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Tannie Maria Mystery #3
Death on the Limpopo
Tannie Maria might be the Karoo’s favourite agony aunt, but when it comes to matters of her own heart, she doesn’t have all the answers. Why is she having trouble telling her beau ― the dashing Detective Henk Kannemeyer with the chestnut moustache ― that she loves him?
There are other, more pressing problems too. A tall, dark stranger zooms in on her Ducati motorbike: she is Zabanguni Kani, a journalist renowned for her political exposés, who, after receiving threats, moves in with Tannie Maria for safety.
And who could tell that a trip to the country's northern parts was on the cards? The journey plunges Maria and her friends into pools of danger, amid water maidens, murders, and Harley Davidsons.
Ladismith's famous crime fighter is back ― with a tin of buttermilk rusks in hand ― to restore peace from the Klein Karoo to the great Limpopo River.
There are other, more pressing problems too. A tall, dark stranger zooms in on her Ducati motorbike: she is Zabanguni Kani, a journalist renowned for her political exposés, who, after receiving threats, moves in with Tannie Maria for safety.
And who could tell that a trip to the country's northern parts was on the cards? The journey plunges Maria and her friends into pools of danger, amid water maidens, murders, and Harley Davidsons.
Ladismith's famous crime fighter is back ― with a tin of buttermilk rusks in hand ― to restore peace from the Klein Karoo to the great Limpopo River.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2019
75 people are currently reading
1006 people want to read
About the author
Sally Andrew
10 books298 followersSally Andrew lives in a mud-brick house on a nature reserve in the Klein Karoo, South Africa, with her partner, artist Bowen Boshier, and other wildlife (including a giant eland and a secretive leopard). She also spends time in the wilderness of southern Africa and the seaside suburb of Muizenberg. She has a Masters in Adult Education (University of Cape Town).
For some decades she was a social and environmental activist, then the manager of Bowen’s art business, before she settled down to write full-time. Recipes for Love and Murder is her first novel. It will be published in at least twelve languages, across five continents.
For some decades she was a social and environmental activist, then the manager of Bowen’s art business, before she settled down to write full-time. Recipes for Love and Murder is her first novel. It will be published in at least twelve languages, across five continents.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
January 18, 2020
Our land has such deep wisdom, and our people have a depth that comes from struggle and suffering. Tannie Maria connects with all of this in both the long, slow cadences of the land and the sharper, faster bursts of modern humans. She still talks to her food and tells us about it in loving detail, thank goodness, and she still dispenses touching wisdom through her love-and-recipes column, but there is more. The third in this series has a sharper edge. It feels more attuned to 2020 realities without losing the wisdom of the ages.
I loved the way she steps out beyond the original Ladismith microcosm while staying true to the origins of this down-to-earth, wise, funny, kind series. Sally Andrew dedicates the book to people who live and die in the struggle for justice and I believe she, in turn, does them justice. Please bear with her (and me) as we traverse the difficult terrain of South Africa's divided past and present - she does it as honestly and positively as I have ever seen. Of course she touches many wounds along the way.
She responds explicitly to the critique that staying in the cocoon of white Afrikaner culture with some coloured people may be true to the community she writes about but avoids the greater context of the land in which they live, and how they come to be so separate from the majority of this land. I think her response is brave, authentic and a gift - particularly to her white brothers and sisters, which includes myself. She brings in just a sliver of our struggle history, still giving attention to the few whites who fought against apartheid, and yet I feel she honours the whole of our nation in the process.
The arrival of the tall dark stranger on the Ducati is filled with archetypal stereotypes, including South Africa's yearning for black leaders who are perfectly strong - and she soon becomes deeply human. Again, it is our truth in this land that we often see only the skin and not the underlying humanity. At least Andrew keeps a healthy distance from the "I don't see race" brigade.
So our intrepid pair of brave black journalist and scared white tannie make their journey of discovery, of pain and betrayal, of the radical differences in life experiences of black and white people living side by side, of their own wounds and their own courage. If it sometimes feels melodramatic that's because South Africa is a living melodrama, dammit.
The real point the author makes, for me, is that white people in this land can stay in the game, be real and courageous and contribute to a better life for all, even when we are not really wanted as the captains of the teams. I think she does this by writing with a deeply healing, loving connection with the languages and cultures of this land, and bravely reaches out to honour and love a much greater variety of our kaleidoscopic mix than before. I am grateful for the way she doesn't translate every Xhosa or Tswana word, just as for Afrikaans, and the way she brings many cooking traditions into the mix without being too purist about any of them.
And beyond our human fiemies and fiefies, she continues to love and honour this land, its rocks and trees and rivers and dust, its birds and animals, and the gifts and guidance they patiently offer to humans. With healing intent.
I loved the way she steps out beyond the original Ladismith microcosm while staying true to the origins of this down-to-earth, wise, funny, kind series. Sally Andrew dedicates the book to people who live and die in the struggle for justice and I believe she, in turn, does them justice. Please bear with her (and me) as we traverse the difficult terrain of South Africa's divided past and present - she does it as honestly and positively as I have ever seen. Of course she touches many wounds along the way.
She responds explicitly to the critique that staying in the cocoon of white Afrikaner culture with some coloured people may be true to the community she writes about but avoids the greater context of the land in which they live, and how they come to be so separate from the majority of this land. I think her response is brave, authentic and a gift - particularly to her white brothers and sisters, which includes myself. She brings in just a sliver of our struggle history, still giving attention to the few whites who fought against apartheid, and yet I feel she honours the whole of our nation in the process.
The arrival of the tall dark stranger on the Ducati is filled with archetypal stereotypes, including South Africa's yearning for black leaders who are perfectly strong - and she soon becomes deeply human. Again, it is our truth in this land that we often see only the skin and not the underlying humanity. At least Andrew keeps a healthy distance from the "I don't see race" brigade.
So our intrepid pair of brave black journalist and scared white tannie make their journey of discovery, of pain and betrayal, of the radical differences in life experiences of black and white people living side by side, of their own wounds and their own courage. If it sometimes feels melodramatic that's because South Africa is a living melodrama, dammit.
The real point the author makes, for me, is that white people in this land can stay in the game, be real and courageous and contribute to a better life for all, even when we are not really wanted as the captains of the teams. I think she does this by writing with a deeply healing, loving connection with the languages and cultures of this land, and bravely reaches out to honour and love a much greater variety of our kaleidoscopic mix than before. I am grateful for the way she doesn't translate every Xhosa or Tswana word, just as for Afrikaans, and the way she brings many cooking traditions into the mix without being too purist about any of them.
And beyond our human fiemies and fiefies, she continues to love and honour this land, its rocks and trees and rivers and dust, its birds and animals, and the gifts and guidance they patiently offer to humans. With healing intent.
May 8, 2022
I feel as though I just came back from South Africa! Andrew writes with love about her homeland and the place and people come alive. Deftly plotted. One of my favorite series even though only #1 and #2 are only available in the states and I had to order #3 and #4 from an online bookstore in South Africa.....totally worth it!
October 9, 2019
I loved tannie Maria and her first two adventures. Although this one had some endearing moments, it was too convoluted and I felt the author was trying too hard to add ‘colour’.
January 19, 2020
Not my favorite Tannie Maria. But the food and the recipes are still very, very lekker.
April 20, 2020
This is an enjoyable book and the author’s descriptions of South African Karoo and mountain passes and the trip to the Limpopo are awesome and offer a veritable tour of the country. The plot is somewhat unbelievable but the recipes aren’t and look well worth a try.
June 19, 2021
An investigative journalist arrives in the small town of Ladismith and suddenly Tannie Maria's world is upside down. Zabanguni has exposed top-level political corruption and has many enemies, some of whom appear to have followed her and are now endangering both women. Tannie Maria finds herself on an unexpected trip to the border between South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe to solve a family mystery. As usual, there are lots of nice food and lovely characters. Highly recommend this series.
January 1, 2022
Ag tannie Maria, you just light up my literary life. These books make me absolutely wish I lived in the karoo and that I was tannie Maria. I so identify with this character, cooking as a love language, to celebrate, to encourage, to heal. She is my literary soul mate.
I never envisioned myself as a murder mystery reader, but this series changed it for me.
The writing is light hearted, easy going and captivating : all of my faves in one!
MORE PLEASE SALLY!! X
I never envisioned myself as a murder mystery reader, but this series changed it for me.
The writing is light hearted, easy going and captivating : all of my faves in one!
MORE PLEASE SALLY!! X
June 30, 2020
I quite enjoyed this one. Tannie (Aunty) Maria and a new character, Zaba, go on a road trip into the past.
The highlight of this series is the familiar and delicious journey through South African culture. It captures a particular part of South Africa, the Klein Karoo (little Karoo), where the towns are small (known as "dorps"), everyone knows everyone else, and although the year is recent, it feels twenty years earlier - at least as far as technology goes. The mindset in the story is very modern though.
There was an element of the road trip that I absolutely loved - and that is because I have been on that part of the journey myself. Here I am talking about the Calitzdorp section of the journey. I have been wine tasting there and have one bottle of port left to prove it. I won't be using my port in a potjie though.
While some aspects of the trip did seem a bit drawn out, and a character seemed to change throughout the book, the book as a whole was a pleasant, enjoyable read. It did make me wonder about the validity of some of the past crimes mentioned in the novel. I will need to find a moment to do some research.
A light-hearted, cosy mystery. A must read for Safas living overseas. It will make the most pessimistic South African feel homesick. For folks interested in South African culture, this book gives some interesting insights into the Xhosa culture, in addition to the small Karoo communities.
The highlight of this series is the familiar and delicious journey through South African culture. It captures a particular part of South Africa, the Klein Karoo (little Karoo), where the towns are small (known as "dorps"), everyone knows everyone else, and although the year is recent, it feels twenty years earlier - at least as far as technology goes. The mindset in the story is very modern though.
There was an element of the road trip that I absolutely loved - and that is because I have been on that part of the journey myself. Here I am talking about the Calitzdorp section of the journey. I have been wine tasting there and have one bottle of port left to prove it. I won't be using my port in a potjie though.
While some aspects of the trip did seem a bit drawn out, and a character seemed to change throughout the book, the book as a whole was a pleasant, enjoyable read. It did make me wonder about the validity of some of the past crimes mentioned in the novel. I will need to find a moment to do some research.
A light-hearted, cosy mystery. A must read for Safas living overseas. It will make the most pessimistic South African feel homesick. For folks interested in South African culture, this book gives some interesting insights into the Xhosa culture, in addition to the small Karoo communities.
November 27, 2025
Didn't enjoy this one anywhere near as much as the other books. Taking Maria out of Ladismith and away from the charming supporting characters and her recipe column and cooking was a really poor move. Justice for Hattie, the world's best and most patient editor, who is sadly neglected in this book!
The added insufferable supporting character--whose backstory I saw coming a mile away and whose personality is supposed to be cool but is one of the most grating I've encountered in a fictional character in a while--didn't help.
I know this storyline was supposed to represent growth, but it just didn't work for me. Fortunately, the next book sounds like it plays more to the strengths of the series.
The added insufferable supporting character--whose backstory I saw coming a mile away and whose personality is supposed to be cool but is one of the most grating I've encountered in a fictional character in a while--didn't help.
I know this storyline was supposed to represent growth, but it just didn't work for me. Fortunately, the next book sounds like it plays more to the strengths of the series.
January 6, 2024
This is the third tannie Maria mystery Ive read and Ive loved them all. They feel like a warm hug. The Klein Karoo and food references are nostalgic and wholesome. I love the added detail of the recipes at the end of the book. A fun read.
September 8, 2025
Enjoyable, but a bit long drawn out.
February 16, 2021
It was fun and downright funny a lot of the time but by the end sort of dragged. Tannie Maria is a lovely character though - enjoyed her!
February 10, 2020
The third Tannie Maria mystery book is a fun, politicised caper with the South African struggle thrown in. Perfect reading for a lazy weekend with the usual mouth watering recipes thrown in.
August 14, 2025
Description from Amazon:
Tannie Maria might be the Karoo’s favourite agony aunt, but when it comes to matters of her own heart, she doesn’t have all the answers. Why is she having trouble telling her beau – the dashing Detective Henk Kannemeyer with the chestnut moustache – that she loves him?
There are other, more pressing problems too. A tall, dark stranger zooms in on her Ducati motorbike: she is Zabanguni Kani, a journalist renowned for her political exposés, who, after receiving threats, moves in with Tannie Maria for safety.
And who could tell that a trip to the country’s northern parts was on the cards? The journey plunges Maria and her friends into pools of danger, amid water maidens, murders, and Harley Davidsons.
Ladismith’s famous crime fighter is back – with a tin of buttermilk rusks in hand – to restore peace from the Klein Karoo to the great Limpopo River.
Well I got my paws on the third and fourth book so am currently working my way through them. The third was not what I expected at all, as it leans quite heavily into politics and the ramifications of apartheid and not the murder mystery we had come to expect.
Initially I did not like Zaba as she seemed to arrive already having decided that things would go her own way. But as a murder happens close to them and Zaba is desperate to keep some letters that point to a killer safe, Maria realises there is a lot more to this than meets the eye.
Maria has some childhood memories of her father, but mostly that she didn’t get to see him a lot as he was murdered up North when she was young. However, he did introduce her to the concept of the “great grey-green greasy Limpopo” from the famous Kipling book Just so Stories. And when Zaba asks Maria to accompany her to the Limpopo, Maria’s newly awoken wanderlust comes into play (and a long trip in a bakkie that size is going to play hell with your butt).
The two head off to solve a mystery that somehow ties them together, but on the way are stalked and nearly killed a number of times. Henk wants Maria back ASAP, but this is her time – she needs closure on something she didn’t even know was coming. And she needs a bit of time away from Henk, who has professed his love for her. Something she can’t quite say back yet.
The story ends with a bit of an improbable scenario but who am I to argue with what a baobab can do? And who would kill to save their reputation? The family tie-in makes for an interesting connection and shows just how deep love is and has no boundaries.
As usual there is food involved – a lot of it. And the recipes at the back of the book sound fabulous yet again. Bring on the last book!
Tannie Maria might be the Karoo’s favourite agony aunt, but when it comes to matters of her own heart, she doesn’t have all the answers. Why is she having trouble telling her beau – the dashing Detective Henk Kannemeyer with the chestnut moustache – that she loves him?
There are other, more pressing problems too. A tall, dark stranger zooms in on her Ducati motorbike: she is Zabanguni Kani, a journalist renowned for her political exposés, who, after receiving threats, moves in with Tannie Maria for safety.
And who could tell that a trip to the country’s northern parts was on the cards? The journey plunges Maria and her friends into pools of danger, amid water maidens, murders, and Harley Davidsons.
Ladismith’s famous crime fighter is back – with a tin of buttermilk rusks in hand – to restore peace from the Klein Karoo to the great Limpopo River.
Well I got my paws on the third and fourth book so am currently working my way through them. The third was not what I expected at all, as it leans quite heavily into politics and the ramifications of apartheid and not the murder mystery we had come to expect.
Initially I did not like Zaba as she seemed to arrive already having decided that things would go her own way. But as a murder happens close to them and Zaba is desperate to keep some letters that point to a killer safe, Maria realises there is a lot more to this than meets the eye.
Maria has some childhood memories of her father, but mostly that she didn’t get to see him a lot as he was murdered up North when she was young. However, he did introduce her to the concept of the “great grey-green greasy Limpopo” from the famous Kipling book Just so Stories. And when Zaba asks Maria to accompany her to the Limpopo, Maria’s newly awoken wanderlust comes into play (and a long trip in a bakkie that size is going to play hell with your butt).
The two head off to solve a mystery that somehow ties them together, but on the way are stalked and nearly killed a number of times. Henk wants Maria back ASAP, but this is her time – she needs closure on something she didn’t even know was coming. And she needs a bit of time away from Henk, who has professed his love for her. Something she can’t quite say back yet.
The story ends with a bit of an improbable scenario but who am I to argue with what a baobab can do? And who would kill to save their reputation? The family tie-in makes for an interesting connection and shows just how deep love is and has no boundaries.
As usual there is food involved – a lot of it. And the recipes at the back of the book sound fabulous yet again. Bring on the last book!
July 20, 2020
A more serious Tannie Maria tells us this story.
It’s a Friday, and Tannie Maria van Harten is alone in the office as Harriet Christie, the manager of the Klein Karoo Gazette, was at the bank and Jessie Mostert the paper’s journalist out investigating why women are getting sick. Could it be from the pesticides that the farmers are using? She hears the roar of a motorbike stop outside the building followed by a knock on the door. Standing in front of her is Zabanguni Kani, a beautiful, tall black woman. Little does Tannie Maria realise at the time that this meeting is going to change her life in ways she could never have imagined.
Zaba talks Maria into going on a trip to the Limpopo with her. The journalist who was going to accompany her is blown up by a car bomb near Maria’s house. The journey is fraught with dangers and Detective Lieutenant Henk Kannemeyer, Maria’s boyfriend is frantic with worry because every time he manages to speak to Maria, some new disaster has struck.
I’ve waited such a long time for this third Tannie Maria book to be published. The first two, Recipes for Love and Murder and Tannie Maria and the Satanic Mechanic, left me often crying with laughter. Not this time. This new novel is more serious, relating to Maria’s father, and his death under mysterious circumstances.
As an ex-South African living now living in the UK, I got particularly heartsore as she and Zaba travel from Ladismith first on the famous Route 62 to the Limpopo, then through the beautiful countryside. Maria captures the landscape, the “klein dorpies” (small towns) and their occupants with perfection. Heartsore because Covid-19 has left many of us wondering whether we’ll ever be able to fly again, which means that I might never again see the beautiful countryside that one passes on that long journey from the Cape to the border with Zimbabwe and Botswana.
The only thing that might ease the pain is the recipes which she has so generously included in the book. One, in particular, the butternut cake – sounds like melt in your mouth perfection!
Rony
Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of the book to review.
It’s a Friday, and Tannie Maria van Harten is alone in the office as Harriet Christie, the manager of the Klein Karoo Gazette, was at the bank and Jessie Mostert the paper’s journalist out investigating why women are getting sick. Could it be from the pesticides that the farmers are using? She hears the roar of a motorbike stop outside the building followed by a knock on the door. Standing in front of her is Zabanguni Kani, a beautiful, tall black woman. Little does Tannie Maria realise at the time that this meeting is going to change her life in ways she could never have imagined.
Zaba talks Maria into going on a trip to the Limpopo with her. The journalist who was going to accompany her is blown up by a car bomb near Maria’s house. The journey is fraught with dangers and Detective Lieutenant Henk Kannemeyer, Maria’s boyfriend is frantic with worry because every time he manages to speak to Maria, some new disaster has struck.
I’ve waited such a long time for this third Tannie Maria book to be published. The first two, Recipes for Love and Murder and Tannie Maria and the Satanic Mechanic, left me often crying with laughter. Not this time. This new novel is more serious, relating to Maria’s father, and his death under mysterious circumstances.
As an ex-South African living now living in the UK, I got particularly heartsore as she and Zaba travel from Ladismith first on the famous Route 62 to the Limpopo, then through the beautiful countryside. Maria captures the landscape, the “klein dorpies” (small towns) and their occupants with perfection. Heartsore because Covid-19 has left many of us wondering whether we’ll ever be able to fly again, which means that I might never again see the beautiful countryside that one passes on that long journey from the Cape to the border with Zimbabwe and Botswana.
The only thing that might ease the pain is the recipes which she has so generously included in the book. One, in particular, the butternut cake – sounds like melt in your mouth perfection!
Rony
Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of the book to review.
January 5, 2021
Death on the Limpopo begins much as usual with Tannie Maria in the Klein Karoo, writing her "Agony Aunt" column for the local paper, dispensing sensible advice along with delicious recipes. Her love life is looking up as well with Henk Kannemeyer, the local chief of police. The only problem is that when he says, "I love you," Tannie Maria is not able to reply in kind. She, of all people, doesn't know why. All bets are off when a tall, dark-skinned woman on a Ducati motorcycle roars into Ladismith. Zabanguni Kani is an investigative journalist, well-known and often in trouble for her stories of political corruption. Prickly is probably a kind word to apply to Zaba, but Tannie Maria likes her and offers her shelter when threatened and told to "back off," and then a close associate is murdered. Tannie Maria and Zaba set off to the Limpopo in neighboring Botswana. Not so coincidentally, Tannie Maria's father was mysteriously murdered on the banks of the Limpopo 30 years earlier. This is a chance for a pilgrimage she has always wanted to take.
The Tannie Maria Mysteries are a wonderful introduction to the blended cultures and languages of South Africa. The journey from the Klein Karoo to the Limpopo, the scenery, the people they meet on the way, and as always, the food is quite spectacular. I am aware of the evils of Apartheid and the long years that it took to overthrow the system, but I never knew much of the history of the few white people involved. Death on the Limpopo can serve as a mini-introduction, in human terms, to that struggle. I did find the plot a bit improbable, and the journey bogged down somewhat in places. The characters, especially Tannie Maria and Zaba, make up for any occasional plodding. And did I mention the food? Campfire food never sounded so good. There is a plus of recipes at the end of the book.
I highly recommend Death on the Limpopo and its predecessors, Recipes for Love and Murder, and The Satanic Mechanic.
RATING- 4.5 Stars
The Tannie Maria Mysteries are a wonderful introduction to the blended cultures and languages of South Africa. The journey from the Klein Karoo to the Limpopo, the scenery, the people they meet on the way, and as always, the food is quite spectacular. I am aware of the evils of Apartheid and the long years that it took to overthrow the system, but I never knew much of the history of the few white people involved. Death on the Limpopo can serve as a mini-introduction, in human terms, to that struggle. I did find the plot a bit improbable, and the journey bogged down somewhat in places. The characters, especially Tannie Maria and Zaba, make up for any occasional plodding. And did I mention the food? Campfire food never sounded so good. There is a plus of recipes at the end of the book.
I highly recommend Death on the Limpopo and its predecessors, Recipes for Love and Murder, and The Satanic Mechanic.
RATING- 4.5 Stars
March 17, 2024
I loved the two previous Tannie Maria books so much that I went to the lengths of ordering this book from South Africa as it hasn’t been released in the US as a paperback (shoutout to Wordsworth books for shipping the books to me!)
I was eager to love this book, and yes, I do just enjoy being in Tannie Maria’s food-laden, emotionally kind, South African world without much else. However, I will say that I didn’t love this book as much as the previous books. My main issue is that the mystery took a very long time to develop, and this made it hard to engage in the book. Once the mystery came into focus (about 1/3rd of the way in), the book was much, much more enjoyable. I just wish the first 1/3rd had been more relevant to the overall mystery.
This book has a fair bit of South African history and politics of which I have little to no knowledge. There are also a fair number of Afrikaans and Xhosa expressions, but they are either contextual or explained in the story. That said, the plot was clear with little knowledge of the politics/languages and Googling a few terms helped a lot, so I would say this book is accessible to most!
I’m looking forward to the next book (ordered both from South Africa!), however, hope the mystery in that one picks up faster than in this one.
Also, the recipes in the back look amazing as usual. Can’t wait to make some of them!
P.S.- why haven’t these books been released in the US? I saw a digital copy of “Death on the Limpopo” on Apple Books, but with the recipes I want a physical copy. It’s odd especially since the first two are available? I thought the series on Acorn TV (which is lovely!) would have widened the audience for these books outside of South Africa.
I was eager to love this book, and yes, I do just enjoy being in Tannie Maria’s food-laden, emotionally kind, South African world without much else. However, I will say that I didn’t love this book as much as the previous books. My main issue is that the mystery took a very long time to develop, and this made it hard to engage in the book. Once the mystery came into focus (about 1/3rd of the way in), the book was much, much more enjoyable. I just wish the first 1/3rd had been more relevant to the overall mystery.
This book has a fair bit of South African history and politics of which I have little to no knowledge. There are also a fair number of Afrikaans and Xhosa expressions, but they are either contextual or explained in the story. That said, the plot was clear with little knowledge of the politics/languages and Googling a few terms helped a lot, so I would say this book is accessible to most!
I’m looking forward to the next book (ordered both from South Africa!), however, hope the mystery in that one picks up faster than in this one.
Also, the recipes in the back look amazing as usual. Can’t wait to make some of them!
P.S.- why haven’t these books been released in the US? I saw a digital copy of “Death on the Limpopo” on Apple Books, but with the recipes I want a physical copy. It’s odd especially since the first two are available? I thought the series on Acorn TV (which is lovely!) would have widened the audience for these books outside of South Africa.
June 17, 2022
Sally Andrew has a lovely and easy going writing style that allows you to breeze through the book and carries you straight into the Klein Karoo. As a South African myself, I loved the use of Afrikaans words as well as the Xhosa phrases. Considering South Africa is a country with so much diversity and so many languages and it was nice to see this represented in the book.
Though the book touched base on some more intense political, environmental and social issues, the story stayed easy going since it was written from Tannie Maria's perspective. A sweet tannie leading a quiet life who loves to cook.
The characters in this book were lovely as well. Our two main characters, Tannie Maria and Zaba were well fleshed out and we saw a lot of growth in both of them as the story progressed.
Zaba learnt to soften and open up as a person and Tannie Maria became quite the daring and adventurous lady.
The other characters saw significantly less growth. This may be in part due to them having less involvement in the story and in part because the focus was about Tannie Maria and Zaba's bond and their adventure. Despite the lack of character development for the others, it was a nice mix of characters that all added to the story and made it a satisfying read.
As a fellow foodie, I loved the many references to recipes and the different dishes that were prepared. At times it did feel as though Tannie Maria only had cake on her mind, but as I got further into the book, it felt natural to read her thoughts turning to food as she finds comfort from it.
All in all a very enjoyable read with a good bit of adventure through South Africa mixed in.
Though the book touched base on some more intense political, environmental and social issues, the story stayed easy going since it was written from Tannie Maria's perspective. A sweet tannie leading a quiet life who loves to cook.
The characters in this book were lovely as well. Our two main characters, Tannie Maria and Zaba were well fleshed out and we saw a lot of growth in both of them as the story progressed.
Zaba learnt to soften and open up as a person and Tannie Maria became quite the daring and adventurous lady.
The other characters saw significantly less growth. This may be in part due to them having less involvement in the story and in part because the focus was about Tannie Maria and Zaba's bond and their adventure. Despite the lack of character development for the others, it was a nice mix of characters that all added to the story and made it a satisfying read.
As a fellow foodie, I loved the many references to recipes and the different dishes that were prepared. At times it did feel as though Tannie Maria only had cake on her mind, but as I got further into the book, it felt natural to read her thoughts turning to food as she finds comfort from it.
All in all a very enjoyable read with a good bit of adventure through South Africa mixed in.
January 3, 2025
Every time I crack open a Tannie Maria mystery, I feel like I'm falling into a warm, South African hug. Though I've never been to the Klein Karoo, it comes alive for me through the descriptions of the people and surroundings. I know the hustle and bustle of JHB city living but I yearn to visit small dorps like Ladismith and see the wonders of the Karoo.
Tannie Maria finds herself investigating another mystery and this time it is with an investigative journalist named Zaba. Zaba is very different from Maria. She's quite abrupt, bordering on rude at times and is definitely on a mission. A mission that she needs Tannie Maria's help with solving. Together they take a trip through South Africa to the Limpopo river as well as through South African history and Apartheid.
Sally Andrew weaves in the struggles that were faced in between recipes and observations of the landscape as these two travel. It is always lovely to read the characterisations she gives the different African flora and fauna but I couldn't help missing the Klein Karoo and her previous books that were set in this scenery. I also wasn't a fan of Zaba. I found her too brusque and almost unfeeling at times, especially when some secrets were revealed to Maria.
Though each book deals with different mysteries, it is advisable to read the stories in order as characters from previous books make appearances in each story. Recipes for Love and Murder is still my favorite but I will definitely reread all these books. I just love the feeling I get when immersed in this story and town.
Tannie Maria finds herself investigating another mystery and this time it is with an investigative journalist named Zaba. Zaba is very different from Maria. She's quite abrupt, bordering on rude at times and is definitely on a mission. A mission that she needs Tannie Maria's help with solving. Together they take a trip through South Africa to the Limpopo river as well as through South African history and Apartheid.
Sally Andrew weaves in the struggles that were faced in between recipes and observations of the landscape as these two travel. It is always lovely to read the characterisations she gives the different African flora and fauna but I couldn't help missing the Klein Karoo and her previous books that were set in this scenery. I also wasn't a fan of Zaba. I found her too brusque and almost unfeeling at times, especially when some secrets were revealed to Maria.
Though each book deals with different mysteries, it is advisable to read the stories in order as characters from previous books make appearances in each story. Recipes for Love and Murder is still my favorite but I will definitely reread all these books. I just love the feeling I get when immersed in this story and town.
January 24, 2023
Sally Andrews can do no wrong. Well, perhaps one tiny little thing... NOT include her Lemon marmalade recipe made with Brandy at the back of the book.
I absolutely LOVED this third book, it was so different from the first two - which was great as she isn't just doing a cut and paste job.
I loved the twists and turns and I am now desperate to visit the Klein Karoo and take a drive to the Great grey-green greasy Limpopo River - all set about with Fever Trees. When I was younger and was taking regular trips to Zim to see family we would always peer out the window to see the river and try to spot the Elephants Child.
Tannie Maria is as enchanting as ever and I loved the introduction of Zaba. She is such a wonderful character, her ferocity and strength (I like to think of her as a representation of the women, you Strike a Woman you strike the rock).
I just loved this. I Can't actually decide on a favourite character or favourite book. I only have one last installment left and my heart is breaking. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who will sit still long enough.
I absolutely LOVED this third book, it was so different from the first two - which was great as she isn't just doing a cut and paste job.
I loved the twists and turns and I am now desperate to visit the Klein Karoo and take a drive to the Great grey-green greasy Limpopo River - all set about with Fever Trees. When I was younger and was taking regular trips to Zim to see family we would always peer out the window to see the river and try to spot the Elephants Child.
Tannie Maria is as enchanting as ever and I loved the introduction of Zaba. She is such a wonderful character, her ferocity and strength (I like to think of her as a representation of the women, you Strike a Woman you strike the rock).
I just loved this. I Can't actually decide on a favourite character or favourite book. I only have one last installment left and my heart is breaking. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who will sit still long enough.
July 6, 2022
What I liked
This is certainly a fun, light-hearted read with a lot of South Africanisms, especially with the food and the recipes. The story is interesting enough, and the characters (especially Tannie Maria) are believable.
What I didn't like
There were times that I felt it was hard to stay engaged, and that the story moved too slowly. Also, despite what I wrote above, I think that there were also times that the South African-ness of the book was overemphasised, in an inauthentic way (that is, included an almost-cliched South African element for the sake of it).
Review round up
This is for you if you love the country, and you are looking for a good 'holiday' book - something that is easy going and doesn't demand too much brain power. The author clearly has a lot of fun writing these books, and I would probably ready one of the others in the series.
Rating
I liked it: 3/5
This is certainly a fun, light-hearted read with a lot of South Africanisms, especially with the food and the recipes. The story is interesting enough, and the characters (especially Tannie Maria) are believable.
What I didn't like
There were times that I felt it was hard to stay engaged, and that the story moved too slowly. Also, despite what I wrote above, I think that there were also times that the South African-ness of the book was overemphasised, in an inauthentic way (that is, included an almost-cliched South African element for the sake of it).
Review round up
This is for you if you love the country, and you are looking for a good 'holiday' book - something that is easy going and doesn't demand too much brain power. The author clearly has a lot of fun writing these books, and I would probably ready one of the others in the series.
Rating
I liked it: 3/5
April 4, 2020
I love the Tannie Maria books. This third book is so enjoyable and helped me escape the mental confines of the covid-19 lockdown.
Maria is the seemingly timid small town agony aunt, who discovers she is actually brave and strong and has the ability to help others with their woes, through her recipes. She gets herself embroiled in a different mystery in each book and while it’s highly unlikely that these would actually take place, the way the pieces all come together at the end is always satisfying. Add in the evocative descriptions of the atmosphere of the Klein Karoo (and in this book of the Limpopo) as well as the mouthwatering way food is described, and you have my perfect read. A bit of love, a bit of food, a bit of mystery, a bit of hardship, a bit of magic, a bit of lekker!
Maria is the seemingly timid small town agony aunt, who discovers she is actually brave and strong and has the ability to help others with their woes, through her recipes. She gets herself embroiled in a different mystery in each book and while it’s highly unlikely that these would actually take place, the way the pieces all come together at the end is always satisfying. Add in the evocative descriptions of the atmosphere of the Klein Karoo (and in this book of the Limpopo) as well as the mouthwatering way food is described, and you have my perfect read. A bit of love, a bit of food, a bit of mystery, a bit of hardship, a bit of magic, a bit of lekker!
April 10, 2023
For some reason, this book is practically impossible to get hold of if one isn't in RSA. My library, hail its name!, had to go to USA to find a copy they were allowed to borrow.
I don't understand it.
I love Tannie Maria mysteries, and I would love to own all of them.
I don't understand why it hasn't been translated into Swedish. Because it's wonderful.
It talks about the South African apartheid, and about families, and fathers. I was crying floods in the last couple of chapters. And the last words of the book! YAY!!!
I also love Sally Andrew's love of South Africa. The foods sound absolutely amazing, and I really want to try to cook some of the recipes.
I don't understand it.
I love Tannie Maria mysteries, and I would love to own all of them.
I don't understand why it hasn't been translated into Swedish. Because it's wonderful.
It talks about the South African apartheid, and about families, and fathers. I was crying floods in the last couple of chapters. And the last words of the book! YAY!!!
I also love Sally Andrew's love of South Africa. The foods sound absolutely amazing, and I really want to try to cook some of the recipes.
August 11, 2023
The flow of the writing made it so easy to fall back into the lives of Tannie Maria and Co. I really enjoyed the addition of Zaba who added some extra spice to the cast.
I love reading local literature, being immersed in the diversity of South African culture. This book touched on numerous issues, political and social, adding to but without overwhelming the mystery and adventure storyline. The twists to this story kept it fresh and had me unable to put it down. As with the first two books I love Tannie Maria's love language - her unadulterated appreciation of good food and will definitely be trying out some of the new recipes included.
I love reading local literature, being immersed in the diversity of South African culture. This book touched on numerous issues, political and social, adding to but without overwhelming the mystery and adventure storyline. The twists to this story kept it fresh and had me unable to put it down. As with the first two books I love Tannie Maria's love language - her unadulterated appreciation of good food and will definitely be trying out some of the new recipes included.
September 26, 2021
I stopped reading 'Death on the Limpopo' (Sally Andrews) half way because I was fed up with being fed formulaic little 'bites' of a 'writing recipe' that obviously works for many readers but not for me. Short chapters, very short sentences, regular interludes for tea and a rusk, cake and a dollop of cream, and then the next step in the unfolding local drama. It was all too similar to the previous books by Andrews. Nevertheless I enjoy her quirky observations about local places and people, and the way Tannie Maria talks to her food.
July 17, 2021
I liked this book especially for the background on South Africa. It fits with the contemplative nature of Tannie Maria. While Henk took a somewhat lesser role, their relationship really grew. I was not sure what to expect after the first two books and this one went its own way too. Life is complicated and so are these books. THe book has to be read to enjoy the trip and process and not necessarily to solve the mystery.
August 10, 2021
I love Tannie Maria, and love Sally Andrew's portrayal of her. This book just fell a bit short of my expectations. The first two were wonderful, this one was ok.
The parts that were supposed to be emotional weren't built up as well as they could be, making them fall flat for me. And there were a lot of predictable moments that I don't remember finding with the other two books.
Overall, I'm glad that I read it, but it's just not as good as the others.
The parts that were supposed to be emotional weren't built up as well as they could be, making them fall flat for me. And there were a lot of predictable moments that I don't remember finding with the other two books.
Overall, I'm glad that I read it, but it's just not as good as the others.
December 17, 2020
My quibble is that Maria's emotion is more or less the same for the shocking death of a journalist on her property, for the enormous discoveries about her father and for the spider boy's predicament. I just felt the tone doesn't match up to the events in some cases. I think I preferred it when the tannie was just writing and cooking in the Karoo: cosier stories suit her better.
March 20, 2024
I feel this novel had a lot more action in it and I quite enjoyed it but I missed the romance between Marie and Henk. The plot twist definitely caught me off guard and Sally did a good job to put the puzzle pieces together. I was yet again hungry the entire time I read this book 😜 and still want to make every recipe Tannie Marie made. On to book number 4.
May 3, 2025
The third book in the Tannie Maria series - and this one felt darker than the previous two, with a much grander plot line - which, I think, means it missed some of the small town Karoo vibes that gave the original story such charm. However, the character of Tannie Maria is still wonderful, as is seeing the world through her eyes, and she carried the story through the end with aplomb.
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