder, written by Sally Andrew, is the first book in the Tannie Maria mystery series, which has become very popular since its initial publication in 2017. The story begins when two sisters, Jessie and Trixie, inherit a beautiful old house in the small town of Darling, South Africa from an aunt they never knew, and they decide to turn it into a guest house.

As the sisters start to renovate the house, they discover a hidden room that belonged to their aunt, who was a famous chef and food writer, and they find a recipe book filled with delicious recipes and intriguing stories. However, as they delve deeper into their aunt’s past, they uncover a dark secret that may put their own lives in danger.

Setting

The story unfolds in the charming Karoo town of Darling, South Africa, a picturesque region known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves. The author brings the setting to life with vivid descriptions of the town's quaint streets, cozy cafes, and the warm hospitality of the locals.

Characters

The central characters are the two sisters, Jessie and Trixie. Jessie is a practical and organized woman, while Trixie is a free-spirited artist. When they find themselves co-owners of this house, they find they complement each other as they work to fulfill their aunt’s last wish and open a guest house.

Of course, no good mystery would be complete without a cast of interesting suspects. One is the enigmatic Mr. Niemand, the elderly neighbor who seems to know more about the sisters' aunt than he lets on. Another is the handsome chef, Koos, with whom Jessie develops a romantic connection. As the body count rises, the sisters must use their wits to solve the mystery before they become the next victims.

Themes

Recipes for Love and Murder is a well-crafted mystery that combines a delicious blend of food, love, and murder. Andrew keeps readers engaged with her clever plot and well-developed characters. While the book stands alone as a satisfying read, it also sets up the next installment in the Tannie Maria mystery series.

Recipes For Love And Murder