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Pennsylvania Dutch Mystery #6
Eat, Drink, and Be Wary
Hosting a cooking contest at her PennDutch Inn, Magdalena Yoder fears that a murderer lurks among the competitors when the CEO of a gourmet food company is found dead in the barn, in a mystery featuring Pennsylvania Dutch recipes. Original.
272 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1998
21 people are currently reading
452 people want to read
About the author
Tamar Myers
74 books290 followersTamar Myers was born and raised in the Belgian Congo (now just the Congo). Her parents were missionaries to a tribe which, at that time, were known as headhunters and used human skulls for drinking cups. Hers was the first white family ever to peacefully coexist with the tribe, and Tamar grew up fluent in the local trade language. Because of her pale blue eyes, Tamar’s nickname was Ugly Eyes.
Tamar grew up eating elephant, hippopotamus and even monkey. She attended a boarding school that was two days away by truck, and sometimes it was necessary to wade through crocodile infested waters to reach it. Other dangers she encountered as a child were cobras, deadly green mambas, and the voracious armies of driver ants that ate every animal (and human) that didn’t get out of their way.
In 1960 the Congo, which had been a Belgian colony, became an independent nation. There followed a period of retribution (for heinous crimes committed against the Congolese by the Belgians) in which many Whites were killed. Tamar and her family fled the Congo, but returned a year later. By then a number of civil wars were raging, and the family’s residence was often in the line of fire. In 1964, after living through three years of war, the family returned to the United States permanently.
Tamar was sixteen when her family settled in America, and she immediately underwent severe culture shock. She didn’t know how to dial a telephone, cross a street at a stoplight, or use a vending machine. She lucked out, however, by meeting her husband, Jeffrey, on her first day in an American high school. They literally bumped heads while he was leaving, and she entering, the Civics classroom.
Tamar now calls Charlotte, NC home. She lives with her husband, plus a Basenji dog named Pagan, a Bengal cat named Nkashama, and an orange tabby rescue cat named Dumpster Boy. She and her husband are of the Jewish faith, the animals are not.
Tamar enjoys gardening (she is a Master Gardner), bonsai, travel, painting and, of course, reading. She loves Thai and Indian food, and antique jewelry. She plans to visit Machu Pichu in the near future.
Series:
* Pennsylvania Dutch Mystery
* Den of Antiquity Mystery
Tamar grew up eating elephant, hippopotamus and even monkey. She attended a boarding school that was two days away by truck, and sometimes it was necessary to wade through crocodile infested waters to reach it. Other dangers she encountered as a child were cobras, deadly green mambas, and the voracious armies of driver ants that ate every animal (and human) that didn’t get out of their way.
In 1960 the Congo, which had been a Belgian colony, became an independent nation. There followed a period of retribution (for heinous crimes committed against the Congolese by the Belgians) in which many Whites were killed. Tamar and her family fled the Congo, but returned a year later. By then a number of civil wars were raging, and the family’s residence was often in the line of fire. In 1964, after living through three years of war, the family returned to the United States permanently.
Tamar was sixteen when her family settled in America, and she immediately underwent severe culture shock. She didn’t know how to dial a telephone, cross a street at a stoplight, or use a vending machine. She lucked out, however, by meeting her husband, Jeffrey, on her first day in an American high school. They literally bumped heads while he was leaving, and she entering, the Civics classroom.
Tamar now calls Charlotte, NC home. She lives with her husband, plus a Basenji dog named Pagan, a Bengal cat named Nkashama, and an orange tabby rescue cat named Dumpster Boy. She and her husband are of the Jewish faith, the animals are not.
Tamar enjoys gardening (she is a Master Gardner), bonsai, travel, painting and, of course, reading. She loves Thai and Indian food, and antique jewelry. She plans to visit Machu Pichu in the near future.
Series:
* Pennsylvania Dutch Mystery
* Den of Antiquity Mystery
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 19, 2021
So many parts like the previous books.
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March 26, 2019Since I am so what PA Dutch this is a great series
August 10, 2019
Freni Hostetler has entered a cooking competition. She convinces Magdalena to house the contestants and the judges. The contest is sponsored by East Coast Delicacies, and the CEO is one of the judges.
Magdalena gets to know some of the contestants - she knows Freni wants to win to pay her daughter-in-law to separate from her son - and one of the young girl contestants wants to move away from home with the reward money.
One of the judges is found in his room, very sick with food poisoning. This may eliminate him as a suspect when the CEO is found dead in the barn.
Magdalena is accused of killing the CEO, and when she establishes her innocence , Melvin Stoltzfus turns the spotlight on Freni Hostetler. Magdalena also becomes a judge in the contest.
In clearing Freni's name, Magdalena has conversations with all the contestants, and as the stress gets to her, she takes the young girl's father's offer of a plane ride.
Meanwhile, Barbara trusts Magdalena to take her to the doctor and is confirmed to be pregnant. Magdalena is still dealing with her former lover's confession that their marriage was illegal as he was still married to his first wife. Susanna claims to be over Melvin Stoltzfus and wants to move to California with her new lover.
Recipes:
Freni Hostetler's Prize-Winning Slow-Baked Bread Pudding
Marilyn Mitchell's Tortilla Cake Surprise
Alma Cornwater's Curried Lamb Loaf with Peach Chutney
Arthur Strump's Seafood Crepes
Kimberly McManus Holt's Boston Baked Beans
Gladys Dolby's Tomato Brunch Cake
Magdalena gets to know some of the contestants - she knows Freni wants to win to pay her daughter-in-law to separate from her son - and one of the young girl contestants wants to move away from home with the reward money.
One of the judges is found in his room, very sick with food poisoning. This may eliminate him as a suspect when the CEO is found dead in the barn.
Magdalena is accused of killing the CEO, and when she establishes her innocence , Melvin Stoltzfus turns the spotlight on Freni Hostetler. Magdalena also becomes a judge in the contest.
In clearing Freni's name, Magdalena has conversations with all the contestants, and as the stress gets to her, she takes the young girl's father's offer of a plane ride.
Meanwhile, Barbara trusts Magdalena to take her to the doctor and is confirmed to be pregnant. Magdalena is still dealing with her former lover's confession that their marriage was illegal as he was still married to his first wife. Susanna claims to be over Melvin Stoltzfus and wants to move to California with her new lover.
Recipes:
Freni Hostetler's Prize-Winning Slow-Baked Bread Pudding
Marilyn Mitchell's Tortilla Cake Surprise
Alma Cornwater's Curried Lamb Loaf with Peach Chutney
Arthur Strump's Seafood Crepes
Kimberly McManus Holt's Boston Baked Beans
Gladys Dolby's Tomato Brunch Cake
December 21, 2013
Eat, Drink and Be Wary (Pennsylvania Dutch Mystery)
by Tamar Myers
5.0 out of 5 stars Light hearted fun all the way!, December 21, 2013
This review is from: Eat, Drink and Be Wary (Pennsylvania Dutch Mystery)
"Eat, Drink, and be Wary" turned out to be my favorite thus far in the Pennsylvania Dutch Mystery series.
Magdalena Yoder is still knee deep in guilt over her failed fake marriage to Aaron the bigamist, when her eyes become focused on a contest. A cooking contest that will take place right in her own PennDutch Inn.
The cooking talent arrives and there is more than just competition afoot. Loathing is a word that comes to mind between cooks as well as producers.
Some how the cooking talent takes a backseat to murder...but finding who wouldn't want this victim dead is like finding a needle in a haystack or cow in a barn.
Loved this book and found it the most fun yet. If you enjoy cozies with some satire and loads of fun...this book is for you.
November 15, 2024
I picked this up at a used bookstore and I was curious to see how it aged, given that it was copyrighted in ‘98 (a year after I was born, haha). To my surprise, it was an enjoyable read. There were some things that didn’t age well, especially regarding a Native American character, and the Mennonite POV of the main character bordered on religious suffocation, but the author had some really amusing, great moments of perfect wording that made it a page turner.
I will say, though, that the killer reveal was a letdown and pretty darn ridiculous. I likely would have given the book four stars if not for asking myself “Then why did I have to read all that?” after the reveal was made. There were a noticeable amount of typos/missing words, too, and some lines and sayings got VERY repetitive (Would it hurt to say “nose” instead of “proboscis” or “She gasped?” instead of “Ach!” every time?).
But all in all it’s a good read that has, mostly, held up to the test of time.
I will say, though, that the killer reveal was a letdown and pretty darn ridiculous. I likely would have given the book four stars if not for asking myself “Then why did I have to read all that?” after the reveal was made. There were a noticeable amount of typos/missing words, too, and some lines and sayings got VERY repetitive (Would it hurt to say “nose” instead of “proboscis” or “She gasped?” instead of “Ach!” every time?).
But all in all it’s a good read that has, mostly, held up to the test of time.
July 14, 2017
2.5 stars rounded up
Magdalena Yoder runs an inn in the fictional Hernia, Pennsylvania. Magdalena's cook Freni convinces Magdalena to allow a cooking contest in the inn. Then the man in charge of the cooking contest is found dead in the barn. I like Magdalena and Freni. The book has several major editing problems, including characters names being changed, which lowered my rating. The suspects also weren't very well developed so I had a hard time keeping tack of who was who. The cover art is also awful which didn't help matters. This is the last book in the series that I owned and I don't think I'll continue on with it because the books seem to be going downhill.
Magdalena Yoder runs an inn in the fictional Hernia, Pennsylvania. Magdalena's cook Freni convinces Magdalena to allow a cooking contest in the inn. Then the man in charge of the cooking contest is found dead in the barn. I like Magdalena and Freni. The book has several major editing problems, including characters names being changed, which lowered my rating. The suspects also weren't very well developed so I had a hard time keeping tack of who was who. The cover art is also awful which didn't help matters. This is the last book in the series that I owned and I don't think I'll continue on with it because the books seem to be going downhill.
April 12, 2020
This series is funny in a weird way. Each mystery takes place at The Pennsylvania Dutch inn owned by Magdelena Yoder, a Mennonite, but many around her are Amish. This is the only series I read out of order I just read them as I find them. A perfect book to read in this time of social distancing. There are recipes as well as murder, which Magdelena always solves.Her explanations of things such as Methodists, Presbyterians and city folk are just hilarious. The weird thing is, myers describes her characters in some detail, but I can't actually picture them, especially Magdelena. Just a fun read.
November 5, 2018
Magdalena Yoder, a fairly liberal Mennonite, runs the award-winning PennDutch, a B & B in Pennsylvania’s Amish country. Her cook Feni talks her into being the locale for a cooking contest in which Feni is one of the participants. … When a corpse is found in the barn things really get difficult. – I have mixed feelings about this book. Some of it seems too forced, but it wasn’t a bad story. I’m not sure I’ll read any more in this series.
July 24, 2017
I was wondering how many chapters I have to read before a murder takes place at Magdalena's PennDutch Inn. She jumps to conclusions, wails a lot and can be too wimpy at times. Don't if it is worth my time to continue reading this series.
August 16, 2018
Despite the witty title this tale had a cast of two dimensional characters and poor plot progress. A shame, though love the recipes inside.
April 22, 2019
Not my favorite mystery series, though there are moments that are truly hilarious!
March 31, 2020
Cozy & Comical Mystery Series
June 13, 2021
As my Grandpa would say "These are just plain goofy". I just laugh out loud and forget the world around me. Fun mystery with quirky humor. I love these.
May 17, 2022
Funny characters that are always unique. A death is always needing to be solved. Fun read.
August 25, 2022
A humorous quick read! A fun break from the true crime mysteries I have been reading!
June 12, 2024
Y - MC - Magdalena Yoder
Z - Secondary character - Zelda
Z - Secondary character - Zelda
October 5, 2013
I find myself conflicted about this series, though I admit I have only read two of the books (Just Plain Pickled to Death being the first). Like many other reviewers, I find it very hard to like, or even tolerate, the main character. Magdalena Yoder is judgmental and sanctimonious and hypocritical, and I found it amusing rather than sad about what happened in her marriage.
The mystery portion of the book is farily light, which I gather is the norm for this series. The focus is more on characters; unfortunately most of the characters are tiresome and/or annoying. I thought I would enjoy books set in Pennsylvania Dutch country, even more so because they showcase the Mennonite/Amish community, but after meeting the pastor's wife I just found myself questioning why anyone would defend and support a church that doesn't do the same for its congregants. I sincerely hope the real life inhabitants of the area are more loving towards each other.
Having said all that, the book was not horrible. I did find myself wondering what exactly happened in Book 5 of the series, and what happens as the series continues. And I still haven't read the first three books, which I am kind of compulsive about doing. So, even though I only gave this book two stars, chances are I will read more of the series, if for no other reason but to give in to my OCD tendencies to read all books in a series! LOL
The mystery portion of the book is farily light, which I gather is the norm for this series. The focus is more on characters; unfortunately most of the characters are tiresome and/or annoying. I thought I would enjoy books set in Pennsylvania Dutch country, even more so because they showcase the Mennonite/Amish community, but after meeting the pastor's wife I just found myself questioning why anyone would defend and support a church that doesn't do the same for its congregants. I sincerely hope the real life inhabitants of the area are more loving towards each other.
Having said all that, the book was not horrible. I did find myself wondering what exactly happened in Book 5 of the series, and what happens as the series continues. And I still haven't read the first three books, which I am kind of compulsive about doing. So, even though I only gave this book two stars, chances are I will read more of the series, if for no other reason but to give in to my OCD tendencies to read all books in a series! LOL
April 24, 2009
It appears I am getting used to Magdalena Yoder. I laughed out loud so many times during this book - perhaps I should have started with this one instead of at the beginning of the series, as I have found this the most enjoyable of the PennDutch mysteries so far. However, I tend to find that context was key for some of the things that struck me as funny in this story.
I saw a little less of the edginess and a little less of the types of comments that I abhorred in earlier books of the series - so is Magdalena changing? Or as I said earlier, am I just getting used to her?
Events in this book were over the top, outrageous, and not quite believable (which is what makes seeing the world through Magdalena's eyes so amusing). A good mystery where everybody hates the one who was killed so that virtually everyone had a good motive and even the desire to commit the crime. Finding out who actually did was a bit of a surprise to me so I'll not spoil it for you!
I saw a little less of the edginess and a little less of the types of comments that I abhorred in earlier books of the series - so is Magdalena changing? Or as I said earlier, am I just getting used to her?
Events in this book were over the top, outrageous, and not quite believable (which is what makes seeing the world through Magdalena's eyes so amusing). A good mystery where everybody hates the one who was killed so that virtually everyone had a good motive and even the desire to commit the crime. Finding out who actually did was a bit of a surprise to me so I'll not spoil it for you!
October 31, 2016
Magdalena Yoder reluctantly agrees to re-arrange the bookings for her Pennsylvania Dutch Inn to be able to host a cooking contest and house all of the contestants and judges. After all, Freni, her cook and cousin is a competitor and dear friend. Neither of them suspected the event would be dangerous. But the sponsor of the contest is murdered with a paring knife from the kitchen and Freni is the number one suspect. Magdalena has to solve the crime and save the reputation of her cook and her Inn.
Book six of the Pennsylvania Dutch Mystery series. A fun series of cozy mysteries with recipes.
Book six of the Pennsylvania Dutch Mystery series. A fun series of cozy mysteries with recipes.
June 19, 2014
I just started reading this book, thinking it'd be a great Amish fiction read. But I was immediately thrown off by, well, everything! The characterization of everyone, the language, and the desperate attempt by Myers to be funny at her characters' expense. I made it to the end of chapter three but I'm seriously thinking of chucking this paperback back to the library. I couldn't...I can't...I just won't. This is a HORRIBLE book and no ammount of fake Amish recipes is going to make me like any more.
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July 30, 2011Well, I didn't think this book was the best in the series (of what I've read so far) - I found Magdelena a little annoying this time around and I would have liked more of the story line around the food/recipes ... it seemed like the recipes were just stuck in the book haphazardly - I didn't even know what the contestants in the contest were cooking until the recipe just "appeared" - still it was light, easy & fast reading which I sometimes need!
July 5, 2016
Judges and participants of a gourmet food contest are staying at Mennonite Magdalena Yoder's inn when one of the judges is killed. The police think the judge was killed by a kicking cow but Magadela knows that is bull. The Pennsylvania Dutch mystery series is a great cozy mystery series. Very funny and great characters. I'm definitely moving on to the next in the series!
June 10, 2014
A quirky protagonist in a funny series.
I have read most of her books and really enjoyed them, including this one. You don't have to read them in order but it certainly helps with character development.
I have read most of her books and really enjoyed them, including this one. You don't have to read them in order but it certainly helps with character development.
March 15, 2015
I was surprised with this book. I didn't really know what to expect. I enjoyed the back and forth of mags and everyone else and thought that the story itself was really cute. I have a few other books in this series and I am excited to read them.
January 29, 2016
I enjoyed this book but it just seemed a bit off. A Mennonite with an attitude was just a bit much for me. And the ending just kind of happened. But it was certainly worth finishing. Fun, but ultimately not to my taste.
April 21, 2008
This is another great culinary adventure with Magdalene Yoder with a good mystery for a cozy. Great recipes. It's a delight to read!
October 26, 2009
Fun book. Enjoyable to read even though it took me a while to get through it.
June 30, 2015
This is the first Cozy mystery I've read by Tamar Myers. Pretty good. Pennsylvania Dutch setting. The main character is f the Mennonite faith.
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December 21, 2015I really enjoyed this!
June 12, 2018
BOOK # 6 OF 3 BOOK SET 4-6
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews