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Tannie Maria Mystery #4
The Milk Tart Murders
Who knew a Marilyn movie could kill you? When Oom Frik of Oom Frik's Fantastiques dies during a vintage movie screening in Ladismith, Tannie Maria and her policeman boyfriend Henk are on the scene.
Ja, the old thrift-shop owner had a heart condition, but was there more to his demise? It's rumoured that among Frik's junk are valuable treasures, and the grumpy, paranoid old guy frequently altered his will.
When a second body turns up, there's a clue: a letter addressed to Tannie Maria asking for advice - and a milk tart recipe. Fifty-plus agony aunt Maria and feisty young journalist Jessie conduct their own treasure hunt and murder investigation. The police are looking for the perpetrator too, but the amateur detectives have unique skills, and Tannie Maria's food is a powerful incentive to get people to talk.
Maria and Jessie step into deep danger, but all is not doom and gloom. Spring has arrived in the Karoo, and Henk and Maria discuss moving in together, even though his home is still full of his late wife's stuff. Maria knows food has a way of filling the dark spaces, for the better or for the worse. Perhaps, once the Klein Karoo crime-buster's work is done, she might follow her own advice and try a healing recipe.
Ja, the old thrift-shop owner had a heart condition, but was there more to his demise? It's rumoured that among Frik's junk are valuable treasures, and the grumpy, paranoid old guy frequently altered his will.
When a second body turns up, there's a clue: a letter addressed to Tannie Maria asking for advice - and a milk tart recipe. Fifty-plus agony aunt Maria and feisty young journalist Jessie conduct their own treasure hunt and murder investigation. The police are looking for the perpetrator too, but the amateur detectives have unique skills, and Tannie Maria's food is a powerful incentive to get people to talk.
Maria and Jessie step into deep danger, but all is not doom and gloom. Spring has arrived in the Karoo, and Henk and Maria discuss moving in together, even though his home is still full of his late wife's stuff. Maria knows food has a way of filling the dark spaces, for the better or for the worse. Perhaps, once the Klein Karoo crime-buster's work is done, she might follow her own advice and try a healing recipe.
483 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2022
46 people are currently reading
833 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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March 5, 2022Oom Frik, Ladismith, Tannie Maria, Henk en kie 👉🏼net wat ek noodig het 👏🏼😭💕
Grumpy old men, small town life, local is lekker recipes, love and amateur sleuths👉🏼soul saving stuff 😆😬🙃🙂
Grumpy old men, small town life, local is lekker recipes, love and amateur sleuths👉🏼soul saving stuff 😆😬🙃🙂
April 2, 2022
If you are a "Tannie Maria Mysteries" fan, you have probably been counting down with me to the launch of "The Milk Tart Murders"! Yes, our favourite Tannie is back! And I must also admit, although Maria is a "Tannie" (Auntie, Aunt), I am one as well, so she is my soul sister in more ways that what I have time to get into right now.
If you have not read any of the previous books in this delicious local series (in order of release: Recipes for Love and Murder, The Satanic Mechanic, and Death on the Limpopo), I would actually recommend that you get started as soon as possible. The backstories, history and quirks of the main characters have been developed over a period of time, so personally I don't think that this book will make sense as a standalone read for those not familiar with Sally Andrew's close-knit Karoo community.
Reading the first couple of pages of "The Milk Tart Murders" was like a homecoming. Tannie Maria's chickens, Henk's chestnut moustache, Jessie's scooter - all familiar, warm and welcoming. And almost in true 'Murder, she wrote' style, we very quickly are confronted with a suspicious murder and story takes off from there. Twists, turns, suspicions, 'journalistic investigations', agony aunt recipes - all falls into place, as expected. In a crazy world, Tannie Maria is the cozinessThe Milk Tart MurdersSally Andrew you need right now. Old favourites return, and we meet a couple of new role players (I must mention a goat called Mildred) as well. As South African as you can get - with old-school linguistic gems like 'ronts' and 'photostats' scattered in-between, I loved every minute. This was one of those rare 'stay up after midnight' reads for me, because I just had to finish that elusive 'one more chapter'.
As the previous books, it is a comfortable and easy read - with short chapters and quoteworthy exchanges - and as always, a whole batch of Tannie Maria's recipes that I will definitely try out soon. No spoilers here, just a highly recommended and feel-good read! 5/5 for me!
Published - March 2022 by UMUZI, imprint of Penguin Books. Available at all major book retailers.
A special thanks to Penguin Books SA for the review copy, in exchange for a honest review
If you have not read any of the previous books in this delicious local series (in order of release: Recipes for Love and Murder, The Satanic Mechanic, and Death on the Limpopo), I would actually recommend that you get started as soon as possible. The backstories, history and quirks of the main characters have been developed over a period of time, so personally I don't think that this book will make sense as a standalone read for those not familiar with Sally Andrew's close-knit Karoo community.
Reading the first couple of pages of "The Milk Tart Murders" was like a homecoming. Tannie Maria's chickens, Henk's chestnut moustache, Jessie's scooter - all familiar, warm and welcoming. And almost in true 'Murder, she wrote' style, we very quickly are confronted with a suspicious murder and story takes off from there. Twists, turns, suspicions, 'journalistic investigations', agony aunt recipes - all falls into place, as expected. In a crazy world, Tannie Maria is the cozinessThe Milk Tart MurdersSally Andrew you need right now. Old favourites return, and we meet a couple of new role players (I must mention a goat called Mildred) as well. As South African as you can get - with old-school linguistic gems like 'ronts' and 'photostats' scattered in-between, I loved every minute. This was one of those rare 'stay up after midnight' reads for me, because I just had to finish that elusive 'one more chapter'.
As the previous books, it is a comfortable and easy read - with short chapters and quoteworthy exchanges - and as always, a whole batch of Tannie Maria's recipes that I will definitely try out soon. No spoilers here, just a highly recommended and feel-good read! 5/5 for me!
Published - March 2022 by UMUZI, imprint of Penguin Books. Available at all major book retailers.
A special thanks to Penguin Books SA for the review copy, in exchange for a honest review
May 26, 2024
This a wonderful mystery series that just grazes the cozy category. Andrew writes with love about the area, flora, and fauna of Klein Karoo in South Africa. Her characters come alive.
I'm totally bummed though that I cannot see another Tannie Maria book on the horizon.
I'm totally bummed though that I cannot see another Tannie Maria book on the horizon.
September 8, 2022
Number 4 in the Tannie Maria series, this novel has us wondering who, and indeed why, anyone would poison Oom Frik, owner of vintage Marilyn Monroe movies and a house full of antiques/junk in the Klein Karoo.
When body number two is discovered not only stabbed, but wearing a pink lacy bra, the questions come thick and fast.
Tannie Maria is still writing her newspaper column with wonderful recipes, but is struggling to give romantic advice as her own on-off relationship with Henk the policeman has faltered again. A new man is interested and another is encouraging her to rejoin the PTSD group, and maybe take a fresh look at her volatile relationship with food.
Fellow journalist, Jessie, plunges back into the thick of it all and together with Tannie Maria and Hettie, the ladies try to uncover whether there is any truth in the rumour that Oom Frik owned a real treasure amongst all the junk. With so many people believing the inheritance will come to them, relationships are strained, motives under scrutiny and behaviour unpredictable. Tensions rise as the contents of the deceased's house have to be carefully catalogued under the eagle eye of the local lawyer.
Sally Andrew keeps us guessing, although some of the red herrings don't sit quite comfortably. The narrative between Tannie Maria and Henk is nicely judged with a couple of classic misunderstandings through bad timing and failure to communicate, despite Henk having bought her her first phone.
I haven't found numbers 2 and 3 in the series yet, but having read the first one, this stands alone quite easily.
When body number two is discovered not only stabbed, but wearing a pink lacy bra, the questions come thick and fast.
Tannie Maria is still writing her newspaper column with wonderful recipes, but is struggling to give romantic advice as her own on-off relationship with Henk the policeman has faltered again. A new man is interested and another is encouraging her to rejoin the PTSD group, and maybe take a fresh look at her volatile relationship with food.
Fellow journalist, Jessie, plunges back into the thick of it all and together with Tannie Maria and Hettie, the ladies try to uncover whether there is any truth in the rumour that Oom Frik owned a real treasure amongst all the junk. With so many people believing the inheritance will come to them, relationships are strained, motives under scrutiny and behaviour unpredictable. Tensions rise as the contents of the deceased's house have to be carefully catalogued under the eagle eye of the local lawyer.
Sally Andrew keeps us guessing, although some of the red herrings don't sit quite comfortably. The narrative between Tannie Maria and Henk is nicely judged with a couple of classic misunderstandings through bad timing and failure to communicate, despite Henk having bought her her first phone.
I haven't found numbers 2 and 3 in the series yet, but having read the first one, this stands alone quite easily.
July 29, 2022
I love the Karoo setting in this series-when I read these books I know that I am South African and so as well as being entertaining these books have an affirming community feel to them.
February 18, 2023
Love me a bit of Tannie Maria! I do hope there will be a 5th book.
April 1, 2022
Another enjoyable book in the Tannie Maria series. A twisty plot, three murders for Tannie Maria, Jessie and Hattie to solve and a very unexpected murderer.
April 24, 2022
Perhaps more aligned to the new TV series Recipes for Love and Murder, or is it just that I notice more the lush colours, the primacy of food and feelings over the rest of the story? Either way I liked the book, and I continue to like the way Tannie Maria and her author give us the deeper feelings beneath the events of her stories.
I felt the details of the murder mystery were definitely secondary. What seemed most important was the exploration of what it takes to recover from extreme emotional and physical violence, and the delicacy of Tannie Maria's feelings as she ventures into the world of human love.
The way the farmyard and wild animals support her recovery, along with the tough trees and bushes of the Karoo - I love that.
I felt the details of the murder mystery were definitely secondary. What seemed most important was the exploration of what it takes to recover from extreme emotional and physical violence, and the delicacy of Tannie Maria's feelings as she ventures into the world of human love.
The way the farmyard and wild animals support her recovery, along with the tough trees and bushes of the Karoo - I love that.
October 13, 2022
The Milk Tart Murders is Sally Andrew’s fourth mystery featuring the delightful Tannie Maria. Set in Ladismith in the Klein Karoo, Maria works with Jessie and Hattie for the Klein Karoo Gazette writing a love advice and recipe column. She lives outside town with her hens and her flowers, and is a superb cook. As usual, the book is dotted with delicious recipes, a selection of which are given in detail at the end of the book. If you haven’t met Tannie Maria before, you should do so, and you should try out some of those recipes. It’s good to start at the beginning of the series with Recipes for Love and Murder (now a prime-time TV series) and follow her adventures from there, but all the stories are stand-alone (as are the recipes!).
Tannie Maria’s latest adventure starts when Oupa Frik, a movie buff, dies while screening an old movie. Since he’s in his nineties, everyone assumes he’s had a heart attack, but it turns out that he’s been poisoned. As usual, Jessie smells a big story, drops everything else, and ropes Maria into the investigation. Soon they are at odds with Henk, the detective investigating the case who wants them to leave the matter to the police. Henk is Maria’s partner, but trouble is ahead for their relationship in this book.
Oupa Frik has a complicated family who all seem to have a motive to get their hands on his home and his rumored treasure – his nephew Tom and his avaricious wife, his son Abe, and his daughter Elzaan who seems angry with everyone. But they aren’t the only ones who have a motive. There’s his carer Helmina and her demented mother, and there’s Betty who stands to inherit the house for her orphanage. The mystery is quite complicated with secreted letters and notes left by the dead man, and a mysterious treasure that might or might not exist. It’ll keep you guessing.
Tannie Maria’s latest adventure starts when Oupa Frik, a movie buff, dies while screening an old movie. Since he’s in his nineties, everyone assumes he’s had a heart attack, but it turns out that he’s been poisoned. As usual, Jessie smells a big story, drops everything else, and ropes Maria into the investigation. Soon they are at odds with Henk, the detective investigating the case who wants them to leave the matter to the police. Henk is Maria’s partner, but trouble is ahead for their relationship in this book.
Oupa Frik has a complicated family who all seem to have a motive to get their hands on his home and his rumored treasure – his nephew Tom and his avaricious wife, his son Abe, and his daughter Elzaan who seems angry with everyone. But they aren’t the only ones who have a motive. There’s his carer Helmina and her demented mother, and there’s Betty who stands to inherit the house for her orphanage. The mystery is quite complicated with secreted letters and notes left by the dead man, and a mysterious treasure that might or might not exist. It’ll keep you guessing.
March 14, 2025
These books are a big South African hug and I love my time spent with Tannie Maria in the Klein Karoo.
I'm so happy that she is back in her hometown of Ladismith, surrounded by her loyal friends. However, small towns are not boring that's for sure, with two murders to solve.
Of the four books in this series, the first is definitely my favourite and the one that made me fall in love with Tannie Maria. I felt that she lost a bit of her essence (I know she was trying to find it as well in this book) and her personality in this book. In the first book she was a friend I would love to have. In The Milk Tart Murders she would be more like a friendly but distant neighbour. She was dealing with a lot and her misunderstandings with Henk didn't help. The misunderstanding trope is not a favourite of mine especially when it could be cleared up with a of couple sentences.
Anyway, the story moves along and we are on the hunt for the killer. There were a few red herrings which felt a little forced but I was surprised when the murderer was discovered. From that point to the end, the story felt very rushed. It felt as if Andrew was trying to tie up everything in a couple more chapters and gloss over the time that was needed to get to the end of her story. When I got to the last page, I turned to the next page thinking there must be another chapter only to find the acknowledgments and recipes. This has never happened in her other books.
I really do hope that there will be more Tannie Maria mysteries but I am happy to just reread the first two books and enjoy the recipes.
I'm so happy that she is back in her hometown of Ladismith, surrounded by her loyal friends. However, small towns are not boring that's for sure, with two murders to solve.
Of the four books in this series, the first is definitely my favourite and the one that made me fall in love with Tannie Maria. I felt that she lost a bit of her essence (I know she was trying to find it as well in this book) and her personality in this book. In the first book she was a friend I would love to have. In The Milk Tart Murders she would be more like a friendly but distant neighbour. She was dealing with a lot and her misunderstandings with Henk didn't help. The misunderstanding trope is not a favourite of mine especially when it could be cleared up with a of couple sentences.
Anyway, the story moves along and we are on the hunt for the killer. There were a few red herrings which felt a little forced but I was surprised when the murderer was discovered. From that point to the end, the story felt very rushed. It felt as if Andrew was trying to tie up everything in a couple more chapters and gloss over the time that was needed to get to the end of her story. When I got to the last page, I turned to the next page thinking there must be another chapter only to find the acknowledgments and recipes. This has never happened in her other books.
I really do hope that there will be more Tannie Maria mysteries but I am happy to just reread the first two books and enjoy the recipes.
August 18, 2025
And with that, the series ends. My oh my, but Ladismith certainly is a town filled with mystery and crime! For such a quiet Karoo dorpie, there is a lot of action there.
Maria and Henk’s relationship definitely took a battering in this one, with each believing the other had eyes for someone else. This takes a toll on Maria’s ability to give sage advice to those who write in to her column. After all, when love is being questioned and the past interferes, how are you supposed to help others? And when Maria felt her love of food was becoming for more than pleasure, she had to take a serious look at herself and what she felt was important in life. When she looked into Overeaters Anonymous, this gem was in the book:
*Overeaters Anonymous came from far away, probably America. They wouldn’t understand about rusks. If you live in South Africa, you know that rusks are not stuffing your face – they are a way of life. It’s just bad manners not to have one with your coffee.*
I shall miss Hattie with her perfect hair, excellent Excel system, and lack of ability to make a cup of coffee, and Jessie, with her gecko tattoo, red scooter, and enthusiasm to help everyone.
The story itself was as outlandish as ever, with murders, mystery, sneaking around, wills, treasure, a pink lacy bra, and Karoo Zoo biscuits. And the recipes look as good as before – I’ll be trying Zaba’s Harissa paste for sure.
A great end to a fun series – what a pity it’s over!
Maria and Henk’s relationship definitely took a battering in this one, with each believing the other had eyes for someone else. This takes a toll on Maria’s ability to give sage advice to those who write in to her column. After all, when love is being questioned and the past interferes, how are you supposed to help others? And when Maria felt her love of food was becoming for more than pleasure, she had to take a serious look at herself and what she felt was important in life. When she looked into Overeaters Anonymous, this gem was in the book:
*Overeaters Anonymous came from far away, probably America. They wouldn’t understand about rusks. If you live in South Africa, you know that rusks are not stuffing your face – they are a way of life. It’s just bad manners not to have one with your coffee.*
I shall miss Hattie with her perfect hair, excellent Excel system, and lack of ability to make a cup of coffee, and Jessie, with her gecko tattoo, red scooter, and enthusiasm to help everyone.
The story itself was as outlandish as ever, with murders, mystery, sneaking around, wills, treasure, a pink lacy bra, and Karoo Zoo biscuits. And the recipes look as good as before – I’ll be trying Zaba’s Harissa paste for sure.
A great end to a fun series – what a pity it’s over!
September 11, 2022
Honestly, my least favourite of the Tannie Maria books by far.
I love Tannie Maria. I always have, I always will. She is so full of life and the books are always the perfect balance of humour and suspense. But this one felt very... Rushed? Like there was too much going on to focus on, while at the same time very little excitement and zero of Maria's stoic humour.
I didn't feel the rush of excitement when discovering who the murderer was because there was little along the way to entice me, to make me consider the different potential suspects. Even now that it's over and I know who did it, I honestly don't even care. It was almost a side note to what ended up being quite a boring story.
I wish it could have been otherwise. I hope that Andrew will come back with another Tannie Maria mystery that captures her lively personality again and brings excitement and humour in bucketloads, just like some of the previous books. I'll certainly read the next TM to see if that's the case ❤️
I love Tannie Maria. I always have, I always will. She is so full of life and the books are always the perfect balance of humour and suspense. But this one felt very... Rushed? Like there was too much going on to focus on, while at the same time very little excitement and zero of Maria's stoic humour.
I didn't feel the rush of excitement when discovering who the murderer was because there was little along the way to entice me, to make me consider the different potential suspects. Even now that it's over and I know who did it, I honestly don't even care. It was almost a side note to what ended up being quite a boring story.
I wish it could have been otherwise. I hope that Andrew will come back with another Tannie Maria mystery that captures her lively personality again and brings excitement and humour in bucketloads, just like some of the previous books. I'll certainly read the next TM to see if that's the case ❤️
December 14, 2025
I was so disappointed in the third book, but this fourth book ended up being my absolute favorite of the series.
It leans back into what is most successful about the series--Maria at home, interacting with her quirky small-town community, solving a local murder while juggling her job as a food-themed advice columnist and personal problems in her life.
Several scenes were genuinely hilarious, the mystery was equal parts bizarre and intriguing, and the author also forces Maria to confront how she evades her personal problems and uses food as a substitute. She grows in each book as a person, but this one seemed to be her most substantial character development, both as a person and in her relationship with Henk, which I appreciated because I had started to find that relationship dynamic frustratingly repetitive.
Really looking forward to reading the fifth book, which comes out next year. I had to order the last 2 from South Africa and assuming that will be the case for it.
It leans back into what is most successful about the series--Maria at home, interacting with her quirky small-town community, solving a local murder while juggling her job as a food-themed advice columnist and personal problems in her life.
Several scenes were genuinely hilarious, the mystery was equal parts bizarre and intriguing, and the author also forces Maria to confront how she evades her personal problems and uses food as a substitute. She grows in each book as a person, but this one seemed to be her most substantial character development, both as a person and in her relationship with Henk, which I appreciated because I had started to find that relationship dynamic frustratingly repetitive.
Really looking forward to reading the fifth book, which comes out next year. I had to order the last 2 from South Africa and assuming that will be the case for it.
June 4, 2022
I was very excited to see another Tannie Maria book come out. Unfortunately, this one didn't quite live up to the first 3 for me. There's a bit of a disconnect from the previous book where she meets her long-lost sister - who is barely mentioned in this book. There are also moments of just trying a little too hard to appeal to all the woke things of the world. I suppose a nod to the attempt at greater inclusivity, but the implementation is not great, and instead grates as it tries to be something it's not. The book and the setting are still charming, but I was left a little disappointed by this one.
November 6, 2024
Sally Andrew is an impeccable writer, taking her readers along on a surprising mystery case. But what surprised me the most was the depth of the characters in Andrew's book — especially Maria. Her love of food, her hometown, and the handsome policeman that stole her heart, all had me rooting for her to not only find the murderer but to find her happiness too.
Throughout the book, Tannie M mentions, makes, and shares a LOT of delicious Karoo-inspired recipes — so be warned, you need a healthy amount of snacks while reading! But once you've helped Tannie Maria and Jessie find the murderer and the treasure, you are rewarded with a few pages worth of those exact recipes! <3
Throughout the book, Tannie M mentions, makes, and shares a LOT of delicious Karoo-inspired recipes — so be warned, you need a healthy amount of snacks while reading! But once you've helped Tannie Maria and Jessie find the murderer and the treasure, you are rewarded with a few pages worth of those exact recipes! <3
March 2, 2025
The Tannie Maria Series is such a comfort read. Sally Andrew does a good job of bringing us into the world of the Karoo so much so that I want to plan a road trip myself to visit all the places she mentioned. It’s a slow read but enticing enough to want to read more. I enjoy the journey Sally takes me on and I feel like I’m solving the murders with Tannie Maria. I think my favourite part of the book is the recipes at the back of all the dishes Tannie Maria talked about and made throughout the book.
In the beginning I was a taken out of the story a bit because we jumped from present to past tense, and there were places that read a bit passive but overall a fun, easy, and comforting read.
In the beginning I was a taken out of the story a bit because we jumped from present to past tense, and there were places that read a bit passive but overall a fun, easy, and comforting read.
March 18, 2023
This book is delightful. It is not just a murder mystery. It deals with so many issues from love, heart break, dementia, gender fluidity, self harm, addiction the list goes on. All this without losing its totally South African flavour. Tannie Maria is the best agony aunt ever. She has advice and recipes for every problem. As you read this book you will laugh and cry in turns. You will fall in love with the quirky, unglamorous, salt of the earth characters of this rural Karoo town. And you will be kept wondering who did it right up to the end.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
March 14, 2022
Another enjoyable addition to the cosy mystery series set in the Klein Karoo in South Africa.
While this addition has a lot more to do with Maria sorting out her heart than it does with solving a mystery, the ending foes make up for those who were there for the crime and not the psychology. The mystery itself is interesting, incorporating some real, yet crazy, hypotheses.
I think this book has got the balance between South Africa, food and mystery much better.
While this addition has a lot more to do with Maria sorting out her heart than it does with solving a mystery, the ending foes make up for those who were there for the crime and not the psychology. The mystery itself is interesting, incorporating some real, yet crazy, hypotheses.
I think this book has got the balance between South Africa, food and mystery much better.
April 4, 2022
I absolutely loved this book, and I love the character Maria. I adore her simplicity and honesty. The story telling is marvellous, and I really enjoyed the "South Africanisms" in this book. It is really well written, set at a good pace, intriguing, and just good fun. The only reason I gave it a 4 star is because I found the plot a bit clichéd and predictable.
July 9, 2022
I love the Tannie Maria series. They are gentle, thoughtful, informative, but also funny. And, the South African characters make up the cast that is our rainbow nation. Was lucky enough to buy a signed copy. If you love the Number One Ladies Detective Agency series, then the Tannie Maria books are a must.
November 25, 2025
A warm and wonderfully engaging read - light enough to breeze through, yet heartfelt enough to linger. The ending left me feeling genuinely warm and fuzzy inside. I can’t wait to pass it on to my Ouma; I’m sure the familiar South African phrases sprinkled throughout will bring her a lovely sense of nostalgia.
February 14, 2023
Another excellent book. I did have a feeling who the killer might be but I honestly did not know until the Killy was revealed. I like the romance and love that have developed with Maria and Henk. This is a well written and thoughtful book and I look forward to the next mystery.
June 9, 2023
3.5☆
I liked this one least of all the Tannie Maria books, as I felt, the side stories were a bit trite.
But, as with the other books, I truly enjoyed the cosy read, the lekker food descriptions and the powerful imagery of South Africa's Karoo region with its fauna and flora.
I liked this one least of all the Tannie Maria books, as I felt, the side stories were a bit trite.
But, as with the other books, I truly enjoyed the cosy read, the lekker food descriptions and the powerful imagery of South Africa's Karoo region with its fauna and flora.
August 4, 2024
Karoo through and through. Sally draws you in to all the typical karoo habits, sights and smells. Her characters are unique, and the story compelling. At the end you get a bonus of the recipes she mentioned in the book!
June 28, 2025
A friend had to go all the way to S. Africa (not available in the US) to get this for me but it was worth it. The best of Tannie Maria and Jessie getting into trouble. A good mystery with some fun new characters. And a nice ending.
March 14, 2022
More about the love story than the mystery but still great fun
April 21, 2022
My favourite Tannie Maria yet.
April 23, 2022
My second Sally Andrew book. Feel-good, fun, light and cosy reading. Loved it!
May 7, 2022
Lovely easy read.
May 29, 2022
I am South African
I just don't like the mix of languages- same as Deon Meyer
I just don't like the mix of languages- same as Deon Meyer
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews