So this was one of the silliest books I have ever read. It wasn't at all what I expected, and turned out to be quite entertaining. Nothing high-brow or anything, but still entertaining :)I had several misconceptions about this book. First, for some reason I thought that with a name like "Tamar", the author was Jewish. I don't know how that could be confused with Amish/Mennonite, but yes, that's what I was expecting (no mocking me for my total disregard for the subtitle). Second, when I realized the correct religious context, I was often surprised by current cultural references. Which also led to me questioning parts of the book! Like how does she know who Dennis Rodman is (in context) if she doesn't watch tv? I know, I know. It's just a silly book, but ... I have to say I was a little caught off guard by some of the double entendre. Not offended, just totally surprised by their appearance! I'm guessing that's just part of the author's thing.Her style of writing is very similar to the way I talk -- loaded with asides, parenthetical phrases, disclaimers and imbedded parenthetical phrases. I found this charming, even if it caused me to read some paragraphs more than once!Although I don't fully get why Magdalena assists the (apparently) one policeman in town, all the interesting turns and sidetracks of small-town life made it fun to read. Of course, the first time the crepes were mentioned . . . well, let's just say I figured it out. But that didn't take anything away from the story.All in all, a quick, light, entertaining read.
Very funny. I thought at first that her attempts at humor was corny in the beginning part of the story. But I had many laughs at her associations of biblical passages into the funny situations faced by her main character, they were witty. And we get a glimpse of some everyday life of the amish, interesting. I just find her habit of keeping a little cat in her bossom alarming. Hope little Freni grows soon so that she does need to live in Magdalena's chest anymore. And oh, I would love to try her crepe recipes!!!
What do You think about The Crepes Of Wrath (2002)?
Maybe the problem is just that I grew up in SE PA and know people with backgrounds similar to the MC's. I end up feeling like the book is disrespectful of both the mennonite and amish. The constant comments about inbreeding felt really out of line. I think Magdalena would be allowed to make some jokes about the oddities of her culture, but I don't think a person would still be practicing and living in that area if they felt as much hatred towards it as she does in these books.Then to finish it o
—Rebecca
I was so happy when I found this book in the book store. I have read most of Tamar Myers books and finding one I haven't read is a treat. This is a Pennsylvania Dutch mystery. Magdelena Yoder has an inn full of guests; there are 2 murders in Hernia, PA; and police chief Melvin has decided to run for political office. Melvin asks Magdelina to solve the murders while he runs his political campaign. As always, I love the sense of humor. Ms Yoder tells people at her inn if they pay more money they can have a more genuine Amish experience by doing such things as cleaning their own rooms, cooking, collecting eggs and cleaning out the barn. One of the local Amish women, Lizzie Mast (the worst cook in town) is killed by her eating crepes laced with drugs. Everyone knows this Amish woman does not do drugs, but who would have wanted to kill her....even is she is an awful cook. another good Tamar Myers mystery.
—Diana
A fun foodie mystery. I liked the crepe recipes and the headstrong main character. Take this on the plane on your way to the beach.Magdalena Yoder is a strong headed Mennonite inn keeper with nosy investigative skills. She efficiently checks in her guests and gets them to pay for the privilege of cleaning and doing chores! Hmmm that reminds me of someone I used to know! Anyway, this book focuses on Magdalena and her investigation into the Crepe murder—of course there are crepe recipes in between the pages too. The heroine deals with small town gossip, reveals a little about Amish life and works diligently to solve the crime.
—Sara
